Total joint replacement surgery, including hip replacement, is one of the most commonly performed elective surgeries.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), more than 450,000 total hip replacement surgeries are done in the United States every year. This number is expected to reach 635,000 surgeries annually by 2030.
Total hip replacement surgery, or arthroplasty, involves removing a damaged ball-and-socket hip joint and replacing it with an artificial hip joint made out of metal or durable synthetic materials.
The goal of total hip replacement surgery is to relieve pain from arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, or other hip-related injuries and conditions, and restoring range of motion in your joint.
The surgery is usually only done if conservative measures aren’t able to decrease your pain or improve your mobility.
Conservative treatments for hip joint issues typically include:
- pain medication
- therapeutic exercise
- physical therapy
- regular stretching
- weight management
- walking aids, like a cane
Recovery from hip joint replacement surgery can differ from one person to the next. However, having an idea of what to expect with your recovery can help you plan ahead and prepare for the best outcome.
Although recovery after a total hip replacement varies by individual, there are some common milestones. This is based on data that’s been compiled from many patients who’ve undergone this surgery.
You will probably be discharged to your home or a rehabilitation center several days after surgery. You will need someone to help you for several days to several weeks.
The AAOS reports that most people will be able to resume most light activities of daily living independently within 3 to 6 weeks.
Let’s take a closer look at the general timeline for recovery after hip replacement surgery.
Once your surgery is done, you’ll be taken to a recovery room, where nurses or other medical personnel will monitor your vital signs.
They’ll also help ensure that fluid is kept out of your lungs while the anesthesia wears off.
You’ll be given pain medication while in the recovery room. You may also be given a blood thinner and have compression stockings put on your legs to prevent blood clots.
Once the anesthesia wears off, you’ll be taken to your hospital room. Once you’re fully awake and alert, you’ll be encouraged to sit up and walk, with the help of a physical therapist.
According to clinical evidence, it’s thought that starting physical therapy right after surgery can help speed up recovery and improve outcomes.
You’ll most likely need to spend 1 to 3 days in the hospital following your surgery.
While you’re in the hospital recovering from your surgery, a physical therapist will work with you on doing specific exercises and movements.
Participating in physical therapy after hip replacement surgery helps improve blood flow and build muscle strength. It also helps you to begin moving safely.
Shortly after your surgery, a physical therapist will work with you to help you:
- sit up in bed
- get up out of bed safely
- walk short distances with the help of a walker or crutches
Your physical therapist will also help you do specific strengthening and range-of-motion exercises in bed.
Before you leave the hospital, a physical therapist will provide you with instructions on daily exercises for you to do at home.
They’ll advise you on how much weight you can put on your leg. They may also suggest specific precautions to take when sleeping, sitting, or bending.
These precautionary measures may be in place for a few months or long term. Your surgeon will determine how long you’ll need to take these measures.
An occupational therapist will also work with you before you leave the hospital. They will help you learn and practice modified ways of doing daily tasks, such as:
- showering and bathing
- getting in and out of bed
- getting on and off the toilet
- bending down to put on socks and shoes
- transporting items like food and drink in your house while using a cane or walker
- getting in and out of a car
They will also help you get the equipment you may need during your recovery. These tools will vary depending on your lifestyle but may include such items as:
- raised toilet seat
- grab bars for your bathroom
- cane and walker
- shower seat
- reaching device, like a distance grabber
- shoes with elastic or velcro closing
An occupational therapist will also discuss your home environment with you. They will give you personal instruction and practice to navigate your home and carry out daily activities safely.
You can resume a regular diet in the days following your surgery. While you’re in the hospital, your pain levels will be carefully monitored.
Depending on your progress, your pain medication dosage may be lowered before you go home.
If your medical team feels that you would benefit from having further care or instruction before you return home, you may be released to a rehabilitation center instead. Your occupational therapy will then continue there.
