Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline

Recovery pages list tasks, but they rarely say which ones come first. If you are in Wayne and planning a hip replacement, two points from OrthoInfo (AAOS) help set the order.

Help at home and the dislocation window

OrthoInfo (AAOS) makes two points that matter for planning. Although you will be able to walk with a cane, crutches, or a walker soon after surgery, you may need some help for several weeks with such tasks as cooking, shopping, bathing, and laundry.

It also names a risk window. The risk for dislocation is greatest in the first few months after surgery while the tissues are healing.

Steps in order

1. Before surgery, line up people who can help with cooking, shopping, bathing, and laundry.
2. After surgery, ask which walking aid you should use and for how long.
3. Through the first few months, ask your surgeon what movements to avoid.
4. Ask whether a physiatrist should join your rehabilitation team. What a physiatrist is explains the role.

Dates and milestones for your surgeon

Your surgeon can give you a date for each milestone and say when you may drive, work, or return to a sport. Those answers depend on you and your surgeon.

Your next step

Write your own timeline questions before your visit. Take them to a clinician in the Wayne area and ask for dates in writing. For broader background, pain management information is another place to keep reading.