Total Hip Replacement Recovery: Everything You Need To Know

What to expect after surgery

Total hip replacement (THR) surgery has become less invasive thanks to new surgical techniques and modern implants. As a result, recovery is now faster and more comfortable than it used to be. 

Patients are encouraged to start walking as soon as possible to lower the risk of complications like blood clots that can travel from the leg to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).

Weight-bearing on the operated leg is allowed, though most people use an assistive device — like crutches or a walker — for support in the first few days as they regain strength and balance. Physical therapy usually begins the same day as surgery.

After surgery, it’s normal to feel pain around the incision as well as some joint and muscle discomfort in the buttock, groin and/or thigh areas. Most patients are prescribed a combination of low-dose medications that work together to manage pain effectively. 

This “opioid-sparing” approach helps avoid stronger painkillers like oxycodone when possible, since they can lead to issues like drowsiness, breathing problems, constipation, dizziness, falls, nausea and vomiting.

Other pain relief options include cryotherapy — which consists of applying ice to the surgical site to reduce swelling and pain. Some patients also find relief with non-medication options like meditation and reiki therapy.

How soon do patients go home after surgery? 

Most patients go home the same day or after one night in the hospital. Because the procedure is less invasive, early discharge is encouraged for most healthy patients. A small number of patients — especially those with limited mobility or other medical issues — may need to go to a rehabilitation facility. But for most, recovery at home is the choice.

Staying in the hospital or rehab facility for too long can increase the risk of problems caused by reduced movement. Recovering at home usually allows patients to walk more, lowering the chance of complications like pneumonia and blood clots.

When can folks walk again after hip replacement surgery? 

Walking usually begins the same day after surgery, once the effects of anesthesia have worn off. Early movement helps speed up recovery and lowers the risk of blood clots. 

Most patients can even begin climbing stairs that day. Though most will be able to put full weight on their leg, but many surgeons recommend using crutches or a walker for a few days or weeks — depending on a patient's strength, balance and mobility before surgery — to prevent falls.

What exercises can patients do to speed the recovery process?  

Pre-habilitation programs — where patients do physical therapy before surgery with a certified physical therapist — can increase strength and balance before surgery, making recovery faster.  

After-surgery exercises often include:

• Gait retraining (helping patients learn to walk properly)

• Balance and proprioception exercises (training the body to sense where the joints are to avoid falls)

• Strengthening the hip flexors and abductors, which improve overall hip function 

A healthy diet and good sleep habits also support a smoother recovery. 

At Boston Medical Center, many patients follow a Rapid Recovery program. This includes things like drinking a sports drink before surgery, starting physical therapy right after the procedure, and using spinal anesthesia to promote a faster, smoother recovery.

When can patients expect to return to their regular activities? 

The timeline varies based on a patient's health and activity level before surgery. Folks are always encouraged to begin walking right away.

Returning to sports depends on the specific activity, but most people can go back to full participation within six to 12 weeks.

As for work, here are some estimates:

• Sedentary/desk jobs: two to four weeks

• Active jobs with lots of walking: six to eight weeks

• Jobs with heavy labor: up to three months

When should patients see a doctor about pain after surgery?  

Severe leg or thigh pain along with severe swelling could be a sign of a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) that could travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism, or PE). This requires immediate medical attention.

Patients should also call their surgical team if they notice drainage of fluid, pus or bleeding at the incision site.  

How long does a hip replacement last? 

Long-term studies show that 95% of hip replacements last 15 to 20 years. These studies were based on older implants, so today’s newer, more durable designs may last even longer.

However, hip replacements can fail over time due to infection, wear and tear, loosening, dislocation or bone fractures around the implant.

More information

The Mayo Clinic has more on hip replacements.

SOURCE: Boston Medical Center

What This Means For You

If you’re preparing for hip replacement surgery, knowing what to expect can help you manage pain and recover more quickly at home.