Recovery after hip surgery

What is the recovery like after hip surgery?

Once you are discharged home after hip surgery, you will notice that you need less pain medications. However, you will need to continue blood thinning medications for at least 7-14 days after the surgery. The majority of patients are encouraged to start some type of physical therapy soon after the surgery. Rehabilitation in most patients is done as outpatients. The amount of rehabilitation will depend on whether you had a cemented or cementless hip replacement. Your surgeon will determine how much weight you can put on your leg. In addition, the rehabilitation team will be told by the surgeon what the limitations are. In any case, most people do require the use of an ambulatory device like a cane, walker or crutches for a few weeks.

The first few days after surgery, you will only be getting out of bed and sitting in a char. This will then progress into more active rehabilitation with walking, climbing and use of steps. Your pain will be monitored during the exercise and some degree of discomfort is normal. If the surgery was done right, then most patient will notice a significant relief from the pain that was ongoing prior to surgery.

All patients who undergo hip replacement should understand that physical therapy is critical for the overall outcome of hip replacement surgery. The rehabilitation will help you increase the range of motion, increase muscle strength and prevent contractures. During the first few weeks after surgery, one should not strain the hip with lifting of heavy material. You will also be taught specific body postures when sitting and using the toilet. To reduce the risk of hip discoloration, you will also be told not to cross your legs. When lying down, you will be asked to place a pillow in between the legs to prevent the other leg from cross over the midline. As you progress, you wil be given exercises that can done at home to increase the strength of muscles around the thigh and buttocks.

You will also be seen by an occupation therapist who will educate and teach you how to conduct daily living activities.

As you gain more stability and confidence, you will become less dependent on your ambulatory devices. All patients are asked to look for signs of infection such as redness, fever, swelling, pain or warmth around the incision. If you see any of the above signs, please contact your surgeon as soon as possible. Most surgeons see the patient a week after the surgery and then schedule another visit several weeks later for removal of sutures. At each visit the wound and your gait are assessed.

While strenuous exercises such as running or contact sports are not recommended as they can lead to hip injury, swimming is highly recommend. Aquatic exercises can significantly improve mobility, endurance and muscle strength.

All patients with a new hip joint should notify their healthcare provider if they plan to have any surgery or any other invasive procedure. This is critical as bacteria from other sites can easily infect the hip joint. In selected patients, hip replacement surgery may last 12-15 years.