Getting Hip Replacement Surgery? Here’s the Typical Recovery Process.

According to the Arthritis Foundation, most Americans who have their hips replaced are between the ages of 50 and 80. The majority of the surgeries are due to degenerative arthritis caused by deterioration. More than 450,000 total hip replacements are performed in the U.S. every year. Recuperation time depends on the patient’s age, overall health and degree of activity before he or she went under the knife. 

If you’re a good candidate for hip replacement surgery, the office of J. Turner Vosseller, MD is committed to providing excellent care and attention. During your consultation, you will tell us what you want to be accomplished. We will then evaluate your situation, answer all of your questions, and explain your options clearly and concisely. 

Though each patient’s timeline is unique, here’s a general outline of what to expect after your time in the operating room. 

Days 1 and 2: A medical professional helps you get out of your hospital bed and help you use a walker or crutches. Sessions with occupational and physical therapists teach you to safely move with little pain. Your pain meds go from intravenous to oral. 

Day 3: You recover at home or a rehabilitation facility, walk with more ease and amble to the bathroom on your own. 

Day 4 and longer: You must carefully follow your doctor’s instructions for caring for your incision(s). Tell your doctor immediately if you, your surgery site or incision shows signs of infection (redness, fluids emanating from the incision, you have a fever). Keep at your at-home physical therapy. To continue good blood flow in your legs and ward off a blood clot, move around as much as possible. 

Ten days to two weeks: Your staples are taken out, and you resume taking showers or baths.

Three to six weeks: You perform light activities, drive and walk without crutches or a walker. 

Ten to 12 weeks: You resume your normal activities. Congratulations! You did it!

We at the office of J. Turner Vosseller, MD guarantee that our main goal is to relieve your condition. We pride ourselves on our never-ending ability to provide superior patient care. For more information about our practice and how we can help you, please call us to schedule an appointment. 

By J. Turner Vosseller

January 26, 2022