Recovery and rehabilitation
You must take great care during the first eight to twelve weeks following your operation to avoid potentially dislocating your new hip – you must be patient and not try to test your new joint to see how far it will go. Initially you will tire more easily, not least because there will continue to be traces of anaesthesia in your body for some time. Set aside a rest period each afternoon. You should contact your doctor immediately in the case of any undue pain, severe redness around the operation site or drainage from the wound.
Walking without the aid of a stick is often possible from four to six weeks after surgery – although this will be determined by your confidence and progress and you should follow the advice of your surgeon or physiotherapist. Return to driving will be determined by your surgeon which maybe as much as six to twelve weeks. Your return to work will also be determined by your surgeon.
Improvements can continue for a year or more, depending on your condition prior to surgery. Some patients experience swelling of the thigh on the operated side, but this usually disappears quite quickly. A few patients may experience clicking or other sounds from their new hip, but this rarely causes serious problems and usually disappears after a few months.
Important: The information and guidance provided here is general in nature and should not be considered as medical advice in any way. You should always seek detailed advice from a qualified medical practitioner.
