Anticipated Course of Recovery Following Hip Replacement Surgery: Insights on What's Ahead
Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery Timeline
Recovery from hip replacement surgery varies, but most patients can resume light activities within three to six weeks. The timeframe and specific activities one can engage in during recovery may depend on several factors.
Before Surgery
Preparing for hip replacement surgery, whether partial or total, is crucial to reduce the risk of complications and speed up recovery. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons suggests that patients should prepare several weeks or more before the surgery.
To minimize post-surgical issues, individuals can take the following steps:
- Consult with a healthcare professional for advice on what to expect during and after the procedure
- Perform exercises to strengthen the legs, core, and upper body before surgery
- Maintain a moderate weight to reduce surgical complications
- Stop or limit smoking
- Arrange for assistance with daily activities after discharge
- Prepare meals to facilitate post-operative recovery
- Make home modifications for accessibility, such as having a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, and walking aids
Post-Surgery and Early Recovery
Immediately following surgery, patients may remain in the hospital for one to two days, although some may go home the same day. Pain relievers, such as opioids, local anesthetic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen, are commonly administered.
The incision is typically stapled or sutured for about two weeks, requiring wound care at home. Healthcare professionals will encourage patients to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery. Assistance may be needed for walking short distances initially, but this will gradually improve.
A physical therapist will instruct patients on exercises to strengthen the hip and advise on activities to avoid. Proper sitting and bending techniques will also be emphasized to protect the new hip from damage.
Returning Home
Patients may require help with daily tasks for several weeks after returning home or they may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility. Some pain and discomfort may persist for a few weeks, so continuing prescription medications is essential.
Physical therapy or home exercises recommended by a physical therapist may be needed to aid recovery and improve flexibility and strength in the new joint. Additional assistance from a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist may also be necessary.
Patients should keep the surgery incision wound dry until the stitches or staples are removed.
Recovery at 10 to 14 Days
By 10 to 14 days after surgery, patients should no longer have stitches. Pain and swelling may start to decrease, although this may take longer for some individuals. Activity levels may vary at this stage, with some patients able to move more easily without aid.
Those who previously required a cane or walker before surgery may still need it during the early recovery period.
Recovery Beyond 2 Weeks
Within three to six weeks, most patients can generally resume light activities of daily living, feel stronger, and be more stable. Many may return to work after six weeks, while moderate physical activity may be resumed after six to eight weeks.
Continued physical therapy is recommended for at least two months following surgery, with gradual increases in exercise levels as deemed safe by a doctor.
Recovery Beyond 3 Months
After three months, patients may be able to resume daily activities. Doctors should be consulted for guidance on reducing or stopping physical therapy. By this time, low-impact sports may be resumed.
Age and Recovery
Recovery from hip replacement surgery is generally free of complications in younger patients, but comorbid illnesses may affect the recovery process in older adults. Additional precautions and longer recovery times may be necessary for older patients, especially if they have heart and lung disease, clogged arteries, or high blood pressure.
Physical Therapy and Aid Recovery
• 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
Improving hip replacement recovery can be aided by following physical therapy exercises as instructed, performing gentle exercises like daily walking, sitting in a reclining position, and using cold compresses to reduce swelling.
Patients should avoid sitting still for long periods, crossing their legs, bending their hip more than 90 degrees, bending down to touch their feet or ankles, sitting in low chairs, intense exercise, moving or lifting heavy objects, and avoid using walking aids until necessary.
Hip Resurfacing and Recovery
In hip resurfacing, a surgeon trims and caps the femoral head with a smooth metal cover, while replacing the damaged cartilage and bone inside the socket with a metal shell. Recovery time for hip resurfacing is generally the same as for total hip replacement surgery.
Most patients can go home one to four days after hip resurfacing surgery. Walking aids like crutches, canes, or walkers may be needed during the initial recovery period. Pain and discomfort may persist for several weeks, and physical therapy will be recommended to help maintain range of motion and restore strength. Recovery may take around six weeks, after which patients can resume regular activities.
Hip Replacement Surgery Outlook
• 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
Patients following hip replacement surgery can expect decreased pain, improved mobility, a better quality of life, and improvements in daily activities.
However, long-term effects and restrictions may include continued numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site. Other issues to be aware of include metal detectors, high-impact sports, dental procedures, and sexual activity.
In summary, hip replacement and resurfacing surgeries share similar outcomes and high success rates. Physical therapy in the hospital and at home is essential for building strength, flexibility, and speeding recovery. Most patients can return to light activities within about six weeks and resume normal activities after three months.
[Sources]
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. (n.d.). Total hip replacement. Retrieved from https://www.aaos.org/hipreplacement
- Mayo Clinic. (2021, March 04). Recovering from total hip replacement surgery. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/total-hip-replacement/in-depth/hip-replacement-timeline/art-20047275
- Nemours KidsHealth. (2019, June 01). Total hip replacement. Retrieved from https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/thr.html
- OrthoInfo. (n.d.). Hip replacement: Overview. Retrieved from https://www.orthoinfo.org/condition-and-treatment/hip-replacement-overview
- Sagar, P. (n.d.). Total hip replacement surgery: Preparing for surgery. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/total-hip-replacement-preparing-for-surgery
- Consulting with a healthcare professional about predictive factors for potential complications during and after hip replacement surgery can help reduce risks.
- Medical-conditions such as obesity and COPD may affect recovery times, so it's important to maintain a moderate weight and follow a doctor's advice.
- Science shows that ulcerative colitis and other chronic disease ailments like chronic kidney disease could impact the recovery process.
- CBD, often used for pain management, may help manage post-surgery discomfort if recommended by a healthcare professional.
- Following physical therapy sessions can aid recovery, with a focus on performing exercises that strengthen the hip and leg muscles, improving flexibility, and avoiding certain movements to protect the new joint.
- It is crucial for patients to explore health-and-wellness alternatives, such as therapies recommended by specialists, to expedite recovery and manage chronic diseases during and after surgery.
- Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions may complicate hip replacement recovery, making early planning and discussions with healthcare providers essential.
