Surgery is a major part of the treatment, but the recovery also plays a very
important role in determining the success of the entire procedure. Hip
replacement surgery is a now considered a common orthopaedic surgery,
in which the damaged or diseased hip is replaced with artificial implants.
The patient is usually discharged from the hospital in one or two days as
Hip Replacement Recovery goes fast, especially with minimally invasive
procedures.
They need to follow the post-surgery instructions and rehabilitation
program with outpatient physiotherapy. The recovery period after an
orthopaedic surgery is usually a multi-step process that determines the
long-term health and mobility of the operated part.
This includes exercise routine, maintaining a healthy body weight and
having a balanced diet, as well as taking prescribed medicines and
precautions. It also involves steps to prevent blood clots and preparing the
home to facilitate rest and reduced need for mobility. These all contribute
to a successful recovery after a hip replacement surgery.
Total hip replacement surgery has a high success rate and the improved
quality of implants as well as safety of hip replacement procedures has
increased this rate dramatically. The success of the surgery is determined
by the improvement in mobility and symptoms such as pain, after the
recovery process.
The doctors and specialists at the best orthopedic institutes use the latest
methods and equipment for advanced procedures such as minimally
invasive or robotic total hip replacement recovery. Hip replacement
surgery cost in India has also become more affordable, and the advance
techniques help cut down the expenses related to hospital stay. Before the
surgery, they discuss the risks and post-operative restrictions with the
patient and guide them through every step of the recovery process.
However, it is important to understand recovery is an individualized
process, and may vary from person to person. For some, it may take
longer depending on their age, overall health and other factors.
Some patients are recommended to have physical therapy in a rehab
facility for a few days or weeks. This is to strengthen the muscles and help
them return to normal life at home. The therapist will guide the patient
through a series of exercises and movements to increase their muscle
strength.
For most patients, the hospital stay may range from one to three nights. In
a daycare or outpatient hip replacement surgery, the patient can safely
return to home straight from the hospital after the hip replacement. But
this is an option for some patients only.
After going home, the patient can walk around with assistive devices, such
as a walker or cane, during the recovery. A majority of people need a
walker for only a couple of days and then gradually start using a cane for
the next couple of weeks. Usually, patients start to walk without assistive
devices at four to six weeks.
Here are some things a hip replacement patient can do to improve the recovery
Follow an exercise routine: Movement might be limited in the first days
and week, even though most hip replacement patients are made to stand
and walk within the same day or next day after the surgery. They
gradually gain muscle strength and can resume normal routine activities
within 3 to 6 weeks after their total hip replacement surgery.
The patients are advised to engage in light activities and incorporate
healthy exercise into their recovery programs. This includes walking and
light household activities such as sitting, and climbing stairs. After full
recovery, they may include more intense activities, but only after the
approval of the doctor.
Good diet and healthy weight: These are two other important aspects of
the recovery. Excess weight can put pressure on the new hip prosthesis
and increase the risk of complications such as wear and tear, as well as
dislocation of the joint. Maintaining a healthy body weight before and
after the surgery is crucial to its success as it helps improve the recovery
process and also lengthen the lifespan of the prosthesis. Maintaining a
balanced diet during recovery will also help keep the weight in check.
Promote blood flow and prevent blood clots: There are certain exercises
that help promote blood flow and prevent clotting.
These may include movements such as:
- Regularly squeezing the muscles of thigh and calf.
- Motion exercises for the legs to ensure full range of leg motions
- Walking with or without the assistance of supportive devices such as walker or cane
- Prepare the household according to the need
As the mobility and ability to accomplish normal tasks will be limited in
the first few days following the surgery, the patients are advised to make
necessary household preparations. They can plan ahead and make
practical modifications to the house before the surgery.
This includes placing and arranging the things so that they are more
accessible without excess movement. Also, hiring a full-time nurse or
caretaker, plans with friends and family to ensure that someone is
available to help with tasks such as bathing, and help with errands such as
cooking.
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