How long it takes to recover from hip surgery depends on the person and the type of surgery they had.
Follow the advice the hospital gives you about looking after your new hip.
After surgery
You'll be lying on your back.
You may wake up with:
- a pillow between your legs to keep your hip in the correct position
- a large dressing on your leg to keep your wound clean
You may be allowed to sip water or have a light meal about 1 hour after you return to the ward. This will depend on how you are feeling.
You may be given:
- an injection into your tummy (abdomen) to help prevent blood clots from forming in your legs
- antibiotics to help prevent infection
Your nurses will monitor your condition.
Walking after hip surgery
Your care team will help you get up and walk as soon as possible after surgery.
You may be able to walk on the same day as your surgery if you:
- have had minimally invasive surgery
- are on an enhanced recovery programme
After your surgery, you'll feel discomfort while walking or exercising. Your legs and feet may be swollen.
A physiotherapist will:
- teach you exercises to strengthen your new hip
- tell you what you should and should not do
- teach you how to bend and sit to avoid damaging your new hip
- teach you how to use crutches and walking aids
As you get stronger, you can slowly increase how much you walk each day.
Going home
You will usually go home 3 days after your surgery.
This will depend on the type of surgery you had and how well you're recovering.
Getting help after hip surgery
When you go home, you may need someone to help you with daily activities for a week or so.
You may also:
- need help from aids, such as crutches and walking sticks
- be able to get home support
Follow the advice of your surgical team. Contact your GP if you have any concerns.
Recovering at home
The exercises your physiotherapist gives you are an important part of your recovery. Continue with them when you're at home. Your physiotherapist will monitor your recovery.
Avoiding falls
Take care not to fall in the first few weeks after surgery. This could damage your hip and lead to more surgery.
Use walking aids as directed, such as crutches, a walking stick or a walker.
Take extra care on stairs, in the kitchen and bathroom. These are all common places for falls.
If you're in pain
Any pain you had before your surgery should be gone straight after surgery. But you will have some pain because of the surgery. This will not last for long.
Non-urgent advice: Contact your GP if you have:
- redness around the wound
- oozing fluid at the wound
- more pain in your joint after your surgery
Returning to normal activity after hip surgery
Within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery, you may be able to stop using your crutches.
After 3 months, you should be able to return your normal activities
It can take up to a year before you experience the full benefits of your new hip.
Avoid extreme movements or sports where there's a risk of falling, such as skiing or riding a bicycle. Your surgeon or physiotherapist can advise you about this.
Sleeping after hip surgery
Lie on your back. Do not lie on your side so that you do not apply pressure to your wound in the early stages.
You can usually start sleeping on your side around 6 weeks after surgery.
Driving after hip surgery
You can usually drive at around 6 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will advise you about this.
Do not drive until you feel you can fully control the car in an emergency situation.
It can be difficult getting in and out of a car at first. To get into the car, ease yourself in backwards and swing both of your legs around together.
Flying after hip surgery
Do not fly for at least 6 weeks after hip surgery. Flying increases your chance of getting a blood clot (deep vein thrombosis).
Talk to your surgeon before you fly.
Sex after hip surgery
You can usually have sex 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will advise you about this.
Avoid vigorous sex and extreme positions.
Returning to work after hip surgery
You can usually return to work 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. This depends on the type of work you do.
Your surgeon can advise you about when it's safe to return to work.
Check ups
You'll be given an appointment to check on your progress. This is usually 6 to 12 weeks after your surgery.
Looking after your new hip
Most hip implants last for 15 years or more. With care, your new hip should last well.
Follow the specific advice your surgeon gives you after your surgery.
Do
-
the exercises your physiotherapist gave you
-
take small steps when you turn around
Don't
-
do not bend your hip more than 90 degrees during any activity
-
do not twist your hip
-
do not swivel on the ball of your foot
-
do not cross your legs or ankles
-
do not do anything that makes your hip feel uncomfortable
-
do not use low chairs and toilet seats - you can buy a raised toilet seat
Replacement hip implants
Getting a replacement hip implant (revision surgery) takes longer to do than a first hip replacement. It is more complicated so there is a higher chance of something going wrong.
Not everyone can get a replacement hip implant. But most people who have a replacement implant will have it for 10 years or more.
Content supplied by the NHS and adapted for Ireland by the HSE
