Recuperation timeline for hip replacement: Anticipated milestones and progression
Get ready for the lowdown on hip replacement recovery, my friend! Here's the scoop on what to expect after calling the hip doc for a brand new shiny joint.
Before the surgery
Before the big day, make sure you get your prep on! The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) suggests getting in shape physically by doing some leg, core, and upper body strength exercises and shedding some extra weight if possible. Quitting smoking can also help reduce surgery risks and speed up recovery. It's also wise to have someone to help out with daily tasks post-surgery and to prepare meals ahead of time.
Recovery plan
Most folks can carry on with daily living activities again within 3 to 6 weeks of the op. However, the steps you take before surgery can make a difference in your overall recovery timeline. Wise up, and make sure you're in tip-top shape before the operation!
In the first few days following the surgery, you may remain in the hospital for 1 to 2 days or even go home the same day. Pain relief treatment usually includes opioids, local anesthetic, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen. Your incision will be closed with staples or stitches, which typically need to be kept intact for about 2 weeks. Wound care will be explained to you by the medical team.
Physical therapists will encourage you to get moving as soon as possible, even on the same day of the operation. This may initially feel uncomfortable or painful, but it's essential for a quicker recovery. They may show you exercises to strengthen your hip, how to sit and bend properly to protect your new hip, and ways to avoid damaging it during everyday activities.
After returning home, you'll likely need assistance with daily tasks for a few weeks or may require a stay in a rehabilitation facility. Pain and discomfort can linger for a few weeks, and you should continue taking any prescription medications provided by your doctor. Regular physical therapy or home exercises, as advised by your physical therapist, will help speed up recovery and improve flexibility and strength in your new joint.
Hip replacement recovery milestones
- By 10 to 14 days after the surgery, your stitches will likely have been removed, and swelling and pain should begin to lessen. If you previously required a cane or walker, you may still need it during this early recovery period.
- Between 3 to 6 weeks, most people can generally resume light activities of daily living. They may feel stronger, be more stable, and comfortable putting more weight on their leg. They may also be able to resume some basic self-care and light chores.
- After 6 weeks, many people may feel ready to return to work, but this can vary. After 6 to 8 weeks, you may be able to safely have sex again.
- Three months post-surgery, you may be able to resume daily activities. Consult your doctor to discuss when it's safe to reduce or stop physical therapy and when you can engage in low-impact sports.
Tips for a smooth recovery
- Follow Physical Therapy: Practice exercises as instructed by your physical therapist.
- Exercise Regularly: In addition to physical therapy, consider other gentle exercises like daily walks.
- Manage Positioning: Sit in a reclining position and use cold compresses to reduce swelling.
- Take Medications: Stick to your medication schedule as directed by your doctor.
- Utilize Aids: Use walking aids like crutches if necessary.
- Avoid Certain Activities: Avoid activities that require sitting still for a long time, crossing legs at the knee, bending the hip over 90 degrees, bending down to touch your feet or ankles, sitting in low chairs, intense exercise, and moving or lifting heavy objects.
Older vs. younger folks
Younger folks under 20 were previously not recommended for hip replacement surgeries due to unfavorable outcomes. However, some younger cases experiencing a condition called osteonecrosis of the femoral head may have favorable outcomes with total hip replacements. Modern hip replacement implants have led to improved outcomes and survival rates in younger populations.
In older adults, recovery can be more challenging due to compromised mobility. Be cautious when walking, and consider using a walker, crutches, or a walking stick until you feel stable.
Hip resurfacing recovery
• 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
In hip resurfacing, the femoral head is trimmed and capped with a metal cover. People can typically go home between 1 to 4 days after hip resurfacing surgery. Pain and discomfort may last several weeks, and your doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain.
Similarly, your doctor will recommend physical therapy and exercises to help with range of motion and restore strength. You may resume your regular activities around 6 weeks after surgery.
Hip replacement surgery outlook
• 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
After hip replacement surgery, people can expect less pain, better mobility, improvements in daily activities, and a better quality of life. However, there may be continued numbness, pain, or stiffness near the incision site.
Hip replacements have potential long-term effects, including requiring metal detectors for airport security, avoiding high-impact sports, needing antibiotics before dental procedures, and making adjustments to sexual activity.
- To prepare for hip replacement surgery, focus on physical fitness by doing leg, core, and upper body exercises, shed excess weight if possible, and quit smoking to reduce surgery risks and speed up recovery.
- Find someone to help with daily tasks post-surgery and prepare meals ahead of time.
- After the surgery, pain relief may include opioids, local anesthetic, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen.
- Your incision will be closed with staples or stitches, and you'll be given instructions for wound care.
- Physical therapists will encourage you to start moving as soon as possible, even on the same day of the operation, and provide exercises to strengthen your hip, proper sitting and bending techniques, and ways to avoiding damaging your new hip during everyday activities.
- In the first few days, you may stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days or go home the same day.
- After returning home, you'll likely need assistance with daily tasks for a few weeks or may require a stay in a rehabilitation facility.
- During recovery, avoid activities that require sitting still for a long time, crossing legs at the knee, bending the hip over 90 degrees, bending down to touch your feet or ankles, sitting in low chairs, intense exercise, and moving or lifting heavy objects.
- The long-term outlook for hip replacement surgery includes less pain, better mobility, improvements in daily activities, and a better quality of life, but it may involve continued numbness, pain, or stiffness near the incision site, requiring metal detectors for airport security, avoiding high-impact sports, needing antibiotics before dental procedures, and making adjustments to sexual activity.
