What can you expect from hip replacement surgery?    

Treatments for hip pain focus on ways to manage discomfort and improve function. Most successful treatments involve a combination of methods tailored to individual needs, lifestyle, and health. The potential benefits from hip replacement are:

• Pain relief
• Improved mobility
• More freedom to pursue everyday activities such as walking and climbing stairs

Each patient recovers differently. After surgery, you will work with a physical therapist to gradually increase your hip strength and mobility. Many people are able to go home soon after surgery. Others choose to recover at a rehabilitation center. This decision depends on the availability of family or friends to help you with daily activities; your home environment and safety considerations; and your overall evaluation after surgery. Your surgeon and you will decide together which course of treatment is best for you.

What to expect after hip replacement surgery

Hip replacement surgery in general is a successful operation. The success of your hip replacement is measured by whether or not you are satisfied with the decrease in your overall pain and the increase in your mobility, as well as the durability of your implant over time.

The hospital stay for hip replacement varies and full recovery typically takes 3 to 6 months. 

Typically, patients are able to drive again in about four to six weeks, so long as they can tolerate it and are not taking narcotic medications. If your job is not physically demanding, you may be able to get back to work after about a month. These decisions are made in consultation with your doctor.

Hip replacements are designed for the normal activities of daily living. Avoiding trauma and high impact activities are helpful in caring for your new hip replacement.