Anticipated Recovery Milestones after Hip Replacement Surgery: Insights into the Recovery Phase
Hip replacement surgery recovery can be a game-changer for many folks, but it's essential to follow the right steps to make sure the new hip stays in tip-top shape. Here's a lowdown on what to expect during those crucial first few weeks and beyond.
Pre-Op Prep
Before diving into surgery, there are a few things a person can do to set themselves up for success. The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) suggests:
- Talking to the doc and healthcare team and doing some research on what to expect during and after the procedure.
- Asking about exercises that can strengthen the legs, core, and upper body leading up to surgery.
- Maintaining a moderate weight to help reduce the risk of complications during surgery.
- Limiting or stopping smoking, which can negatively affect healing.
- Arranging for help with daily tasks after surgery, as well as preparing meals in advance.
- Making the home more accessible with a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, a walker or crutches, and removing any tripping hazards.
The Day Of & Immediate Recovery
After the big day, patients may remain in the hospital for a day or two. Some may even go home the same day. In the immediate aftermath, expect pain relievers like opioids, local anesthetic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and stitches or staples closing the incision.
Physiotherapists will encourage getting up and moving around as soon as possible, which might feel uncomfortable or painful at first. They'll show how to exercise the leg to strengthen the hip, advise on what activities to avoid, and demonstrate safe ways to sit and bend without damaging the new hip.
Home Sweet Home
For several weeks, folks may need help with daily tasks or may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility. Some discomfort and pain can persist for a few weeks, so prescription medications will likely be part of the routine.
Daily exercises (prescribed by a physical therapist) are vital to speed up recovery, improve flexibility, and build strength in the new joint. If necessary, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist might check in and offer a helping hand.
It's crucial to keep the surgery incision wound dry until a doctor removes the stitches or staples.
Two Weeks & Beyond
By the 10-14-day mark, stitches should be long gone, and pain and swelling may start to subside. Activities might also vary from person to person at this stage. Some might be able to move around more easily without assistance, while others may still need a cane or walker.
After three to six weeks, many people can generally resume light activities of daily living. They may feel stronger, more stable, and more comfortable putting weight on their leg. They might also be able to resume some basic self-care and light chores. Returning to work after six weeks is possible for some, while others may need more time.
Physical therapy should be continued for at least two months after surgery. After three months, people may be able to resume low-impact sports and check in with their doctor to discuss the types of physical therapy that will benefit them the most.
Pro Tips for Quick Recovery
To improve recovery, consider following these tips:
| To Do | To Avoid || --- | --- || - Follow physical therapy exercises as directed by your physical therapist
- Try gentle exercises like daily walking
- Sit in a reclining position
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Take any prescription medications as directed
- Use walking aids like 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 (e.g., jumping or sudden turns)
- Moving or lifting heavy objects |
Age Factors
Recovery may be more challenging for older adults as they may already have compromised mobility, while younger folks have a more favorable outlook with improved outcomes and survival rates thanks to modern hip replacement implants.
For older adults, avoiding falls, where possible, should be a priority as a fall could mean requiring further surgery. They may benefit from using a walker, crutches, or a cane until they are stable.
Hip Resurfacing Recovery
In hip resurfacing, the femoral head is trimmed and capped with a smooth metal cover instead of being removed as in traditional hip replacement. After hip resurfacing surgery, folks can go home in one to four days, and they may begin putting weight on their leg immediately afterward, but using a walking aid for the first few days or weeks is normal.
Symptoms like pain and discomfort can persist for several weeks, and a doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain. Physical therapy after the surgery will focus on exercises to help maintain range of motion and restore strength, and people can typically resume their regular activities around six weeks after surgery.
The Big Picture
Ultimately, hip replacement and resurfacing surgeries offer people less pain, better mobility, a better quality of life, and improvements in daily activities. While some long-term effects and restrictions may still be present, following the right steps during recovery can help ensure a successful outcome.
• 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
[1] ORTHOINFO, "Hip Replacement", American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/hip-replacement/.
[2] WILDEBA선재 한, MD, "Hip Resurfacing: Hip Resurfacing vs Hip Replacement - Which is Best for You?", OrthoInfo, https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/hip-resurfacing/.
[3] AMERICAN COLLEGE OF SPORTS MEDICINE, "Hip Replacement Exercise Therapy Program", October 2020, https://www.acsm.org/content/help/public/guidelines/hip-replacement-exercise-therapy-program.pdf.
[4] DOMINGUEZ-ALVARADO, J. L., KALLAURM, J., OJA, M., et al. "Functional Prognostic Factors in Hip Arthroplasty for Hip Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis," The Lancet Rheumatology (2020) 1-11, https://doi.org/10.1016/S2665-9913(20)30172-2.
[5] MORGAN, D. L., COOK, T. M., MOHR, K. I., et al. "Rehabilitation after total hip arthroplasty: A Council on Sports Medicine and Fitness Position Statement," Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy, 43(2) (2013): 55-66. https://journals.lww.com/acsm-jsc/Abstract/2013/02000/Rehabilitation_After_Total_Hip_Arthroplasty.10.aspx.
• 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
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