What to Expect After Having a Total Hip Replacement

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What To Expect After Having a Total Hip Replacement?

If you would like to see a visual representation of what your hip replacement may entail, please click here. 

There are several different types of procedures for a total hip replacement. Each individual will recover differently, but there are general steps and a timeline that each patient can expect to follow after their surgery.

What Does A Hip Replacement Look Like? 

The picture below represents what a total hip replacement looks like within your hip joint.  The acetabular cup and some type of liner is placed in the hip socket.  The femoral head and shaft are then replaced with a prosthetic device. 

JOI offers superior care in hip replacement surgery.Graphic of a total hip replacement.
 

How Long Will Your Total Hip Replacement Last?

Knowing how long your new hip will last is an important part of knowing what to expect after a total hip replacement.

Advances in technology have greatly increased the life of prosthetics. As a result, expectations following a total hip replacement have evolved as well. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: 

There is an 80% chance that your total hip replacement will last a minimum of 20 years. 

Once a patient has elected to have a total hip replacement surgery, they can maximize the lifespan of their prosthetic with the following: 

  • Adhering to their rehabilitation plan of care. 
  • Avoiding any high impact activities. 
    • Such as Running, heavy weight lifting, etc. 

What Medications Do You Take After a Total Hip Replacement?

Depending on your specific medications, what to expect after having a total hip replacement may vary. There may be a variety of medications that you are prescribed following your total hip replacement surgery. Some of these medications might include

  • Narcotic/non-narcotic pain killers.
  • Blood thinners (to prevent blood clots).
  • Stool softeners.
  • Antibiotics.

It is important to follow all of the medication protocols set forth by your physician, as well as following the labels on each medication to prevent any complications and help increase the speed of your recovery. 

What are the Risks with A Hip Replacement?

As with any surgery there is a small possibility for risks and complications. What to expect after having a total hip replacement and some complications following your procedure include:

  • Blood Clot/Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
  • Hip Dislocation.
  • Infection.
  • Inflammation/Swelling.
  • Joint stiffness.
  • Contractors.
  • Hip Pain.

Hip surgery patient experiencing hip pain post surgery. JOI RehabHip Patient with Physician

If you follow the protocols set forth by your surgeon and/or physical therapist you can greatly decrease these odds.  

What are Hip Precautions after a Total Hip Replacement?

After a Total Hip Replacement, there are positions that should be avoided to help prevent a dislocation. They are different depending on the type of approach that the surgeon takes.

Posterior Approach (from the back):

  • Do not bend at the waist past 90 degrees.
  • Do not cross your legs.
  • Do not internally rotate the surgical leg.

Anterior Approach (from the front):

  • Do not step backwards with surgical leg (extension).
  • Do not externally rotate surgical leg.

*Patients should ask their physician for specific precautions.

If you want more information about a Robotic Total Hip Replacement, please read this ARTICLE.

Will I Need Physical Therapy Following a Total Hip Replacement?

It is important for early exercise and movement for patients after a total hip replacement surgery. Depending on the time of day and surgeon it is even possible for you to be working with a physical therapist the day of your procedure. Your PT will tell you what to expect after having a total hip replacement, as well as the following: 

  • Special precautions individualized to your procedure.
  • A home exercise program.
  • Fitting you with an assisting device, such as walker or crutches.
  • The possibility of being discharged home or to a rehab facility.
  • When to begin attending outpatient physical therapy.

Outpatient therapy will begin with you participating at higher frequency, but lower intensity. As your pain subsides and you begin to regain strength and range of motion, your therapy will become more focused on your return to your prior level of function.

What Should I Do to Prepare for a  Total Hip Replacement?

When asking “what to expect after a total hip replacement,” remember that you may need to prepare for everyday life. After a total hip replacement surgery, you may have difficulty with everyday tasks and need to arrange assistance from friends and family. This is especially true to help reduce the risks for falls and possible dislocation.

If you have stairs, carpets, and small furniture you may need to rearrange your home so that you can safely maneuver with your new ambulation device.  

Commonly used items such as a remote control, phone chargers, glasses, or medications should be placed within an arm’s reach to minimize bending over or reaching overhead. You will also need to prearrange rides because you will not be able to drive until you are no longer taking narcotic pain medication and have built up enough strength to operate the pedals.

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By Jon Stiffler, PTA

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