Hip replacement is a surgical procedure that involves replacing the ball and stem of the thighbone with artificial implants in patients with severe arthritis. The normal recovery duration for this surgery is four to six weeks, occasionally extended. It is essential to understand how long does hip replacement surgery takes because it will inform you of the recovery process, length of stay at the hospital and also help you plan your activities after discharge.
Usually, it takes between 4-6 weeks for all types of hip replacement surgery to be complete. This depends on how much damage was done to the nerves in your upper extremities and how complex your replacement is. You can expect these times to expand within these two weeks as more technicians and doctors figure out what needs to be done next.
Understand Hip Replacement
A hip replacement is a surgical procedure performed to relieve pain and improve function in patients with severe hip joint arthritis caused by avascular necrosis. The most common cause of arthritic hip joint disease is osteoarthritis, which most commonly affects older and overweight individuals. As a result of widespread loss of joint cells and bone spurs, bone cysts, and many other associated factors present in osteoarthritis joints, treatment options must be sought to promote pain-free mobility and gain a high level of function.
Understand How Long Hip Replacement Surgery Takes
When you have hip replacement surgery, it is always a good idea to have some background information on the procedure. Understanding how lengthy hip replacement surgery takes will enable you appreciate what to anticipate during your hip replacement recovery period.
If you consider having hip replacement surgery, understanding how long the process takes and when the downtime can help you plan your recovery. Hip replacement surgery is an important procedure that can take from 5 days to 5 weeks or longer to recover.
The average length of stay for a hip replacement is two weeks, with 90% of patients reporting full function within two weeks. Some patients need to stay in the hospital for longer due to complications or other issues, so it’s essential to understand how long your recovery will be during this time.
The amount of time it takes depends on several factors, the type of surgery performed, the location of the replacement, and other factors. Generally speaking, the faster you can acclimate to life following your surgery, the faster your recovery will be.
Determine the Recovery Period After Hip Replacement Surgery
There are several ways to go about recovering from hip replacement surgery. The key for any individual is to ask many questions before the operation is scheduled because this will help you know what to expect and how to recover in a manner that is most comfortable for your body.
Recovery time after total hip replacement surgery is about three months (80-90 days). Some people can recover faster than that, which usually depends on how healthy you were before surgery. If you want to get back on your feet and making changes to your lifestyle now, you need to be consistent with your exercise program and diet and keep in mind that this will be a long-haul process. You won’t wake up out of bed 100% healed – there will be pain from time to time, but work hard and have patience – it will get better.
The recovery time after a hip replacement depends on several factors. Your recovery time will depend on how much damage was done to your previous hip and whether or not it was damaged during the procedure. Some post-operative risks include infection, fatigue, insufficient recovery time, a return to sports or utility work activity within six months, reduced ability to perform specific activities requiring balance and coordination.
Preparation For Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery (also known as total joint replacement or complete joint replacement) is a complex surgical procedure that replaces the entire affected (lower) leg. The recovery period is quite lengthy, so it’s best to prepare ahead of time. To that end, here are five tips that’ll help you come out of the surgery better prepared than when you went in.
1. Avoid activities that will strain the joint for two weeks before surgery
Before having hip replacement surgery, the four-week period before the procedure is critical. Your doctor will advise you about physical and outdoor limitations, medications to take, and activities you should avoid for the two weeks before surgery, all of which are aimed at keeping your recovering hip joint safe and improving your chances for faster recovery when it comes to walking.
2. Learn what you can expect during recovery and rehabilitation
Brace yourself for what’s to come: before surgery, during your recovery, and after you leave the hospital, you need to know about the medications, how much you can expect to walk each day, and whether you should begin physical therapy. Talk to your doctor to take you through details of what to expect during the recovery from hip replacement surgery.
3. Talk to your medic about the advantages and dangers of hip replacement surgery
Hip replacement surgery has its benefits and risks, so it is essential to speak with your doctor about the benefits and risks of hip replacement surgery.
Hip replacement surgery is a surgical procedure choice for patients who suffer from hip arthritis. Over the years of pain, you gradually become accustomed to the condition until it becomes unbearable or challenging to perform daily activities. At this point, surgery can provide relief from the pain and give you a better quality of life. Speak to your doctor to assist make a knowledgeable decision before getting the surgery.
4. Have regular checkups
One of the most important measures is to have regular checkups. Specialists recommend a medical checkup every six months for people at risk from osteoarthritis.
5. Engage in safe physical activity at your own pace as soon as possible after surgery
Though all patients need to follow the surgeon’s instructions, certain precautions are especially critical for patients following hip replacement surgery. These precautions include not crossing your legs or bending too far while sitting. However, you can engage in safe physical activity as soon as possible after surgery, and your physical therapist may recommend exercises that will teach you how to move correctly with your new joint.
If you are wondering how long it takes to recover from hip replacement, then this article has shed light on the timeline to expect. Follow the tips discussed so that you can minimize the recovery time from hip replacement surgery.