Anticipated course of hip replacement recuperation: Understanding the process
Recovering from Hip Replacement Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide
After undergoing a hip replacement surgery, individuals can expect a recovery period that varies from person to person. Most individuals can engage in light activities within 3 to 6 weeks post-surgery. However, the pre-surgery preparations and guidelines provided by medical professionals significantly impact the total recovery timeline.
Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), individuals can typically return to independent daily living and light activities within 3 to 6 weeks following surgery. Preparing the body for a partial or total hip replacement several weeks before the procedure can help mitigate the risk of complications and speed up recovery.
To prepare for the surgery, individuals can:- Discuss the surgery with their doctor and healthcare team, and research what to anticipate 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- Strive to maintain a moderate weight, which may reduce the risk of complications during surgery- Attempt to limit or stop smoking- Arrange for assistance with day-to-day activities for the week or two following their return home after surgery- Prepare meals in advance for greater convenience after their return home- Prepare the home for accessibility and convenience, such as having a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, a walker or crutches, etc.
Immediate Post-Surgery Recovery
Following a partial or total hip replacement, a person may remain in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. In some cases, they may go home on the same day as their surgery. In the days after surgery, doctors typically administer pain relievers, including opioids, local anesthetic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen.
The doctor may staple or stitch the incision for about 2 weeks. This may necessitate wound care at home, which the medical team will discuss with the individual. Healthcare professionals will encourage the person to get up and move around as soon as possible after the surgery. Assistance may be required to walk short distances initially, although this may feel uncomfortable or painful.
A physiotherapist may demonstrate exercises to strengthen the leg and provide advice on activities to avoid. They may show the patient how to sit and bend to avoid damaging the new hip.
Returning Home after Hip Replacement
Individuals may require assistance with daily tasks for several weeks after returning home or may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility. Pain and discomfort can persist for a few weeks, and individuals should continue taking any prescribed medications.
During physical therapy or at-home exercises, a person's physical therapist may recommend, individuals should perform exercises recommended by their physical therapist to speed recovery, improve flexibility, and build strength in the new joint. Home health aides, nurses, or physical therapists may provide assistance with recovery if necessary.
To maintain the surgical incision wound's cleanliness, individuals should keep it dry until their doctor removes the stitches or staples.
Recovery Milestones
By 10 to 14 days after surgery, stitches are typically no longer present, and pain and swelling may start to subside, albeit at varying rates for different individuals.
Within 3 to 6 weeks, many individuals 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.
A vast majority of people report being able to return to work after 6 weeks, although this may vary. Sexual activity is generally possible after 6 to 8 weeks.
Individuals should continue physical therapy as their physical therapist recommends, for at least 2 months after surgery. They can consult their doctor about when it is safe to engage in additional exercise, such as swimming and walking.
Recovery beyond 3 months
After 3 months, individuals may be able to resume daily activities. They should consult their doctor about when to reduce or stop physical therapy. By this time, individuals may be able to engage in low-impact sports.
Recovery can vary, and individuals should consult their doctor for an evaluation of their progress and to discuss the types of physical therapy that will benefit them the most.
Recovery Tips
To facilitate hip replacement recovery, individuals can:- Follow physical therapy exercises as their physical therapist instructs- Attempt gentle exercises such as daily walking or sitting in a reclining position- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling- Take prescribed medications as directed by their doctor- Utilize walking aids like crutches if necessary
Recovery in Older vs. Younger Individuals
Traditionally, experts advise against hip replacements for individuals under 20 years old due to unfavorable outcomes. However, some patients under 20 may require a total hip replacement due to a condition called osteonecrosis of the femoral head. These cases can have a positive prognosis, with a total hip replacement alleviating pain and restoring function.
In individuals younger than 65 years, recovery is generally free of complications, but pre-existing conditions may adversely affect this.
• 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
Recovery may be more demanding for older adults, who may have compromised mobility. After hip surgery, they may need permanent assistance.
Hip Resurfacing Recovery
In hip resurfacing, a surgeon trims and caps the femoral head with a smooth metal cover rather than removing it. The recovery period and outlook are comparable to those following a total hip replacement.
Most individuals can go home 1 to 4 days after hip resurfacing surgery. They may initially require a walking aid like a walker, cane, or crutches. Pain and discomfort can persist for several weeks after surgery, and a doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain.
Physical therapy after surgery, as well as exercises to maintain range of motion and restore strength, are recommended. Individuals may resume their regular activities around 6 weeks after surgery.
• 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
Hip Replacement Outlook
People generally report the following benefits after hip replacement surgery and recovery:- Reduced pain- Improved mobility- A better quality of life- Improvements in daily activities
There may be some long-term effects and restrictions post-hip replacement surgery, such as ongoing numbness, pain, or stiffness at the incision site. Hip replacements may affect the following aspects of an individual's life:- Metal detectors, such as those found in airports or security checks, may detect a hip replacement. It's essential to inform relevant staff before undergoing screening.- High-impact sports, which may involve jumping, physical contact, or sudden turns, may increase the risk of falls or injury, which may necessitate additional surgery.- People may need antibiotics before certain dental procedures and must inform their dental surgeon about their hip replacement.- Sexual activity may be resumed around 6 weeks after the surgery, but individuals may need to take safety precautions, such as choosing safe positions and using supportive cushions.
- Older adults may find hip replacement recovery more demanding due to compromised mobility, potentially requiring permanent assistance.
- In hip resurfacing, the recovery period and outlook are similar to those following a total hip replacement, with individuals going home 1 to 4 days after surgery and needing walking aids initially.
- To facilitate hip replacement recovery, individuals can follow prescribed physical therapy exercises, try gentle exercises like daily walking, use a cold compress to reduce swelling, take prescribed medications as directed by their medical team, and use walking aids when necessary.
- Although traditional advice is to avoid hip replacements for individuals under 20 due to unfavorable outcomes, some cases of osteonecrosis of the femoral head in younger individuals can result in a positive prognosis.
- By 10 to 14 days after surgery, pain and swelling may start to subside, and many individuals can resume light activities of daily living within 3 to 6 weeks.
- Prepare for the surgery by discussing it with doctors, asking about exercises to strengthen the body, striving for a moderate weight, stopping smoking, arranging for help with daily tasks, preparing meals in advance, and preparing the home for accessibility.
- Recovery timelines from hip replacement surgery can be impacted by various factors, including pre-surgery preparations, the individual's general health, and the presence of chronic conditions like COPD, obesity, chronic-kidney-disease, Alzheimer's, colitis (ulcerative or inflammatory bowel), or other chronic diseases.
- CBD (a non-psychotic cannabinoid) may be an option to manage pain after hip replacement surgery, but research in this area is limited, and its use should be discussed with the doctor.
- Enhancing general health and wellness through regular exercise and a balanced diet can aid in pre-surgery preparations and contribute to efficient recovery after hip replacement surgery.
