Hip replacement recovery timeline
Introduction
For individuals who require a hip replacement, the process can be lengthy. Not only do you have to contend with the surgery itself, but you must also prepare for an extended recovery period. The good news is that many people make a full hip replacement recovery. However, this recovery timeline can vary greatly depending on the patient’s age and health condition before surgery. In this article, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about hip replacement recovery timelines and what you can expect along the way.
Hip Replacement Recovery Time
The usual hip replacement recovery time is six to twelve months. Most patients can walk with assistance the day of or the day after surgery. Between 10 and 12 weeks after surgery, they typically start doing their regular jobs again. Older people may need more time to recuperate after a hip replacement because recovery times vary from person to person. The hip joint recovery timeline may look like this:
On the day of the procedure
A few hours before surgery, you will check into the hospital. The procedure will take two to three hours, and you’ll need to rest for another two hours while the anesthetic wears off. For the remainder of the day, expect a liquid diet. You will also receive various intravenous drugs to treat pain and stop blood clots and infections.
1 to 2 days post-surgery
Most patients should be able to move around with a walker or crutches but will likely need assistance getting out of bed. Go slowly, but make an effort to move for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. This will maintain the strength of your muscles and increase circulation to stop blood clots.
Physical therapists will guide you in the least painful movements, but you won’t be able to move as much as you once could for a few more weeks. You’ll probably start eating normally the day after surgery, and oral painkillers will replace your IV.
3 to 4 days post-surgery
You might be able to go to the restroom by day three of your hip joint recovery timeline. While you will still experience discomfort, it shouldn’t debilitate you. If there are no difficulties, most patients can leave the hospital by day three or four.
If you are returning home, you will require a driver and someone to remain with you for a few days to a few weeks.
4 to 10 days post-surgery
To stop an illness, you must act now. As for how to care for the incision, follow your doctor’s instructions. If you notice any signs of an infection, such as redness or fever, let them know immediately.
Keep the incision dry. Dr. Sartawi uses a patented closure technique that allows a quicker recovery. He does not use staples or sutures on the skin to minimise the risk of infection, and the discomfort patients experience with suture/staple removal.
Avoiding stiffness, boosting circulation, and hastening your recovery are achieved by moving around as much as possible and keeping to your physical therapy exercises. Physical therapists and nurses at a rehabilitation facility will keep an eye out for any issues. They will help with exercises as well.
10 to 14 days post-surgery
Dr. Sartawi does not use staples or sutures on the skin to minimise the risk of infection, so there is no process of suture removal. But after 10 days, you can walk without a cane or walker and take showers or baths.
If you are receiving treatment at a rehab facility, you may be able to go home afterwards, depending on how well you do within the hip joint recovery timeline.
3–6 weeks post surgery
In this stage of the hip joint replacement timeline, you can now resume light exercises without crutches or a walker. If you are not using painkillers, your doctor can also give you the okay to start driving again. After surgery, you can resume sexual activity around six weeks later.
10 weeks to 1-year post-surgery
After surgery, many patients resume their regular activities within 10 to 12 weeks, but complete recovery can take six to twelve months. Though most people have relief during this period, some experience discomfort after the first year.
The average hip replacement lasts 20 years; however, some implants fail earlier. Keep an eye out for indications of loosening, instability, infection, or increased pain. These could be symptoms of the implant failing or deteriorating, necessitating hip revision surgery.
To sum it up
Recovering from hip replacement surgery can be a long and difficult process, but it is possible to fully recover with the right knowledge and guidance. Knowing what to expect regarding the hip replacement recovery timeline will help you better prepare for your return home. You can achieve a successful outcome from your hip replacement surgery with proper care, dedication, and patience!
Plan your surgery & recovery With Dr. Sartawi.
Recovery from a hip replacement involves numerous stages. Planning your hip replacement procedure with the help of an expert is crucial in making your journey easier. Dr. Sartawi pioneered one-day joint replacement surgery in Central Illinois and the Middle East. With his innovative approach, he has performed about 1,000 total knee replacement surgeries with a 98% success rate. Peer-reviewed journals have published his method.
