Expected recovery timeline for hip replacement surgery: Insights into the healing process
Hip replacement surgery recovery timelines can vary greatly depending on personal factors, but most folks can get back to light activities in a jiffy. Here's an idea of what you might expect:
Before the big day
Dial in your body for a smashing hip replacement surgery by following some simple steps. Remember, preparation is key to mitigating complications and speeding up recovery. Here's what you can do:
- Discuss surgery details with your doc and research what to expect.
- Follow your doctor's guidance on exercises to strengthen your legs, core, and upper body.
- Maintain a moderate weight, as this can reduce the risk of complications during surgery.
- Try to limit or quit smoking, as this will help with healing and recovery.
- Line up help for daily tasks for a week or two after your surgery.
- Prepare some meals ahead of time to make things easier post-op.
- Get your home ready for accessibility, like having a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, a walker, or crutches.
Immediate post-surgery period
Following your surgery, you'll likely stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days, but some may head home on the same day.
During the first few days, your doctor may administer a variety of pain relievers, including opioids, local anesthetic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and more.
Your incision will also be stitched for about 2 weeks, requiring at-home wound care.
Your medical team will encourage you to get up and moving as soon as possible. Some people may be able to walk short distances with assistance on the same day as the operation, although this might feel a bit uncomfortable initially.
A physiotherapist will show you how to exercise your leg to strengthen the hip and advise on activities to avoid. They'll also show you how to sit and bend to avoid damaging your new hip.
Returning home
You may need assistance with daily tasks for several weeks after returning home or you may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility.
In the early days, you may experience some pain and discomfort, for which you should continue taking any prescription medications.
You may attend physical therapy or need to follow exercises at home as recommended by your physical therapist. Daily exercises will help speed recovery, improve flexibility, and enhance the strength in your new joint.
If necessary, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist will check in and offer assistance with recovery.
Keep your surgery incision wound dry until your doctor removes the stitches or staples.
By 10 to 14 days after surgery, you should no longer have stitches. Pain and swelling might start to subside, although this might take longer for some folks.
At this stage, your activity levels might vary. Some people may be able to move around more easily without aid, while others may still need a cane or walker.
Within 3 to 6 weeks, most people can generally resume light activities. They may feel stronger, more stable, and comfortable putting more weight on their leg. They might also be able to resume some basic self-care and light chores.
Many people feel ready to get back to work after 6 weeks, but this can differ from person to person. After 6 to 8 weeks, most people can safely have sex again.
Continue physical therapy as your physical therapist recommends for at least 2 months after surgery. Speak with your doctor about when it's safe to engage in additional exercise, like swimming and walking.
Beyond 3 months
Give your recovery around 3 months, and you may be able to resume daily activities. Check in with your doc to determine when to reduce or stop physical therapy, and you might be able to resume low-impact sports by this time.
Recovery can vary, so always consult with your doctor for an evaluation of your progress and the types of physical therapy that will benefit you most.
Tips for speeding up your healing process
- Follow physical therapy exercises as directed by your physical therapist.
- Try other gentle exercises, such as daily walking.
- Sit in a reclining position.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Take any prescription medications as directed by your doctor.
- Use walking aids, such as crutches, if necessary.
Differences between recovery in older and younger adults
Surgeons used to shy away from performing hip replacements in people under 20 years old due to unfavorable results. However, some patients under 20 may need a total hip replacement due to a condition called osteonecrosis of the femoral head, which causes the top part of the thigh bone to collapse.
These cases can have favorable outcomes, with a total hip replacement relieving pain and restoring function. Furthermore, recent studies suggest that modern hip replacement implants are leading to improved outcomes and survival rates in younger populations.
For older adults, recovery can be more challenging as they might already have compromised mobility. After hip surgery, they may need permanent assistance. Older adults are also more likely to have conditions like heart and lung disease, clogged arteries, high blood pressure, and other complications that can affect recovery.
Speak with a doctor for diagnostic tests and treatments for these underlying conditions. Additionally, older adults should prioritize avoiding falls, as a fall could result in further surgery. They might benefit from using a walker, crutches, or a walking stick until they feel stable.
Hip resurfacing recovery
In hip resurfacing surgery, the surgeon trims and caps the femoral head, or hip joint, with a smooth metal cover instead of removing it. The damaged cartilage and bone inside the socket are removed and replaced with a metal shell.
Most people can go home 1 to 4 days after hip resurfacing surgery. Some can start putting weight on their leg immediately after surgery, but they may need a walking aid such as a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks.
Post-surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort for several weeks. Your doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain. Your doctor will also likely recommend physical therapy after surgery and exercises to help maintain range of motion and restore strength. You can likely resume your regular activities around 6 weeks after surgery.
Hip replacement surgery outlook
Peeps who go under the knife to get a new hip can look forward to some fantastic results:
- A reduction in pain
- Improved mobility
- A higher quality of life
- Improvements in daily activities
However, long-term effects and restrictions might still occur after hip replacement surgery and recovery. You may continue to experience some numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site.
Hip replacements might affect your daily life in ways like:
- Metal detectors may be triggered by your new hip at places like airports, so let relevant staff know.
- High-impact sports like jumping, physical contact, or quick turns may increase the risk of falls, which might necessitate additional surgery.
- You may need antibiotics before certain dental procedures, so make sure your dental surgeon knows about your hip replacement.
- Sexual activity can usually be resumed around 6 weeks after surgery, but you may need to take some precautions, like choosing safe positions and using supportive cushions.
• sitting still for long periods• crossing the legs at the knee• bending the hip more than 90 degrees• bending down to touch the feet or ankles• sitting in low chairs• intense exercise, which may involve jumping or sudden turns• moving or lifting heavy objects
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will it take to walk again after a hip replacement?
A person may be able to walk short distances, with assistance, on the same day as the surgery. Over the following weeks, they will typically be able to walk longer distances.
How long does bed rest last after hip replacement surgery?
People should start walking as soon as possible after hip replacement surgery instead of resting in bed.
What age do they stop doing hip replacements?
There is no age limit on hip replacements; instead, doctors consider a person's overall health and mobility before performing the procedure.
How long do hip implants or replacements last?
A modern artificial hip replacement should last for at least 15 years. In a review of over 200,000 people with hip replacements, it was found that hip replacements can last for up to 20 years in 90% of cases.[6]
Summary
• follow physical therapy exercises as a physical therapist instructs• try other gentle exercises, such as daily walking• sit in a reclining position• use a cold compress to reduce swelling• take any prescription medications as a doctor instructs• use walking aids, such as crutches, if necessary
Hip replacement and resurfacing surgeries have similar outcomes and high success rates. People can begin recovery the same day as the surgery and will typically be able to walk a short distance with assistance soon afterward.
Physical therapy in the hospital and home can help build strength and flexibility and speed recovery. People should continue with physical therapy throughout recovery, following their physical therapist's directions.
Most people can return to light activities within about 6 weeks and resume life as usual after about 3 months.
[1] Slover, J. D., Crockarell, R. J., Ruedi, T. P., & Warsaw, J. A. (2000). The rapid evolution of materials and procedures for joint replacement. The Journal of bones and joint surgery. American volume, 82(10), 1417–1429. doi: 10.2106/00004624-200010010-00004.
[2] Gorney, M. (2018, November 29). Questions to ask your doctor before a hip replacement. Harvard Health. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://www.health.harvard.edu/pain/questions-to-ask-your-doctor-about-a-hip-replacement.
[3] Langton, T. (2019). Total hip arthroplasty. BMJ Learning, 52. doi: 10.1136/bmjlearning-2019-101576.
[4] Langton, T. (2019). Rehabilitation after total hip arthroplasty. BMJ Learning, 52. doi: 10.1136/bmjlearning-2019-101577.
[5] American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (2021, February). Hip replacement rehabilitation: 6-week milestone. AAOS. Retrieved December 19, 2022, from https://www.aaos.org/news/aaosnow/january-2018/hip-replacement-rehabilitation-6-week-milestone.aspx.
[6] Pensavalle, D., Bietti, K., Miller, D., De Lito, L., Maloney, F. D., & Kuzyk, P. (2012). Modern Hip Implants: A Review of Today's Options. The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 43(6), A6-A22. doi: 10.2519/jospt.2012.394707.
- Understanding your hip replacement surgery details and its expected outcome is crucial, so discuss them thoroughly with your doctor.
- Engage in exercises to strengthen your legs, core, and upper body as advised by your doctor to prepare for the surgery.
- Maintaining a moderate weight is key to reducing complications during hip replacement surgery.
- Quitting or limiting smoking pre-surgery can significantly aid the healing and recovery process.
- Arrange for help with daily tasks for post-surgery recovery as you might need assistance for several weeks.
- Prepare some meals ahead of time to make things easier post-op.
- Make home modifications for accessibility, like having a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, a walker, or crutches.
- After surgery, you may attend physical therapy sessions or follow exercises at home as recommended by your physical therapist.
- Older adults may take longer to recover from hip replacement surgery due to compromised mobility and possible underlying conditions like COPD, obesity, mental health issues, nutrition-related issues, aging-related diseases, chronic kidney disease, or Alzheimer's. It is essential to speak with a doctor for diagnostic tests and treatments for these underlying conditions.
