Hip replacement question?

Question

How long after a hip replacement would be considered an average time period for normal activity and return to work?

Answer 1

This is not an answerable question without more information:

Age of patient?
Overall health of patient -- past medical history?
Type of hip replacement -- acetabulum (socket), femoral head (ball), both or neither?

Generally 4-8 weeks, but often longer. It's a big window without more data.

Answer 2

That's a tough one because it depends on the individual's rate of recovery, what you consider "normal" activity, and the demands and nature of your work.

I've had both of my hips replaced in separate surgeries. I consider that I could have gone back to my job full-time about 8 weeks after the second surgery. That job was not physically taxing but permitted me to spend time sitting, walking, and standing. I would have had a hard time at 8 weeks if I would have to stand all day or sit all day. And a job that involved strenuous physical activity such as lifting and carrying would not have been possible that soon. At 8 weeks I was still using one cane occasionally.

As to other activity, I went grocery-shopping at about week 3 (pushing the cart and I didn't go alone). I could drive around weeks 5-6. I went to the movies and out to eat after about a month. I fixed my own meals after a week and did laundry by using a cart on wheels and a reacher to get things from the dryer. Many things are possible, it just takes longer. It took me several months to be able to get down on my knees (and get up again) so any kind of gardening and some house cleaning activities took longer.

Answer 3

4 to 6 weeks

Answer 4

it depends on the patient. my dad had one. Dr. told him one year recovery. 7 months later he was playing hockey.( yes we are CDN) keep in mind that he has always been active through his whole life.