Anticipated recovery period for hip replacements: Insights on post-surgery progress
Most individuals can return to light activities within three to six weeks following a hip replacement surgery, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). The recovery period, however, can vary significantly from one person to another.
The time taken for pre-surgery preparation can influence the overall recovery timeline. People are advised to prepare their bodies for a partial or total hip replacement several weeks or more before the surgery to minimize the risk of complications and speed up recovery.
The preparation process is the same for both surgery types, and the outcomes and recovery are similar. Here are some essential steps to prepare for surgery:
- Discuss the surgery with doctors and research what to expect during and after the procedure.
- Ask doctors about exercises that can strengthen the legs, core, and upper body in the lead-up to surgery.
- Maintain a moderate weight to reduce the risk of complications during surgery.
- Limit or stop smoking.
- Arrange for help with daily activities for the week or two following the return home from surgery.
- Prepare meals in advance for greater ease after returning home.
- Make the home accessible and convenient by having a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, a walker or crutches, and other necessary equipment.
Following a partial or total hip replacement, most people remain in the hospital for one to two days, although some may go home on the same day of the surgery. In the days after surgery, doctors typically administer pain relievers, which may include opioids, local anesthetic, NSAIDs, acetaminophen, and other medications. The incision is usually stapled or stitched and may require wound care at home for about two weeks.
Healthcare professionals will encourage a person to get up and move around as soon as possible after the surgery. Start with assistance and gradually increase mobility. A physiotherapist may demonstrate exercises to strengthen the hip, advise on what activities to avoid, and show how to sit and bend to avoid damaging the new hip.
People may require help with daily tasks for several weeks after returning home or may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility. In the initial few weeks, they may still experience some pain and swelling and should continue taking any prescription medication. Physical therapy or exercises at home may be recommended to improve flexibility, strength, and speed up recovery.
By 10 to 14 days after surgery, people should no longer have their stitches, and pain and swelling may start to diminish, although this may take longer for some individuals. Activity levels at this stage may vary from person to person, and some may still require a cane or walker.
Within three to six weeks, many people can generally resume light activities of daily living, feel stronger, and more stable. They may also be able to perform basic self-care and light chores. Many people feel ready to return to work after six weeks, but this may vary.
Physical therapy is recommended for at least two months after surgery. People can speak with their doctor about when it is safe to do additional exercise, such as swimming and walking. After three months, a person may be able to resume daily activities, with a doctor's evaluation of the progress and discussion about the types of physical therapy that will benefit them the most.
Some tips to aid recovery include following physical therapy exercises, gentle exercises like daily walking, using a cold compress to reduce swelling, taking prescription medication as directed, and using walking aids like crutches, if necessary. Individuals should avoid sitting still for long periods, crossing their legs at the knee, bending the hip more than 90 degrees, bending down to touch their feet, and any intense exercise.
• 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 older adults, recovery can be more challenging due to their compromised mobility. They may require permanent assistance, and falls should be avoided to prevent further complications. Older adults may be more susceptible to heart and lung disease, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure, which can increase the risk of complications during surgery.
In younger people, hip resurfacing, where a surgeon trims and caps the femoral head with a smooth metal cover instead of removing it, is sometimes performed. Most people can go home one to four days after hip resurfacing surgery and begin putting weight on their leg immediately or with the help of a walking aid like a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks. Individuals may experience some pain and discomfort for several weeks after surgery, and a doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain.
• 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 recovery from a hip replacement or resurfacing surgery, people typically experience less pain, better mobility, improved quality of life, and improvements in daily activities. Nevertheless, there may be some long-term effects and restrictions, such as numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site. Hip replacements may affect metal detectors, high-impact sports, dental procedures, and sexual activity.
Often, people can resume sexual activity around six weeks after the surgery, but they may need to take certain precautions, like choosing safe positions and using supportive cushions. High-impact sports, involving jumping, physical contact, or quick turns, may increase the risk of falls or injury, requiring further surgery. People may need antibiotics before certain dental procedures and should notify their dental surgeon about their hip replacement.
One review of over 200,000 people with hip replacements suggests that a modern artificial hip replacement should last for at least 15 years, with 58% of cases lasting beyond five years. Therefore, resuming heavy activities should be done gradually, under the guidance of a healthcare provider.
- Engaging in physical therapy for at least two months following a hip replacement surgery is recommended.
- People should avoid sitting still for long periods during their recovery to facilitate faster healing.
- Using a cold compress can help reduce swelling after a hip replacement or resurfacing surgery.
- Older adults may find recovery more challenging due to their compromised mobility, requiring permanent assistance.
- Hip resurfacing, where the femoral head is capped with a metal cover, is sometimes performed in younger people, allowing for quicker recovery and immediate weight-bearing on the leg.
- Within three to six weeks after a partial or total hip replacement, many people can resume light activities of daily living and begin to feel stronger and more stable.
- Chronic conditions like colitis, ulcerative colitis, Alzheimer's, COPD, obesity, chronic kidney disease, and other medical-conditions and chronic diseases can influence the overall recovery timeline for surgical procedures like hip replacement. These factors should be considered during the pre-surgery preparation phase.
