Hip Replacement Surgeries

DO’S

1. Keep active when you are on the ward. It will be much easier to walk around with crutches at home rather than a frame.
2. Gradually increase the distances walked at home, as pain allows.

DON’TS

1. Bend the hip beyond 90º (a right angle) for the first 3 months.
2. Cross your legs, as this is a risk position for hip dislocation.
3. Twist and turn on your operated leg. Make sure you lift your feet when turning.
4. Sit on a low chair, bed or toilet.

Q. How long will the joint replacement last?
The lifetime of the joint replacement varies from person to person. The short answer is hip replacements generally last between 15 and 20 years but often much longer. There are many still active patients whose hip replacements were put in as long as 30-40 years ago. The important factors to consider are the condition of the patient (osteoporosis or other bone conditions), general physical health and ability to exercise, be active and maintain a good weight.

Q. When will i be able to drive? Do not drive until you can safely do so (please check with your insurance company).
You are able to drive 6-12 weeks after the operation, providing there have been no problems in your rehabilitation.

Q. When will i be able to fly?
You are able to fly no sooner than 3 months after your operation. Your risk of having a DVT (blood clot in the calf) is still high within this time period.

Q. Will i set off the alarm at the airport?
The joint replacement is made of cobalt chrome and, in theory, shouldn’t set off the alarms. If the alarm does go off, then the scar on your thigh will help confirm that you have had surgery. If you are worried then you could ask your consultant for a letter to confirm you have had a joint replacement.

Q. Will i be pain free?
The majority of patients may well be pain free and no longer need painkillers. About a third of patients will have some pain, but it should be much less than the pain they had before the operation.

Q.What about sex?
Generally, patients resume sexual activities as soon as they feel able, usually from 6 weeks onwards. In the months following surgery, patients are generally advised to take it easy and modify their positioning to keep pressure off the affected joint whilst it is healing.

Q. Can i return to playing sports after my total hip replacement?
You can return to playing low-impact sports. This means sports that don’t put high stresses on your hip. These include golf, bowling, cycling or swimming.

Q. When will i experience the full benefit from surgery?
Although you will experience relief of your pre-operative pain quite soon after the operation, the return of full function can take much longer. After three months, you will probably have regained some of the strength in the muscles in your leg, and range of movement will be improving. However, it may take up to 18 months to feel the full benefits.