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.
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.
Graphic of a total hip replacement.
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:
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
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.
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:
Hip Patient with Physician
If you follow the protocols set forth by your surgeon and/or physical therapist you can greatly decrease these odds.
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):
Anterior Approach (from the front):
*Patients should ask their physician for specific precautions.
If you want more information about a Robotic Total Hip Replacement, please read this ARTICLE.
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:
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.
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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