Everything You Need to Know About Hip Replacement Surgery

Updated November 2021

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopedic procedures performed each year. While it’s true that no one likes going under the knife, the procedure’s high success rate has helped millions of people live a happier, more comfortable life.

The idea of surgery can be intimidating, which is why it’s crucial to be prepared every step of the way. 

Knowing about how best to prepare, having clear expectations, and most importantly, learning how long it will take to heal from hip replacement surgery calms the nerves and sets you up for a swift recovery.

What is hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty, is when the doctor uses artificial implants to replace the ball and socket joint of your hip.

The implants are often made from metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination of all three.

This surgery is often the last resort after other conservative treatment options such as physical therapy or steroid injections have failed.

Hip replacement surgery “is considered to be one of the most successful orthopedic interventions of its generation.” With its earliest beginnings in the late 1890s, surgeons have had over a hundred years improving and perfecting the procedure. Different methods also lead to different recovery outcomes.

Dr. Daniel Kuesis of CORE Orthopedics and Sports Medicine specializes in minimally invasive total hip replacement.

For around 75-80% of Dr. Kuesis’s patients, he performs the direct anterior approach for hip replacement surgeries. This means going through the front to avoid nearby muscles and tendons. The benefits of the direct anterior approach is that patients feel less pain and recover quickly from the surgery.

These patients go home the same day as their surgery and don’t have the hip precautions that a standard hip replacement patient would have.

For those who’s anatomy doesn’t allow for an anterior approach, mini-incision total hip replacement is an option.

As a result of these innovations, most patients undergoing hip replacement surgery can recover quicker and in less pain than ever before.

5 Signs You Might Need Hip Surgery

Hip replacement surgery isn’t just for older people. As a 2015 study highlighted, more people between the ages of 45-54 were opting for the procedure than ever before.

While a majority of hip replacements occur in patients over the age of 60, there is no right time for a hip replacement. That’s why it’s essential to recognize the signs early so you can get pain-free and back to your daily activities.

Chronic pain

This might be obvious, but if you’re experiencing chronic pain around the hip or groin area, it’s time to see a doctor.

And we’re not talking about our everyday aches and pains; those who might need hip replacement surgery suffer greatly, and traditional pain-relieving techniques stop working.

Hip or groin pain that manifests itself during walks, exercise, or even before sleep are all signs to reach out to a doctor or specialist.

Stiffness

We’re not talking about a bit of morning stiffness that relieves itself after some stretching; the kind of stiffness that might require hip replacement surgery is much more focused and constant.

If you find yourself struggling to stand for periods of time or feel like your hip joint is stuck, that’s a warning that there might be something else going on.

One of the most common signs you need a hip replacement is if you struggle with putting on your shoes and socks. Any pain or discomfort during this process is a key indicator you might need hip replacement surgery.

An obvious example of hip stiffness would be the inability to move your leg. Noticing your range of motion becoming limited and routine tasks becoming more strenuous should be enough for you to reach out to a specialist.

Chronic conditions

If you’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or osteonecrosis, be aware that these conditions can damage the hip joint, often requiring hip arthroplasty.

Anti-inflammatory pain medications or other options stop working

Most doctors will tell you that hip replacement surgery is one of the last options for relieving hip pain. 

If your pain relievers or diet isn’t doing the trick, then you may need hip arthroplasty.

Ask yourself these questions

Before reaching out to a doctor, ask yourself these questions:

• Do you hear crunching or popping when you move your leg?
• Is it painful to sit down, tie your shoes, walk, or perform normal activities throughout the day?
• Do you have difficulty getting from a sit to a stand position?
• Have conservative measures like medication, physical therapy or daily stretching stop helping?
• Does hip pain negatively affect your day-to-day life?

If the answer is yes to any of these questions, it might be time to call a specialist.

What can you do to prep for hip surgery?

After going through all other options, you and your surgeon might decide that hip replacement surgery is your best chance to live a pain-free, more active, happier life. 

If that’s the case, there are a couple of things you’ll need to do before heading to the hospital.

Note: Your doctor and surgeon will provide you with detailed information about any appointments or next steps you may need to take before your operation. Please consult with them before making any additional appointments.

Before the procedure, you’ll have to get some blood work taken, an EKG, and your doctor may recommend you stop taking any anti-inflammatory medications a week before the appointment. Your surgeon may also request additional doctor appointments as needed.

Also, if you have an infection, no matter how big or small, tell your doctor. A previous infection can lead to another dangerous infection at your surgical site. Your doctor will reschedule the surgery until after your infection has been cleared up.

At CORE Orthopedics and Sports Medicine, we specialize in same-day, outpatient surgery which means you’ll be able to go home a couple of hours after your hip surgery.

For some patients with certain medical conditions, you may need to stay overnight for 1-2 days. If that’s the case, make sure you pack some personal belongings, including a toothbrush, extra clothes, and anything else you may need.

Be aware that you won’t be able to drive home after your surgery. Make arrangements for transportation home ahead of time. Try to find a vehicle with comfortable seating to make sure your car ride is as smooth as possible.

For post-surgery, you’ll also want to have your household set for your recovery. Move furniture and clear paths for easy access to areas like the kitchen and bathroom.

It’s a good idea to line up friends, family members, or special caretakers to come in daily to assist with personal hygiene, cooking, running errands, and other tasks. You will also need someone to drive you to your outpatient physical therapy appointments for the first 1-2 weeks.

Patient’s can drive when they are no longer taking pain medication, can press the break pedal without difficulty, and can get in and out of a car without assistance. Usually this is within 2-3 weeks after surgery.

Like any surgery, the more prepared you are ahead of time, the easier time you’ll have in recovery.

What should I expect from hip surgery?

Depending on personal circumstances, there are a few different types of hip replacement surgery. 

You may receive an anterior approach, minimally invasive procedure or a traditional hip replacement.

Because of your individual plan, it’s best to speak with your surgeon about your upcoming procedure and what to expect during it.

How long does it take to recover from hip replacement surgery? 

Hip replacement surgery is major surgery, but most people recover relatively quickly. 

Usually, patients can return to normal activities in two to four weeks. That time frame is loose though, since every surgery is different.

Depending on your doctor and surgeon’s recommendations, most patients can walk immediately after the procedure with little to no assistance. Others may need a walker or other assistive devices.

At three weeks, the body has healed enough for patients to go about their daily lives. By 12 weeks, all the deep tissue healing is typically complete.

What can hip replacement patients do to speed up their healing?

Physical therapy will provide you with strength exercises and stretching techniques to ensure that your muscles and new joint are in the best shape possible.

Outside of medical appointments, the best thing you can do for recovery is walk. Light household activities such as standing, sitting, and climbing stairs are also recommended to help keep you moving, which is necessary for a full recovery.

Staying active and maintaining a proper diet high in protein can aid in the healing process.

For smokers, it’s wise that you attempt to quit before your procedure. According to the AAOS, smokers face an “increased risk of adverse surgical events following total hip and knee replacement, including impaired wound healing, surgical site and deep wound infections, and Pneumonia.” Studies also show that there is an increased 30-day post morbidity “including increased ventilator needs, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, stroke, sepsis, and death.”

Post-surgery exercise is recommended to increase stamina, improve blood flow to the surgery site and prevent blood clots.

Check out the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Hip Replacement Surgery Exercise Guide for more information about in-home exercises.

Returning to normal life and work.

Typically, 4- 12 weeks after surgery, patients have resumed their usual lifestyles. Desk workers can return to their job in around 2 weeks. 

No matter your recovery time, it’s vital to keep medical appointments and stay current with exercise regimens. It’s also good to learn proper techniques for avoiding any sports-related injuries with the new hip.

Hip replacement surgery requires thorough follow-up care as well as preventive measures before the procedure. Taking the appropriate precautions and investing the right effort into recovery will smooth the entire recovery process. Keeping these suggestions in mind will smooth the whole surgical and recovery period and get you back to your normal lifestyle much quicker.

For more information about hip replacement surgery, contact CORE Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at 847-690-1776.