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Anterior Hip Recovery: What to Expect

Recovery after anterior hip replacement looks a little different for everyone, but most patients can expect to begin moving soon after surgery and gradually return to everyday activities over the following weeks and months.

At Jefferson County Health Center, your orthopedic and therapy teams will guide you through each stage of recovery based on your individual needs, overall health and progress.

The First Days After Surgery

Movement typically begins soon after hip replacement surgery. Your care team may help you stand and begin walking with assistance using a walker or other device.

During the first few days, your recovery may focus on:

  • Managing pain and swelling
  • Walking safely with assistance
  • Learning how to move and change positions safely
  • Beginning recommended exercises
  • Caring for your incision
  • Following medication instructions

Your care team will provide specific instructions before you leave the hospital or surgical facility.

The First Few Weeks

During the first several weeks, your focus will be gradually increasing activity while allowing your hip to heal.

You may continue to use a walker or cane until your surgeon or therapy team feels you can walk safely without it. Physical therapy or home exercises may help improve strength, balance, and range of motion.

Common goals during this stage may include:

  • Walking for short periods several times each day
  • Increasing activity gradually
  • Completing prescribed exercises
  • Managing swelling
  • Keeping follow-up appointments
  • Returning to basic daily activities as recommended

It is important to follow your surgeon's instructions and avoid increasing activity too quickly.

Returning to Everyday Activities

As strength and mobility improve, many patients are able to gradually return to activities such as driving, work, household tasks and recreational activities.

The timing is different for every patient and may depend on your occupation, overall health and how your recovery is progressing.

Your orthopedic team will let you know when it is safe to resume specific activities.

What About Pain and Swelling?

Some discomfort, stiffness and swelling can occur during recovery. These symptoms generally improve as healing progresses.

Your care team may recommend a combination of:

  • Medication
  • Ice
  • Elevation
  • Activity modification
  • Physical therapy or home exercises

Contact your care team if you have questions about symptoms or if something does not feel right during recovery.

How Long Does Recovery Take?

Hip replacement recovery is a gradual process. Many patients notice steady improvements during the first several weeks, while strength, endurance and mobility may continue improving for several months.

Rather than focusing on a specific timeline, it can be helpful to focus on consistent progress and following the recommendations from your orthopedic team.

Staying Active During Recovery

Regular movement is an important part of recovery, but activity should increase gradually.

Your care team may encourage walking and exercises designed to improve strength and mobility. Follow the activity guidelines provided by your surgeon and therapy team and avoid activities that have not yet been cleared.

Follow-Up Care

Follow-up visits allow your orthopedic surgeon to monitor healing, evaluate your progress and answer questions about your recovery.

These appointments are also a good time to discuss when you can safely return to work, driving, exercise and other activities.

Recovering with JCHC Orthopedics

Jefferson County Health Center offers comprehensive orthopedic care, including anterior hip replacement and robotic-assisted joint replacement options. Our orthopedic team works with each patient to support a safe recovery and help restore mobility.

To learn more about hip replacement or schedule an orthopedic appointment, call JCHC Professional Clinic at 641-469-4204.

Sources

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Osteoarthritis of the Hip

American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Total Hip Replacement

Johns Hopkins Medicine. Hip Problems

Johnson & Johnson MedTech. ANTERIOR ADVANTAGE™ Resource Packet