Recovery time after hip replacement surgery varies from person to person. However, most people can resume light activities within 3 to 6 weeks of surgery.
People may need to avoid certain activities, such as sex, intense exercise, and work, in the first few weeks of their recovery. Doctors may also prescribe medications to relieve pain and swelling as someone recovers at home.
According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS), most people can resume daily living and light activities independently within 3 to 6 weeks of surgery. However, the steps someone takes before surgery may affect the total recovery timeline.
A person should prepare their body for a partial or total hip replacement several weeks or more before the surgery. This
Surgery preparation is the same for a partial or total hip replacement. The outcomes and recovery are also similar for both surgery types.
To prepare for surgery, people can:
- discuss the surgery with their doctor and healthcare team, and research what to expect during and after the procedure
- ask their doctor about exercises that can strengthen their legs, core, and upper body in the lead-up to surgery
- try to maintain a moderate weight, which may reduce the risk of complications during surgery
- try to limit or stop smoking
- arrange for someone to help with day-to-day activities for the week or two following their return home after surgery
- prepare meals in advance for greater ease after returning home
- prepare the home for accessibility and convenience, such as having:
- a raised toilet seat
- safety bars in the bathroom
- a walker or crutches
Following a partial or total hip replacement, a person may remain in the hospital for 1 to 2 days. Some people may go home on the same day as their surgery.
In the days after surgery, doctors typically administer pain relievers, which may include:
The doctor may staple or stitch close the incision for about 2 weeks. This may require wound care at home, which the medical team will discuss with a person.
Healthcare professionals will help a person to get up and move around as soon as possible after the surgery. A person may be able to walk short distances with assistance on the same day as the operation, although this can initially feel painful or uncomfortable.
A physiotherapist may show a person how to exercise the leg to strengthen the hip and advise them on what activities to avoid. They may show the patient how to sit and bend to avoid damaging the new hip.
People may require help with daily tasks for several weeks after returning home or they may need to stay in a rehabilitation facility.
People may experience some pain and discomfort for a few weeks and should continue taking any prescription medications.
A person may attend physical therapy or need to perform exercises at home that their physical therapist recommends. Daily exercises will help speed recovery and improve flexibility and strength in the new joint.
If necessary, a home health aide, nurse, or physical therapist may check in and assist with recovery.
People should keep the surgery incision wound dry until a doctor removes the stitches or staples.
By 10 to 14 days after surgery, a person should no longer have their stitches. Pain and swelling may start to go down, although this may take longer for some people.
Activity levels at this stage may also vary from person to person. Some people may be able to move about more easily without aid.
People who previously required a cane or walker before surgery may still need it during this early recovery period.
Within 3 to 6 weeks, many people can generally resume light activities of daily living. They may feel stronger, more stable, and comfortable putting more weight on their leg. They may also be able to resume some basic self-care and light chores.
Many people feel ready to return to work after 6 weeks, but this may vary. After 6 to 8 weeks, people may be able to safely have sex again.
People should continue physical therapy as their physical therapist recommends, for at least two months after surgery. They can speak with their doctor about when it is safe to do additional exercise, such as swimming and walking.
After 3 months, a person may be able to resume daily activities. They should check with their doctor about when to reduce or stop physical therapy. By this time, people may be able to resume low impact sports.
Recovery can vary, and people should check in with their doctor for evaluation of their progress and to discuss the types of physical therapy that will benefit them the most.
People can try the following tips to improve their hip replacement recovery:
| To do: | To avoid: |
|---|---|
| • 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 | • 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 |
Traditionally, experts would not recommend hip replacements for people under 20 years old due to unfavorable outcomes.
However, some patients under 20 may need a total hip replacements due to a condition called osteonecrosis of the femoral head, in which the femoral head — the top part of the thigh bone — collapses.
These cases can have favorable outlooks, with a total hip replacement relieving pain and restoring function.
However, a
In people younger than
Recovery in older adults
Annually, emergency departments treat
Avoiding falls, where possible, should be a priority for older people after hip replacement surgery, as a fall could mean they will require more surgery. They may benefit from using a walker, crutches, or a walking stick until they are stable.
Recovery may be more challenging for older adults as they may already have compromised mobility. After hip surgery, they may need permanent assistance.
According to the American Society of Anesthesiologists, surgery in older adults may also have an increased risk of complications because they are more likely to have conditions such as:
- heart and lung disease
- clogged arteries
- high blood pressure
People should speak with a doctor for diagnostic tests and treatments for the above conditions.
In hip resurfacing, a surgeon trims and caps the femoral head, or hip joint, with a smooth metal cover instead of removing it. However, they will 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 hip resurfacing surgery. Sometimes, they can begin putting weight on their leg immediately afterward, but they may need a walking aid such as a walker, cane, or crutches for the first few days or weeks.
People may experience some pain and discomfort for several weeks after surgery. A doctor may prescribe NSAIDs or opioids for more severe pain.
Similarly, a doctor may recommend physical therapy after surgery and will recommend exercises to help maintain range of motion and restore strength. People may resume their regular activities around 6 weeks after surgery.
People
- less pain
- better mobility
- better quality of life
- improvements in daily activities
However, there may be some long-term effects and restrictions after hip replacement surgery and recovery. People may continue to experience some numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site.
Hip replacements may also affect the following aspects of someone’s life:
- Metal detectors: Metal detectors, such as through airport security, may detect a hip replacement. People should let relevant staff know before using them.
- High impact sports: High impact sports, which may involve jumping, physical contact, or quick turns, may increase the risk of falls or injury, which may require further surgery.
- Dental procedures: People may need antibiotics before certain dental procedures and should let their dental surgeon know about their hip replacement.
- Sexual activity: Although many people can resume sexual activity around 6 weeks after the surgery, they may need to take certain precautions, such as choosing safe positions and using supportive cushions.
How long will it take to walk again after a hip replacement?
A person may be able to walk short distances, with assistance, on the same day as the surgery. Over the following weeks, they will typically be able to walk longer distances.
How long does bed rest last after hip replacement surgery?
People should start walking as soon as possible after hip replacement surgery. Although they should rest and only perform gentle movements, a person will not need to stay in bed.
What age do they stop doing hip replacements?
There is no age limit on hip replacements. Instead, doctors may consider factors such as a person’s overall health and mobility.
How long do hip implants or replacements last?
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
Hip replacement and resurfacing surgeries have similar outcomes and high success rates. People can begin recovery the same day as the surgery and will typically be able to walk a short distance with assistance soon afterward.
Physical therapy in the hospital and home can help build strength and flexibility and speed recovery. People should continue with physical therapy throughout recovery, following their physical therapist’s directions.
Many people can return to light activities within about 6 weeks and resume life as usual after about 3 months.
