Anticipated course of hip replacement recovery: Insights on postoperative phases
Contemplating hip replacement surgery? Here's a breakdown of what you can expect during recovery, from initially tackling daily tasks to tackling your old routines with ease.
Before Hip Replacement Surgery
Get ready for a smooth recovery by following some essential steps before the big day. Remember, preparation is key to a speedy recovery:
- Consider discussing your surgery with your doc and researching what to expect during and after the procedure.
- Ask your doctor for exercises that can strengthen your legs, core, and upper body in the lead-up to surgery.
- Maintaining a moderate weight may reduce complications during the surgery.
- Consider limiting or quitting smoking.
- Pick someone to help with daily activities for the week or two following your return home after surgery.
- Prepare meals for greater ease after you come home.
- Ensure your home is accessible and convenient by having a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, a walker, or crutches.
First Few Days: Hospital Life
You're likely to spend 1 to 2 days in the hospital post-surgery, though some people might go home on the same day as the operation. In the early days, doctors will prescribe painkillers like opioids, local anesthetics, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen to relieve pain. Your incision may be stapled or stitched closed for about 2 weeks, which may necessitate wound care at home.
Healthcare professionals will get you moving as soon as possible, likely helping you stand and walk on the same day as your procedure. Even though initially it may feel uncomfortable, it's an essential part of the healing process. A physical therapist may also teach you how to exercise your leg and provide guidance on activities to avoid.
Returning Home: A Helping Hand
You may require assistance with daily tasks for several weeks after coming home or might need hospitalization in a rehabilitation facility.
The initial weeks following discharge from the hospital can still bring some discomfort and pain, so you should continue taking any prescription medications. Your doctor might recommend physical therapy sessions coupled with at-home exercises that your physical therapist recommends to aid recovery. Daily exercises will help speed up the healing process and improve the flexibility and strength of your new joint.
If necessary, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist may check in and provide assistance with your recovery. Keep your surgery incision wound dry until your doctor removes the stitches or staples.
Week 2 to 4: Middle of the Road
By 10 to 14 days post-surgery, your stitches should be gone, and pain and swelling may begin to subside, though it may take longer for some individuals. At this stage, your activity level may vary from person to person. Some people might be able to move about more freely without assistance, like those who previously needed a cane or walker before surgery might still require it during this early recovery period.
Week 4 to 6: Towards the Finish Line
Three to six weeks post-surgery, many people can resume light activities of daily living. They may feel more stable, comfortable putting more weight on their leg, and able to perform some basic self-care and light chores.
Many people feel ready to return to work after six weeks, with some resuming their regular activities around 6-8 weeks post-surgery. Continue physical therapy as per your physical therapist's recommendation for at least two months after the operation. Speak with your doctor about when it is safe to do additional exercise like swimming or walking.
Beyond 3 Months: Full Steam Ahead
Three months post-surgery, you may be able to return to your daily activities. Consult your doctor to determine when it's safe to reduce or stop physical therapy, and when you can start high impact sports.
Remember, the recovery process differs for everyone, and it's essential to check in with your doctor for evaluations of your progress and to discuss the types of physical therapy that will benefit you the most.
Tips for Faster Hip Replacement Recovery
- Adhere to your physical therapist's exercises and instructions.
- Engage in other gentle exercises like daily walking.
- Choose a reclining position.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Follow your doctor's instructions regarding medications.
- Use walking aids, if needed, like crutches.
Pro Tips for Younger and Older Adults
Younger Adults
Experts initially advise against hip replacements in people under 20 due to unfavorable outcomes, but some patients under 20 may require a total hip replacement due to osteonecrosis of the femoral head. These cases can have favorable outcomes, with a total hip replacement relieving pain and restoring function.
A new study suggests that modern hip replacement implants are leading to improved outcomes and survival rates in younger populations.
• 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
Remember, recovery can still be challenging for younger individuals due to comorbid illnesses.
Older Adults
Avoid falling, which could require further surgery, particularly for older adults who may require permanent assistance. Older people might also face a higher risk of complications due to health conditions, so it's essential to consult a doctor for diagnostic tests and treatments.
Hip Resurfacing Recovery
During hip resurfacing surgery, a surgeon trims and caps the femoral head with a smooth metal cap instead of removing it. Patients might go home after 1 to 4 days of surgery and may begin walking with assistance immediately afterward, using walking aids like a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks.
Post-surgery, patients may experience pain and discomfort for several weeks and may require NSAIDs or opioids for severe pain. Physical therapy and exercises for maintaining range of motion and restoring strength are typically recommended after the procedure.
• 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
Hip Replacement Surgery Outlook
After a hip replacement, people generally experience reduced pain, increased mobility, improved quality of life, and improvements in daily activities. However, long-term effects and restrictions are possible, including ongoing numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site.
Hip replacements might also affect other aspects of your life, like:
- Metal detectors through airport security
- High-impact sports
- Dental procedures
- Sexual activity
Remember, individual recovery can vary significantly, so consulting healthcare professionals is crucial for creating a personalized recovery plan.
- Engage in predictive discussions about your hip replacement surgery with your doctor to understand what to expect.
- Perform exercises recommended by your doctor to prepare your legs, core, and upper body prior to surgery.
- Maintain a moderate weight to reduce complications during surgery.
- Consider quitting or limiting smoking prior to surgery.
- Arrange for someone to assist with daily activities following your return home after surgery.
- Prepare meals beforehand for easier consumption during recovery.
- Make your home accessible and convenient by installing a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, and providing a walker or crutches.
- After the surgery, you may spend 1 to 2 days in the hospital, with painkillers like opioids, local anesthetics, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen prescribed to manage pain.
- Your incision may need wound care at home, and healthcare professionals will encourage you to start moving as soon as possible, even if it feels uncomfortable.
