People who suffer from severe hip arthritis, a broken hip, or other hip damage will likely need to have a total hip replacement. You may think of the hip as an enormous joint, but the knee joint is technically larger than the hip – and just like after knee surgery, you may need to have physical therapy and learn how to walk and move around with your new hip.
Some hip surgeries are planned in advance due to joint degeneration and pain, but many times patients who suffer a fall may break their hip and require more urgent surgery.
Let’s talk about some of the things you can expect during recovery after having hip replacement surgery, and where you can go in Johnson County for outstanding orthopedic care.
Moving Around After Surgery
Thanks to incredible medical advancements, hip replacement surgeries can now be outpatient procedures for many patients – so you may be able to go home later that day. A physical therapist will show you how to get up and move around carefully, with the help of a walker or other device. Moving around is highly encouraged after surgery, as this facilitates proper circulation and helps to prevent blood clots.
Standing and walking with your new hip joint soon after surgery is key to a faster and more successful recovery. You will need to avoid some movements, such as twisting. Your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist will explain which positions and movements are allowed during your recuperation and beyond.
Wound Healing After Hip Surgery
The average time for your wound to fully heal after having a total hip replacement is six weeks. Because of less-invasive hip replacement techniques and new methods of applying stitches, your wound will take a shorter time to heal than it used to take after a traditional open hip surgery.
Your orthopedic surgeon will give you post-op instructions for caring for the wound and how to cleanse your body safely, without disturbing the surgical area. You will want to avoid immersing the wound with water in order to help avoid getting an infection.
Physical Rehabilitation After a Total Hip Replacement
After hip surgery, you will need to train your body to return to your usual activities. Rehabilitation usually begins with simple movements we often take for granted. Examples of exercises are getting your body in position to stand up out of bed, standing up, and sitting down. Some patients will need more formal physical therapy, and others may be able to do their own rehabilitation at home. If your hip replacement was a planned procedure and you did pre-hab before the surgery, you are more likely to be able to rehab at home.
Eventually, you will practice more challenging tasks like climbing up and down stairs and walking on uneven surfaces. With these exercises, you will strengthen the muscles that support your hip.
Factors Affecting Recovery
Factors that can affect the speed of your recovery include:
- Your age
- Your overall physical health
- Infection or bleeding at the incision site
- Blood clots
- Accidental dislocation of the hip during recovery
- Weakness or numbness due to nerve injury around the hip
Hip Surgeons in Johnson County, KS
The medical team here at Midwest Orthopaedics comprises board-certified orthopedic doctors and specialists. We provide high-quality and patient-centered healthcare to our patients in the Greater Kansas City area, particularly focusing on total hip replacement, total knee replacement, and total shoulder replacement surgeries.
To learn more or to schedule a consultation, contact our friendly staff today at (913) 362-8317. Alternatively, you can reach us through our appointment request form online now. With our help, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite activities once again!
