Anticipated Course of Hip Replacement Recuperation: A Preview of Expected Stages
Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery Timeline and Guidelines
Recovery from hip replacement surgery can vary from individual to individual, but many people can resume light activities within three to six weeks of the procedure. The period before and after surgery plays a crucial role in the overall recovery process.
Preparing for Surgery
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), most people can resume daily living and light activities independently within three to six weeks of surgery. However, the steps someone takes before surgery may affect the total recovery timeline.
To prepare for a partial or total hip replacement, patients should:
- Discuss the surgery with their doctor and healthcare team, and research what to expect during and after the procedure.
- Ask their doctor about exercises that can strengthen their legs, core, and upper body in the lead-up to surgery.
- Maintain a moderate weight, as this may reduce the risk of complications during surgery.
- Limit or stop smoking.
- Arrange for someone to help with day-to-day activities for the week or two following their return home after surgery.
- Prepare meals in advance for greater ease after returning home.
- Prepare the home for accessibility and convenience by having items such as a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, a walker or crutches, etc.
First Few Days After Surgery
Following a partial or total hip replacement, a person may remain in the hospital for one to two days. Some people may go home the same day as their surgery. In the days after surgery, doctors typically administer pain relievers, which may include opioids, local anesthetic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, or a combination of these. The doctor may staple or stitch close the incision for about two weeks. This may require wound care at home, which the medical team will discuss with the patient.
Healthcare professionals will help the patient to get up and move around as soon as possible after the surgery. The patient may be able to walk short distances with assistance on the same day as the operation, although this can initially feel painful or uncomfortable. A physiotherapist may show the patient how to exercise the leg to strengthen the hip and advise them on what activities to avoid. They may also show the patient how to sit and bend to avoid damaging the new hip.
Returning Home
People may require help with daily tasks for several weeks after returning home or they may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility. People may experience some pain and discomfort for a few weeks and should continue taking any prescription medications. A person may attend physical therapy or need to perform exercises at home that their physical therapist recommends. Daily exercises will help speed recovery and improve flexibility and strength in the new joint. If necessary, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist may check in and assist with recovery.
Recovery Timeline
By 10 to 14 days after surgery, patients should no longer have their stitches. Pain and swelling may start to go down, although this may take longer for some people. At this stage, activity levels may vary from person to person, with some people able to move about more easily without aid. People who previously required a cane or walker before surgery may still need it during this early recovery period.
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 resume 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 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. They should check with their doctor about when to reduce or stop physical therapy. By this time, people may be able to resume low-impact sports.
Tips for Faster 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
People can try the following tips to improve their hip replacement recovery:
| To Do: | To Avoid: || --- | --- || - 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. |- 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.
Younger vs. Older Patients
• 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
Traditionally, experts would not recommend hip replacements for people under 20 years old due to unfavorable outcomes. However, some patients under 20 may need 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 have favorable outlooks, with a total hip replacement relieving pain and restoring function. On the other hand, recovery may be more challenging for older adults, as they may already have compromised mobility. After hip surgery, they may need permanent assistance.
Hip resurfacing recovery and the outlook after hip replacement surgery and recovery are discussed more in the Frequently Asked Questions section.
It is essential for patients to follow their doctor's instructions regarding recovery and any precautions to minimize complications and aid in healing. A successful recovery from hip replacement surgery can significantly improve a person's quality of life by reducing pain and restoring mobility.
- A potential benefit of discussing hip replacement surgery with a doctor and healthcare team is gaining insight into what to expect during and after the procedure.
- Limiting or stopping smoking before a hip replacement surgery may help reduce the risk of complications during surgery.
- After surgery, physical therapies and recommended exercises can strengthen the legs, core, and upper body, helping speed recovery.
- In the case of Alzheimer's, physical therapy may play a crucial role in maintaining cognitive and motor functions, contributing to health and wellness.
- Research has shown that ulcerative colitis and chronic diseases such as obesity, COPD, and cancer can be effectively managed with various therapies and treatments, aided by science and medical advancements.
- As people age, mental health becomes increasingly important, with some rehabilitation facilities offering mental health services alongside physical therapies for a holistic approach to healing.
- Fitness and exercise, including swimming, walking, and low-impact sports, can be beneficial in managing chronic diseases and promoting overall health and wellness.
- In the context of aging, predictive approaches in science and medicine can help identify potential health risks, allowing for early interventions and better treatment outcomes in various medical conditions.
