Typically, hip replacement surgery takes two hours. Surgery can feel daunting, but we want to alleviate your concerns. You should come prepared and have attended some physical therapy sessions to prepare for the surgery. This is usually a simpler and better way of administering anesthesia without the complications sometimes linked to a general anesthetic.
Using a spinal block also allows you to come out of the operation without feeling pain for close to 24 hours. Your surgeon will make an incision. The length of the incision could be about 3 to 5 inches for minimally invasive surgery or 8 to 10 inches for a traditional incision. Our goal is to return you to your desired level of activity as soon as possible.
Some swelling and initial pain at the joint are normal after hip replacement. To help reduce pain:. If you feel like you are consistently at a 6 or more on a 1—10 pain scale, mention it to your doctor, because it could be a sign of infection or another complication. As you continue physical therapy, your pain levels should slowly decrease to about 1 or 2 in 12 weeks after the hip replacement.
It depends on a few factors, including how active you were before your surgery, your age, nutrition, preexisting conditions, and other health and lifestyle factors. Depending on the amount of physical activity a task requires, the amount of time it will take to be able to perform that task differs. If you notice a fever, drainage from the incision site, difficulty moving your hip or severe pain that is not relieved by your medication, contact your doctor immediately.
Taking rehabilitation at a comfortable pace and avoiding sudden, sharp movements can help prevent dislocations and falls that may delay the recovery. Unlike older implants that were metal, modern hip prosthetics are made of a combination of metal, plastic and ceramic parts, so they are more durable and cause fewer issues.
These implants can last 20 to 30 years, and the risk of failure and the need for repeat surgeries is low. Having a double hip replacement reduces the risk of many complications that come along with anesthesia. Recovery is actually shorter but may require double the effort, because you would need to strengthen both legs at the same time.
It may also be more challenging to get around the house initially, so you might need more support at home. If you want to have two separate hip replacement surgeries, it is best to wait at least six weeks between the replacements to lower the risk of blood clots. Health Home Treatments, Tests and Therapies. When can I go home after a hip replacement? Will I need to use a walker at first?
When will my hip incision heal? After hip replacement surgery, contact a GP if you notice redness, fluid or an increase in pain in the new joint. You'll be given an outpatient appointment to check on your progress, usually 6 to 8 weeks after your hip replacement.
Everyone recovers differently, but it's often possible to return to light activities or office-based work within around 6 weeks. It may take a few more weeks if your job involves heavy lifting.
It's best to avoid extreme movements or sports where there's a risk of falling, such as skiing or riding. Your doctor or a physiotherapist can advise you more about returning to normal activities. You can usually drive a car after about 6 weeks, subject to advice from your surgeon.
It can be tricky getting in and out of a car at first. It's best to ease yourself in backwards and swing both legs round together. If you were finding sex difficult before because of pain, you may find that having the operation gives your sex life a boost.
Your surgeon can advise when it's OK to have sex again. As long as you're careful, you should be able to have sex after 6 to 8 weeks. Avoid vigorous sex and more extreme positions. With care, your new hip should last well. The following advice may be given by the hospital to help you care for your new hip. However, the advice may vary based on your doctor's recommendations:.
You'll need to be extra careful to avoid falls in the first few weeks after surgery as this could damage your hip, which may mean you need more surgery. Take extra care on stairs and in the kitchen and bathroom as these are all common places where people can have accidental falls.
Page last reviewed: 23 December Next review due: 23 December After surgery After the operation, you'll be lying flat on your back and may have a pillow between your legs to keep your hip in the correct position.
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