It is important to know what to expect during the recovery process after total hip replacement surgery. In this article, Dr. Dan Albright, an orthopedic surgeon based in Raleigh, North Carolina, provides insights into the post-surgery experience, including hospital care, rehabilitation, and home recovery.
Total Hip Replacement - After the Surgery
Immediately After Surgery
After the surgery, patients are taken to the recovery room and transferred to their hospital room within two hours. Dr. Albright emphasizes the importance of getting patients out of bed within 3-4 hours after surgery to facilitate a quicker recovery. Taking a few short walks in the hospital helps the patient adjust to the new hip under the supervision of healthcare providers. Dr. Albright specializes in the anterior approach to hip replacement surgery, a muscle-sparing operation that enables patients to get up and move more easily shortly after surgery. Many individuals can leave the hospital the day after the surgery, thanks to the advantages of this approach. Patients who have undergone the traditional posterior approach may take longer before they can move around easily or leave the hospital.
After the Hospital
Once at home, patients can expect to receive physical therapy, often in the comfort of their own residence. The therapy is uncomplicated, with no movement restrictions imposed by the anterior approach. Patients can perform activities like squatting, bending, and tying their shoes as early as the first day post-surgery. Walking, strength exercises, and stair training are integral parts of the therapy, and they focus on transitioning from a walker to a cane as soon as possible.
Posterior approach patients may stay in the hospital longer or, depending on their fitness level, may be moved to a rehabilitation facility to undergo physical therapy before being released to go home. The stay at the rehabilitation facility will depend on how quickly the patient is able to handle specific skills (e.g., climbing and descending stairs).
Recovery Timeline
Elderly individuals aged 70 or older typically undergo two to three months of healing, while younger patients may experience a shorter recovery period of one to two months. Over time, the hip replacement becomes integrated into the body, allowing patients to resume their daily activities without even noticing its presence.
The recovery time after total hip replacement surgery depends on many factors, including:
- Age: Older patients often have reduced mobility before surgery and may heal more slowly afterward.
- Health: The overall health of the patient and any preexisting conditions can affect recovery.
- Activity Level: How active and fit a patient is before surgery can impact recovery.
- Surgery Type: Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery recovery (anterior approach) is generally quicker and less intense than the traditional open surgery (posterior approach).
- Rehabilitation: How closely a patient follows their rehabilitation plan can affect recovery time.
- Complications: Developing complications after surgery can affect recovery time
Dr. Dan Albright, Orthopedic Surgeon
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, contact Dr. Dan Albright for an evaluation to see if you are a good candidate for the anterior approach surgery. For more information, call 919-863-6808 and schedule an appointment.
