Expected course of hip replacement recovery: An overview
Hitting the Ground Running: A Guide to Life After Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery ain't no walk in the park, but with the right guidance and a bit of patience, you'll be back on your feet in no time! This rundown will cover everything you need to know about your recovery, from the pre-surgery prep to the post-op journey.
Getting Ready for the Big Day
Most folks can get back to their day-to-day activities and easy tasks within 3 to 6 weeks of surgery. But the pioneering steps you take before the operation could impact your healing timeline. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), proper preparation can reduce complications and speed up recovery.
A few ways to get ready for surgery include:
- Consult your doctor to discuss the procedure, learn what to expect, and ask questions.
- Engage in leg, core, and upper body exercises suggested by your doc.
- Maintain a moderate weight to minimize risks during surgery.
- Cut back or quit smoking.
- Arrange for help with daily activities after you get home.
- Prepare meals ahead of time for an easier transition.
- Make home modifications like adding a raised toilet seat, safety bars, and having a walker or crutches on hand.
Post-op and the First Few Days
Following the procedure, you may be in the hospital for 1 to 2 days, but some individuals go home the same day. In the days after surgery, your doctor might administer pain relievers like opioids, local anesthetic, NSAIDs, or acetaminophen to manage your discomfort. The incision will likely be stapled or stitched for about 2 weeks, and you'll need to take care of it at home.
You'll want to get moving as soon as possible after surgery. Golf claps to the medical team for helping you get up and about! They'll guide you on walking with assistance and possibly even taking a few steps on the same day of the operation, though it might feel a bit uncomfortable at first.
A physiotherapist will also provide exercises to help strengthen your hip and advise activities to avoid. They'll show you how to sit and bend to protect your new hip.
Coming Home Sweet Home
You'll require assistance with daily tasks for several weeks following your return home or you might need to stay in a rehabilitation facility. Although you may experience some discomfort and pain for a few weeks, you should continue taking any prescribed medications.
Physical therapy or home exercises as recommended by your physio will hasten your recovery, improve flexibility, and fortify your new joint. If needed, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist might check in and help with your recovery.
Recovery Milestones
Here's a rough breakdown of what to expect during your recovery:
10 to 14 days after surgery: Stitches are out, pain and swelling are subsiding, and activities may vary depending on the person.
3 to 6 weeks: You can generally return to light activities of daily living, feel stronger, and put more weight on your leg. You may also be able to resume basic self-care and chores.
6 weeks: Many people go back to work, but it can vary. After 6 to 8 weeks, you may be ready for sexy time again.
2 months after surgery: Physical therapy as recommended by your doc continues. You can discuss additional exercises like swimming and walking with your doctor.
3 months: You're generally able to return to daily activities. Consult your doc on when to reduce or stop physical therapy. By this time, you might be ready to take on low-impact sports.
Tips for a Smooth Recovery
Do's:
- Follow your physio's exercise instructions.
- Try gentle exercises like daily walking.
- Sit in a reclining position.
- Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Take prescribed medications as directed.
- Use walking aids if necessary.
Don'ts:
- Sit still for long periods.
- Cross your legs at the knee.
- Bend the hip more than 90 degrees.
- Bend to touch your toes.
- Sit in low chairs.
- Participate in intense exercise.
- Move or lift heavy items.
Older vs. Younger Recipients
Traditionally, hip replacements for those under 20 were thought to yield unfavorable outcomes due to certain factors. However, younger recipients might need a total hip replacement because of osteonecrosis of the femoral head, a condition where the femoral head collapses.
Modern implants are leading to improved outcomes and survival rates in younger populations.
For older people, falls prevention should be a priority, as a fall could necessitate further surgery. They might benefit from using walkers, crutches, or a walking stick until they're stable. Recovery can be more challenging for older adults due to their already compromised mobility.
Hip Resurfacing Recovery
In hip resurfacing, the surgeon trims and caps the femoral head with a smooth metal cover instead of removing it. Though they'll remove the damaged cartilage and bone inside the socket and replace it with a metal shell.
Most people can go home 1 to 4 days after surgery and might begin putting weight on their leg immediately. They may need a walking aid such as a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks.
You'll probably experience some pain and discomfort for several weeks, for which your doc may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for severe pain. Your doc will also recommend physical therapy after surgery and exercises to maintain range of motion and restore strength.
Hip Replacement Surgery Outlook
After hip replacement surgery, you can expect:
- Diminished pain.
- Enhanced mobility.
- Improved quality of life.
- Better performance in daily activities.
• 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
Though, there may be some long-term effects like numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site. Hip replacements can also impact things like metal detectors, high-impact sports, dental procedures, and sexual activity.
FAQs
1. How long will it take to walk again after a hip replacement?
A: You might be able to walk short distances, with assistance, on the same day of the surgery. Over the following weeks, you'll typically be able to walk longer distances.
2. How long does bed rest last after hip replacement surgery?
A: Start walking as soon as possible after hip replacement surgery. Although you should rest and only perform gentle movements, you'll not need to stay in bed.
3. What age do they stop doing hip replacements?
• 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
A: There's no age limit on hip replacements. Factors like overall health and mobility are considered.
4. How long do hip implants or replacements last?
A: A modern artificial hip replacement should last for at least 15 years. A 2019 review of over 200,000 people with hip replacements suggests that people can expect a hip replacement to last for in 58% of cases.
- It's important to consult a doctor about predictive factors for chronic-diseases such as COPD, alzheimers, ulcerative colitis, chronic-kidney-disease, and obesity, as these medical-conditions may impact recovery from hip replacement surgery.
- Science has made advancements in the field of medical-conditions like CBD, which might be beneficial for managing pain after hip replacement surgery.
- Engaging in physical-therapy throughout the recovery process can strengthen muscles around the hip joint, reducing the risk of complications and speeding up recovery.
- Aq, a compound found in some plants, is under research for its potential in preventing and treating chronic-diseases like colitis and reducing inflammation after surgeries like hip replacement.
- The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) advises achieving and maintaining a moderate weight to minimize risks during hip replacement surgery and promote a quicker recovery.
- Older adults may need additional home modifications such as safety bars, raised toilet seats, and walkers or crutches to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery after hip replacement surgery.
- Post-operative care should include taking prescribed medications as directed, using cold compresses to reduce swelling, and following exercise instructions provided by the physical therapist to ensure a smooth recovery from hip replacement surgery.
