Anticipated healing course after hip replacement surgery: An insight into the predicted process
Chillax, here's a breakdown of what to expect when you're getting a hip replacement—from preparing for the big day to walking like a boss again!
Getting Ready for Surgery
Before your surgery, you gotta kickstart your body into shape. Aim to get your body prepped around 3 to 6 weeks before the procedure. This'll help reduce the risk of complications and get your recovery moving faster.
Here's what you should do:
- Talk to your doc and healthcare team, and research the deets about the procedure.
- Ask your doc about exercises that'll strengthen your legs, core, and upper body before surgery.
- Maintain a moderate weight to lower the risk of complications during surgery.
- If you're a smoker, aim to quit or at least limit your habit.
- Arrange for help with daily tasks after your return home.
- Prep meals for easy eating post-surgery.
- Make your crib accessible with a raised toilet seat, safety bars, and mobility aids (think walker or crutches).
The First Few Days
You might stay in the hospital for 1 to 2 days after surgery, but some folks head home same-day. In the immediate aftermath, you'll be given pain relievers, like opioids, local anesthetics, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen. Your doc will stitch or staple the incision and will talk to you about wound care at home.
You'll be encouraged to get moving as soon as possible. You may be walking short distances on the same day as your operation, but it may feel a bit uncomfortable at first. A physical therapist will show you exercises to strengthen your leg and provide advice on activity limitations. They'll also show you how to sit and bend to protect your new hip.
Returning Home
You'll require help with daily tasks for several weeks, or you might need to stay in a rehab facility. You'll probably experience some pain and discomfort for a few weeks, so keep taking any prescription medications.
You'll attend physical therapy or perform exercises at home that your therapist recommends to speed up recovery, improve flexibility, and strengthen the new joint. If necessary, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist may check in and assist with recovery.
First 10-14 Days
By the 10 to 14-day mark, your stitches should be off. Pain and swelling may start to decrease, although it might take longer for some people. You may be able to move around more easily without aids, but those who previously needed a cane or walker might still need it during this early recovery period.
Beyond 2 Weeks
Within 3 to 6 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.
Most folks feel ready to return to work after 6 weeks, but this can vary. After 6 to 8 weeks, you might be able to safely have sex again. You'll continue physical therapy as your therapist recommends, for at least 2 months after surgery. You can speak with your doctor about when it's safe to do additional exercise, like swimming and walking.
Beyond 3 Months
By the 3-month mark, you might be able to resume daily activities. Check with your doctor about when to reduce or stop physical therapy. By this time, you might be able to participate in low-impact sports.
Recovery varies, so be sure to check in with your doctor for an evaluation of your progress and to discuss the types of physical therapy that'll benefit you the most.
Tips for Recovery
- Follow your physical therapist's exercise instructions.
- Try gentle exercises, like daily walking.
- Sit in a reclining position.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Take any prescription medications as directed by your doc.
- Use walking aids, like crutches, if necessary.
- Avoid sitting still for long periods, crossing your legs at the knee, bending your hip more than 90 degrees, bending down to touch your feet or ankles, sitting in low chairs, intense exercise, and moving or lifting heavy objects.
Recovery in Older vs. Younger People
Historically, experts wouldn't recommend hip replacements for people under 20 due to unfavorable outcomes. However, some patients under 20 may need a total hip replacement due to conditions like osteonecrosis of the femoral head, in which the femoral head collapses.
These cases can have favorable outcomes, with a total hip replacement relieving pain and restoring function. Modern hip replacement implants are leading to improved outcomes and survival rates in younger populations.
Recovery in younger people is generally straightforward, but preexisting conditions might affect the process.
Older adults face more challenges in recovery as they may already have compromised mobility. After hip surgery, they may need permanent assistance. Older adults also have an increased risk of complications due to heart and lung disease, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure.
• 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
For older adults, avoiding falls (which could require more surgery) should be a priority. They may benefit from using a walker, crutches, or a walking stick until they are stable.
Recovery for Hip Resurfacing
In hip resurfacing, a surgeon trims and caps the femoral head with a smooth metal cover instead of completely removing it. You'll typically go home 1 to 4 days after surgery and may need a walking aid like a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks.
You might experience some pain and discomfort for several weeks after surgery. A doc may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain. Your doc will also likely recommend physical therapy after surgery and exercises to maintain range of motion and restore strength. You can resume your regular activities around 6 weeks after surgery.
Outlook for Hip Replacement 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
People can expect less pain, better mobility, improved quality of life, along with enhancements in daily activities after hip replacement surgery and recovery. There might be some long-term effects, like numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site.
Hip replacements may affect the following aspects of your life:
- Metal detectors, e.g., through airport security, may detect a hip replacement. Let relevant staff know before using them.
- High-impact sports, which may involve jumping, physical contact, or quick turns, may increase the risk of falls or injury, which may require further surgery.
- Dental procedures: You might need antibiotics before certain dental procedures and should let your dental surgeon know about your hip replacement.
- Sexual activity: Although many people can resume sexual activity 6 weeks after the surgery, they should take precautions, such as choosing safe positions and using supportive cushions.
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