Expected healing trajectory after hip replacement surgery: Insights into the recovery process
Recovery Period After Hip Replacement Surgery: A Comprehensive Guide
Hip replacement surgery is a common procedure designed to alleviate pain and improve mobility in individuals suffering from hip-related conditions. Recovery times vary depending on the individual, but most patients can resume light activities within three to six weeks of surgery.
Preparation for Hip Replacement Surgery
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), patients can return to their daily activities and light tasks within three to six weeks post-surgery. However, the steps taken before the operation play a significant role in recovery.
Patients should prepare their bodies for a partial or total hip replacement several weeks or more before the surgery to minimize complications and speed up recovery. The preparation process is similar for both partial and total hip replacement surgeries.
To prepare for the procedure, patients can:
- Discuss the surgery with their doctor and healthcare team, and research what to expect during and after the operation
- Ask their doctor about exercises that can strengthen their 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 quit smoking
- Arrange for someone to help with daily activities for the week or two following the return home after surgery
- Prepare meals in advance for greater ease after returning home
- Prepare the home for accessibility and convenience by setting up a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, and ensuring the availability of a walker or crutches
Returning Home After Hip Replacement Surgery
Following a partial or total hip replacement, patients may remain in the hospital for one to two days or may be discharged on the same day as their surgery. The first few days after surgery typically involve the administration of painkillers such as opioids, local anesthetics, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen.
The incision is usually stapled or stitched closed for about two weeks, which may necessitate wound care at home. Healthcare professionals will encourage patients to get up and move around as soon as possible after surgery, with the goal of helping them walk short distances with assistance on the same day as the operation.
A physiotherapist may show the patient exercises to strengthen their hip and advise them on activities to avoid. The therapist may also demonstrate how to sit and bend to avoid damaging the new hip.
Patients may need assistance with daily tasks for several weeks after returning home or may even need to stay in a rehabilitation facility. Pain and discomfort may persist for a few weeks, and patients should continue taking any prescribed medication.
A home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist may check in and assist with recovery if necessary. It is essential to keep the surgery incision wound dry until the doctor removes the stitches or staples.
Recovery Milestones
By 10 to 14 days after surgery, patients should no longer have stitches, and pain and swelling may begin to decrease, although this may occur later for some individuals. Activity levels may also vary, with some patients able to move about more easily without assistance, while others may still require a cane or walker during this early recovery period.
Within three to six weeks, many patients can generally resume light activities of daily living and feel stronger, more stable, and more comfortable putting weight on their leg. They may also be able to resume some basic self-care and light chores.
Six weeks post-surgery, many patients feel ready to return to work, but this may vary. After six to eight weeks, patients may be able to safely have sex again. Patients should continue physical therapy as their physical therapist recommends, for at least two months after surgery, speaking with their doctor about when it is safe to do additional exercise, such as swimming and walking.
Recovery Beyond Three Months
By the three-month mark, most patients can resume their daily activities. It is essential to check with the doctor about when to reduce or stop physical therapy. By this time, patients may be able to resume low-impact sports.
Recovery can vary, and patients should check in with their doctor for an evaluation of their progress and to discuss the types of physical therapy that will benefit them the most.
Tips for Aiding Recovery
- Follow the physical therapy exercises as instructed by the physical therapist
- Try other gentle exercises, such as daily walking
- Sit in a reclining position
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Take any prescribed medication as directed by the doctor
- Use walking aids, such as crutches, if necessary
Recovery in Older vs. Younger People
Traditionally, orthopedic surgeons would not recommend hip replacements for individuals under 20 years old due to concerns about the long-term effects. However, some younger patients, particularly those with osteonecrosis of the femoral head, may require a total hip replacement.
Recovery is generally free of complications in younger patients, but pre-existing health conditions may adversely affect their recovery. In older adults, recovery may be more challenging due to compromised mobility. After hip surgery, they may need permanent assistance.
• 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
Older adults should prioritize avoiding falls, which could lead to further surgery, by using a walker, crutches, or a walking stick until they are stable. Older adults also have a higher risk of complications due to preexisting heart and lung conditions, clogged arteries, and high blood pressure. It is essential to consult a doctor for diagnostic tests and treatments for these conditions.
Hip Resurfacing Recovery
In hip resurfacing surgery, the surgeon trims and caps the femoral head with a smooth metal cover instead of removing it, replacing the damaged cartilage and bone inside the socket with a metal shell.
Most patients can go home one to four days after hip resurfacing surgery. They may begin putting weight on their leg immediately afterward but may require a walking aid such as a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks.
Patients may experience pain and discomfort for several weeks after surgery, for which a doctor might prescribe NSAIDs or opioids. A doctor may also recommend physical therapy after surgery and exercises to help maintain range of motion and restore strength. Patients may resume their regular activities around six weeks after surgery.
Outlook for Hip Replacement Surgery
• 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 who have undergone hip replacement surgery generally experience less pain, better mobility, a better quality of life, and improvements in their daily activities. However, there may be long-term effects and restrictions after hip replacement surgery and recovery, such as continued numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site.
Hip replacements may affect the following aspects of a person's life:
- Metal detectors: Metal detectors, such as those used at airports, may detect a hip replacement. It is essential to inform relevant staff before using them.
- High-impact sports: High-impact sports, such as running or jumping, may increase the risk of falls or injury, which may require further surgery.
- Dental procedures: People may need antibiotics before certain dental procedures and should inform their dental surgeon about their hip replacement.
- Sexual activity: Although most people can resume sexual activity six weeks after surgery, they may need to take precautions, such as choosing safe positions and using supportive cushions.
FAQs
- How long will it take to walk again after a hip replacement?Patients may be able to walk short distances with assistance on the same day as the surgery. Over the next few weeks, they will typically be able to walk longer distances.
- How long does bed rest last after hip replacement surgery?Patients should start walking as soon as possible after hip replacement surgery. Although they should rest and perform gentle movements, they will not need to stay in bed.
- What age do they stop doing hip replacements?There is no age limit for hip replacements; instead, doctors consider factors such as overall health and mobility.
- How long do hip implants or replacements last?A modern artificial hip replacement should last for at least 15 years. A 2019 review of over 200,000 individuals with hip replacements suggests that people can expect a hip replacement to last for an average of 15 years.
- In preparation for hip replacement surgery, patients should discuss the procedure with their doctor and research what to expect during and after the operation.
- To prepare for the procedure, patients can ask their doctor about exercises that can strengthen their legs, core, and upper body in the lead-up to surgery.
- Patients should maintain a moderate weight to reduce the risk of complications during surgery and ensure a smoother recovery.
- Individuals should limit or quit smoking as it can slow down the healing process and increase the risk of complications after hip replacement surgery.
- Aq (short for aquatic) exercises, like swimming, are recommended during recovery as they help rebuild strength and flexibility without putting excessive pressure on the hip.
- Science and advancements in medical-conditions, such as chronic diseases like COPD, obesity, colitis, chronic kidney disease, cancer, and Alzheimer's, have significantly improved recovery rates and outcomes for hip replacement patients.
- Mental-health therapies and treatments, like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), can also assist in managing pain, anxiety, and depression during the recovery period.
- Fitness-and-exercise routine plays a critical role in maintaining cardiovascular-health, aiding weight management, and boosting mental well-being, all crucial aspects of a speedy and successful hip replacement recovery.
- As people age, they may require more extensive physical therapies and treatments to ensure their hip replacement recovery goes as planned and reduces the risk of chronic health problems such as aging-related mental and physical-health issues.
