Anticipated hip replacement recovery course: Examining typical milestones and progression
Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery Timeframes: Clarity on Resuming Activities
Recovery following hip replacement surgery varies significantly among individuals. Most people can undertake light activities within three to six weeks post-surgery. However, specific activities such as sexual relations, strenuous exercise, and work may be off-limits during the early stages of recovery. Medical professionals may prescribe pain-relieving medications to aid in the recovery process at home.
Preparation Prior to Surgery
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), most individuals can resume daily living and light activities independently within three to six weeks following surgery. Nevertheless, the steps taken before surgery can affect the overall recovery timeline.
Individuals should prepare their bodies for either a partial or total hip replacement several weeks before the surgery. This helps reduce the risk of complications and expedites recovery. The preparatory steps are the same for both surgery types, with similar outcomes anticipated.
To ready oneself for surgery, people can:
- Engage in discussions with their doctor and healthcare team, and research what to expect during and after the procedure.
- Seek advice from their doctor on exercises to strengthen their legs, core, and upper body prior to surgery.
- Maintain a moderate weight, as this may minimize the risk of complications during surgery.
- Limit or cease smoking, as it can hinder the healing process.
- Arrange for assistance with daily activities for the week or two following their return home after surgery.
- Prepare meals in advance for greater convenience after returning home.
- Make home modifications for accessibility and convenience, including acquiring a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, a walker or crutches.
Recovery After Surgery and the Initial Few Days
Following a partial or total hip replacement, a person may spend one to two days in the hospital. Some patients may return home on the same day as their surgery.
In the subsequent days, doctors often administer pain relievers, which might include opioids, local anesthetics, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), or acetaminophen. The incision is typically stitched or stapled shut for approximately two weeks, necessitating at-home wound care.
Healthcare professionals will encourage a person to get up and move around as soon as possible following surgery. They may be able to walk short distances with assistance on the same day as the operation, although this may feel uncomfortable or painful initially.
A physiotherapist may teach a person exercises to strengthen their leg, advise on activities to avoid, and demonstrate how to sit and bend without damaging the new hip.
Returning Home After Hip Replacement
People may require assistance with daily tasks for several weeks following their return home, or they may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility. They may experience some pain and discomfort for a few weeks and should continue taking any prescribed medications.
A person may attend physical therapy or need to perform exercises at home as recommended by their physical therapist. Daily exercises will aid in recovery, improve flexibility, and strengthen the new joint.
If necessary, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist may provide follow-up visits and assistance. People should keep the surgery incision wound dry until a doctor removes the stitches or staples.
Recovery at 10 to 14 days Post-Surgery
By 10 to 14 days after surgery, a person should no longer have stitches. Pain and swelling may begin to subside, although this may take longer for some people. Activity levels at this stage may vary from person to person. Some individuals may be able to move more easily without aid.
Those who previously required a cane or walker before surgery may still need it during this early recovery period.
Recovery After Two Weeks
Within three to six weeks, many people can generally resume light activities of daily living. They may feel stronger, more stable, and comfortable putting more weight on their leg. They may also be able to handle some basic self-care and light chores.
Many people feel ready to return to work after six weeks, but this may vary. After six to eight weeks, people may be able to safely have sex again.
People should continue physical therapy as their physical therapist recommends, for at least two months after surgery. They can consult their doctor about when it is safe to engage in additional exercise, such as swimming and walking.
Recovery After Three Months
After three months, a person may be able to resume daily activities. They should consult their doctor about when to reduce or cease physical therapy. By this time, individuals may be able to engage in low-impact sports.
Recovery can vary, and people should consult their doctor for an evaluation of their progress and to discuss the types of physical therapy that will most benefit them.
Tips for Aiding Recovery
Here are some tips to help improve hip replacement recovery:
| To Do: | To Avoid: || --- | --- || * Follow physical therapy exercises as instructed by a 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 a doctor Use walking aids, such as crutches, if necessary | * Sit still for extended periods Cross the legs at the knee Bend the hip more than 90 degrees Bend down to touch the feet or ankles Sit in low chairs Engage in intense exercise, which may involve jumping or sudden turns* Move or lift heavy objects |
Recovery in Older vs. Younger People
Owing to unfavorable outcomes, experts traditionally advised against hip replacements for people younger than 20 years old. However, some patients under 20 may require a total hip replacement due to a condition called osteonecrosis of the femoral head, in which the femoral head—the top part of the thigh bone—collapses. These cases can yield favorable outcomes, providing pain relief and restoring function.
Modern hip replacement implants are claimed to lead to improved outcomes and survival rates in younger populations. Recovery is generally smooth for younger individuals, but comorbid illnesses may adversely affect this.
Recovery for older adults can be more challenging, as they may already have compromised mobility. After hip surgery, they may require permanent assistance. According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, surgery in older adults may have an increased risk of complications due to common health conditions such as heart and lung disease, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure. People should discuss these conditions with their doctor for diagnostic tests and treatments.
Recovery After Hip Resurfacing
In hip resurfacing, a surgeon trims and caps the femoral head—the 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 one to four days after hip resurfacing surgery. They may begin putting weight on their leg immediately after the operation, but they may need a walking aid, such as a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks.
People may experience some pain and discomfort for several weeks post-surgery. A doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain. A doctor may also recommend physical therapy after surgery, instructing exercises to aid in maintaining range of motion and restoring strength. Individuals may resume their regular activities around six weeks following surgery.
Long-term Effects and Implications After Hip Replacement
People experience the following after hip replacement surgery and recovery:
- Less pain
- Better mobility
- Improved quality of life
- Enhanced performance in daily activities
Even after full recovery, some individuals may continue to experience numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site.
Hip replacements can impact several aspects of an individual's life:
• 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
- Metal detectors, such as at airport security, may detect a hip replacement. People should inform relevant staff before using them.
- High impact sports, which may involve jumping, physical contact, or quick turns, can raise the risk of falls or injury, necessitating further surgery.
- People may require antibiotics before certain dental procedures and should inform their dental surgeon about their hip replacement.
- Sexual activity may be resumed around six weeks following the surgery, but precautions, such as selecting safe positions and utilizing supportive cushions, may be necessary.
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 subsequent 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. Although they should rest and only perform gentle movements, a person will not need to stay in bed.
What age do they stop doing hip replacements?
There is no age limit on hip replacements. Instead, doctors may consider factors such as the individual’s overall health and mobility.
• 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
How long do hip implants or replacements last?
A modern artificial hip replacement should last for at least 15 years. A 2019 review of over 200,000 people with hip replacements suggests that people can anticipate a hip replacement lasting in 58% of cases.
- The recovery period following hip replacement surgery varies significantly among individuals.
- Most people can resume light activities within three to six weeks post-surgery.
- Specific activities like sexual relations, strenuous exercise, and work might be off-limits during the early stages of recovery.
- Medical professionals may prescribe pain-relieving medications to aid in the recovery process at home.
- Preparation before surgery is crucial and can affect the overall recovery timeline.
- Individuals should be prepared for either a partial or total hip replacement several weeks before the surgery.
- Toready oneself for surgery, people can engage in discussions with their doctor and healthcare team.
- People should seek advice from their doctor on exercises to strengthen their legs, core, and upper body before surgery.
- Maintaining a moderate weight may minimize the risk of complications during surgery.
- Limiting or ceasing smoking can help improve the healing process.
- Arranging for assistance with daily activities for the week or two following the surgery ensures quick recovery.
- Preparing meals in advance for greater convenience after returning home is also beneficial.
- Making home modifications for accessibility and convenience, such as acquiring a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, and a walker or crutches, can aid recovery.
- Following surgery, a person may spend one to two days in the hospital.
- Some patients may return home on the same day as their surgery.
- Pain relievers, such as opioids, local anesthetics, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen, will likely be administered post-surgery.
- The incision is typically stitched or stapled shut for approximately two weeks, necessitating at-home wound care.
- Healthcare professionals will encourage a person to get up and move around as soon as possible following surgery.
- A physiotherapist may teach a person exercises to strengthen their leg and demonstrate how to sit and bend without damaging the new hip.
- During the early days of recovery, a person may still need a cane or walker if they used one before surgery.
- Recovery may vary, and people should consult their doctor for an evaluation of their progress.
- By 10 to 14 days after surgery, a person should no longer have stitches, and pain and swelling may begin to subside.
- THose who previously required a cane or walker may still need it during this early recovery period.
- Within three to six weeks, most people can resume light activities of daily living.25.Many people feel ready to return to work after six weeks, but this may vary.
- After six to eight weeks, people may be able to safely have sex again.
- People should continue physical therapy as their physical therapist recommends for at least two months after surgery.
- Recovery after three months may allow individuals to resume daily activities.
- Recovery for older adults can be more challenging due to compromised mobility.
- According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, surgery in older adults may have an increased risk of complications.
- Proper post-surgery care and physical therapy can improve the overall recovery outcome for both younger and older individuals.
