Anticipated course of hip replacement recovery: Insights on theduration and stages involved
Recovery Following Hip Replacement Surgery: A Comprehensive Overview
The period of recovery after hip replacement surgery varies for each individual. Nevertheless, most people can return to basic activities within three to six weeks following the procedure. However, specific precautions may be necessary during this period.
Preparation Ahead of Surgery
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), most patients can regain independence for daily living and light activities in the three to six weeks after surgery. Nevertheless, the steps taken before surgery can impact the total recovery time.
To ensure a smoother recovery process, patients are advised to prepare their bodies several weeks or more before the surgery. By doing so, they reduce the risk of complications and speed up the healing process. Preparations for a partial or total hip replacement are significantly similar.
To prepare for hip replacement surgery, patients can:
- Discuss the procedure with their doctor and healthcare team, research what to expect during and after the operation
- Ask their doctors about exercises that can strengthen their legs, core, and upper body prior to surgery
- Maintain a moderate weight to reduce the possibility of complications during surgery
- Attempt to limit or stop smoking
- Arrange for assistance with daily activities for the week or two following return home from surgery
- Prepare meals in advance for easier access post-surgery
- Modify the home for accessibility and convenience, such as having a raised toilet seat, safety bars in the bathroom, and walking aid like crutches or a walker
First Few Days Post-Surgery
Following a partial or total hip replacement, patients may stay in the hospital for one to two days. Some may even go home on the same day of their surgery.
In the days after surgery, doctors typically administer pain relievers such as opioids, local anesthetic, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and acetaminophen. The doctor may stitch or staple close the incision for about two weeks, which may require wound care at home.
A patient may be asked to get up and move around as soon as possible post-surgery. They may be able to walk short distances with assistance on the same day of the operation, although this can be initially painful or uncomfortable.
A physiotherapist may teach the patient exercises to strengthen their leg and advise what activities to avoid. The patient may also learn how to sit and bend without damaging the new hip.
Return Home and Longer Recovery
Patients may require help with daily tasks for several weeks after returning home or they may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility. Some may experience pain and discomfort for several weeks and should continue taking any prescription medications.
Patients may attend physical therapy or need to perform exercises at home that their physical therapist recommends. Regular exercises will assist in speeding recovery and improving flexibility and strength in the new joint.
Home Health aides, nurses, or physical therapists may check in and assist with recovery if necessary.
Patients should keep the surgery incision wound dry until a doctor removes the stitches or staples.
Recovery Timeline
Between ten to fourteen days after surgery, patients should no longer have their stitches. Pain and swelling may start to decrease, although this may take longer for some individuals. At this stage, patients may be able to move about more easily without aid.
By three to six weeks, many patients 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.
Typically, patients may return to work after six weeks, but this can vary. After six to eight weeks, patients may feel safe to have sex again.
Patients should continue physical therapy as their physical therapist recommends, for at least two months after surgery. They can speak with their doctor about when it is safe to do additional exercises like swimming and walking.
Recovery Beyond Three Months
After three months, patients may be able to resume regular activities. They should consult their doctor about when to reduce or stop physical therapy. By this time, patients may be able to participate in low-impact sports.
Recovery differs for each individual, and patients should consult their doctor for an evaluation of their progress and to discuss the types of physical therapy that will benefit them the most.
Aiding Recovery
Patients can try the following tips to improve hip replacement recovery:
To do:
- Follow physical therapy exercises as a physical therapist instructs
- Attempt gentle exercises such as daily walking
- Sit in a reclining position
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling
- Take any prescription medications as directed by a doctor
- Use walking aids like crutches, if necessary
To avoid:
- 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.
Recovery in Younger or Older People
Historically, hip replacements were not recommended for people 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, in which the femoral head - the top part of the thigh bone - collapses. These cases can have positive outcomes, with a total hip replacement relieving pain and restoring function.
On the other hand, recovery may be more challenging for older adults as they may already have compromised mobility. After hip surgery, they may need permanent assistance.
Avoiding falls, where possible, should be a priority for older people after hip replacement surgery, as a fall could mean they will require further surgery. Older adults may benefit from using a walker, crutches, or a walking stick until they are stable.
Hip Resurfacing Recovery
• 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
In hip resurfacing, a surgeon trims the femoral head with a smooth metal cover instead of removing it. Patients may go home one to four days after hip resurfacing surgery and may begin putting weight on their leg immediately after, although they may require a walking aid like a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks.
Recovery may be more rapid for patients undergoing hip resurfacing as the procedure aims to preserve the patient's natural anatomy and original bone structure. Nevertheless, patients may experience some pain and discomfort for several weeks after surgery.
A doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain. Similarly, a doctor may recommend physical therapy after surgery and will recommend exercises to help maintain range of motion and restore strength. Patients may resume their regular activities around six weeks after surgery.
Hip Replacement Surgery Outlook
Patients experience less pain, better mobility, better quality of life, and improvements in daily activities after hip replacement surgery and recovery. However, they may continue to experience some numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site.
Hip replacements may affect the following aspects of someone's life:
- Metal detectors: Metal detectors, such as through airport security, may detect a hip replacement. Patients should let relevant staff know before using them.
- High impact sports: 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.
- Sexual activity: Although patients can typically resume sexual activity around six weeks after the surgery, they may need to take certain precautions, such as choosing safe positions and using supportive cushions.
• 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
In Summary
Hip replacement and resurfacing surgeries have comparable outcomes and high success rates. Patients can begin recovery the same day as the surgery and will typically be able to walk a short distance with assistance soon afterward.
Physical therapy in the hospital and home can help build strength and flexibility and speed recovery. Patients should continue with physical therapy throughout recovery, following their physical therapist's directions.
Many patients can return to normal activities within about six weeks and resume life as usual after about three months.
- Patients undergoing ulcerative colitis or chronic kidney disease might find predictive science in health and wellness beneficial for managing their conditions, as it could offer personalized therapies and treatments.
- Science could help in the development of effective nutrition and weight-management strategies for people struggling with obesity, thus reducing the risk of associated chronic diseases like COPD.
- CBD, a compound derived from cannabis, has shown potential in aiding the management of chronic conditions such as Alzheimer's, owing to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties.
- Medical-conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Alzheimer's disease could benefit from regular exercise and physical therapy as part of a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Patients may consider discussing the use of natural products like CBD with their healthcare providers before incorporating them into their treatment plan, as interactions with other medications may occur.
- Following a healthy diet, regular exercise, and employing weight-management practices could reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases like COPD and promote overall health and wellness.
- In addition to medications, a combination of medical-conditions management strategies,such as nutrition, exercise, and physical therapy, may be necessary to effectively manage chronic diseases like obesity and COPD.
- The use of acetaminophen or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) during the recovery period following hip replacement surgery can help manage pain effectively.
