Everyone heals from total hip replacement surgery at a different pace. In most cases, however, you will be restricted to using a walker or crutches for 1½ month after your operation. You will then be allowed to advance to a stick outdoors and no support around the house for several weeks. You will gradually return to normal function without any assistive devices. This usually takes about 3 months but may take longer

Follow-up appointments should be made post-operatively at 4-6 weeks, 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, 7 years, and 10 years.

A dislocation of the hip occurs when the femoral head (ball) comes out of the acetabulum (socket). While this risk is very small, typically less than 2%, you are given dislocation precautions to help avoid this happening.

Follow your precautions very carefully for the first 6 weeks. You should avoid extreme positions of hip flexion (bending) forever.

Insomnia is a common complaint following hip replacement surgery. Non-prescription remedies such as Benadryl or melatonin may be effective. If insomnia continues to be a problem, medication may be prescribed for you.

It is not uncommon to have feelings of depression after your hip replacement. This may be due to a variety of factors such as limited mobility, discomfort, increased dependency on others, and/or medication side effects. Feelings of depression will typically fade as you begin to return to your regular activities. If your feelings of depression persist, consult your internist.

You may discontinue using a raised toilet seat between 6 and 10 weeks after your total hip replacement operation.

Yes. You will be given a letter explaining this in detail at your first follow-up visit. Avoid any dental cleaning or non-urgent procedures for 6 weeks post-operatively.

Everyone’s range of motion (ROM) varies and depends on individual factors. Your potential will be determined at the time of your surgery. In most cases, you will have enough motion to put on socks and tie your shoes. Clipping toenails may be difficult.

You may sleep on your operative side whenever you feel comfortable. You may sleep on your non-operative side at 4 weeks with a thick (8-10 inch) pillow between your knees.

You need a bandage for approximately 2 week after total hip replacement surgery. If desired, you may continue to wear a bandage to protect the incision from irritation.

Yes, you can kneel 6 weeks after total hip replacement surgery. To kneel, touch down with your operative knee first. To arise from kneeling, use your non-operative leg first.

You may shower 5-7 days after your operation,but keep the dressing dry.

Yes. Initially, you will lead with your non-operated leg when going up stairs and lead with your operated leg when going down stairs. You can use the phrase, “Up with the good, down with bad” to help you remember. As your leg gets stronger, you will be able to perform on stairs in a more regular pattern (about 1 month).

Ice should be used for the first several days after total hip replacement surgery, particularly if you have a lot of swelling or discomfort. Once the initial swelling has decreased, you may use ice and/or heat.

Compression stockings should be used for the first few weeks in order to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. You may wear them longer, especially if you find that your ankles swell without them.

Compression stockings should be used for the first few weeks in order to help reduce swelling and improve circulation. You may wear them longer, especially if you find that your ankles swell without them.

You may return to most activities as tolerated after total hip replacement surgery, including walking, gardening, and golf. Some of the best activities to help with motion and strengthening are swimming and a stationary bicycle.

You may set off the machines at airport security depending on the type of hip implant you have and the sensitivity of the security checkpoint equipment. At your follow-up visit you may ask to have a wallet card to carry with you for travel.

You may travel as soon as you feel comfortable after total hip replacement surgery. It is recommended that you get up to stretch or walk at least once an hour when taking long trips. This is important to help prevent blood clots.

When you can return to work after total hip replacement surgery depends on your profession. Typically, if your work is primarily sedentary, you may return after approximately 2 month. If your work is more rigorous, you may require up to 3 months before you can return to full duty. In some cases, more time may be necessary.

If you had surgery on your right hip, you should not drive for at least 2 month after total hip replacement surgery. After 2 month, you may return to driving as you feel comfortable. If you had surgery on your left hip, you may return to driving as you feel comfortable as long as you have an automatic transmission. Be careful getting into and out of a car, and avoid crossing your operated leg over the other. DO NOT DRIVE IF TAKING NARCOTICS.

It is very common to have constipation post-operatively. This may be due to a variety of factors but is especially common when taking narcotic pain medication. A simple over-the-counter stool softener (Isabgole) is the best prevention for this problem. In rare instances, you may require a suppository or enema.

Taking iron supplements for 4 weeks after total hip replacement surgery is usually sufficient. These supplements help your body replenish its iron stores, which may be depleted post-operatively.

Typically, you will be on “blood thinner” This medication is used to help prevent blood clots. you will stay blood thinner for 4 to 6 weeks.

Generally, you should not use weights for the first 2 months after total hip replacement surgery. However, as everyone’s strength varies, consult with your physical therapist before using weights. Use light weights to begin with and gradually progress from 1 lb. to a maximum of 5 lbs.