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Hip replacement Q&As

Published by Bupa's health information team, September 2008.

Answers to questions about hip replacement

This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.

 

What is the most common complication with hip replacement surgery and why?

The most common complication is separation (dislocation) of the joint. Up to one in 10 people who have a hip operation suffer from dislocation.

Explanation

Dislocation is a common complication following a total hip replacement. The rate of dislocation varies depending on the surgical technique used but it's more common if you have an artificial hip joint replaced (revision surgery).

Dislocation of your hip can happen if you bend your hip to more than a right angle, for example if you sit in a low chair. Your joint can also dislocate if you cross your legs and lean forward, or if you lie down and lift your waist.

Your hip is most likely to dislocate soon after your operation - more than half of dislocations occur within four to six weeks.

This normal stability of your hip joint is affected during the operation because to get to the hip muscles and tissue surrounding it are moved out of the way. Your hip joint is then dislocated and some bone is removed to fit the new parts.

Your surgeon will repair any damage to muscles and tissues surrounding the joint but the joint will only become stable when the hip joint has fully healed.

The exercises recommended by your physiotherapist are a crucial part of your recovery, so it's essential that you continue to do them.

If your hip dislocates often, you may need surgery or a brace (a fitted support) to stabilise the joint and allow the surrounding tissue to heal.

Further information

Sources

  • Brander V, Stulberg SD. Rehabilitation after hip- and knee-joint replacement: an experience- and evidence-based approach to care. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2006;85 (Suppl):S98-S118. www.amjphysmedrehab.com
  • Huo MH, Gilbert NF, Parvizi J. What's new in total hip arthroplasty. J Bone Joint Surg Am 2007;89:1874-1885. www.ejbjs.org
  • Kwon MS et al. Does surgical approach affect total hip arthroplasty dislocation rates? Clin Orthop Relat Res 2006;447:34-38. www.corronline.com
  • Primary total hip replacement a guide to good practice. British Orthopaedic Association, 2006. www.boa.ac.uk
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Are there any sports/activities I shouldn't do after my hip replacement?

Once you're fully recovered you can do exercises and sporting activities. However you shouldn't take part in sports that could cause injury such as football or rugby, or activities that put a lot of pressure on the hip such as running or jumping.

Explanation

During your recovery your physiotherapist will recommend exercises for you that will improve your strength and range of motion.

As you recover you can start swimming and do more walking to strengthen your muscles around the joint.

When you have made a full recovery, you can have a more active lifestyle. However it's important that you don't take part in high impact or contact activities. High impact activities include running and jumping so you shouldn't do sports such as football or basketball. Your hip also needs to be protected from activities that involve a lot of fast stopping and starting, such as squash, or twisting, such as skiing. But you can do low-impact sports such as golf or bowls.

Regular exercise will help to improve and maintain your mobility. When returning to any sport it's important to take your time to rebuild your strength, coordination and reflexes. For example if you play golf, you should work on chipping and putting before attempting longer distance shots.

It's important to note that the type of activity you can do after your hip replacement depends on your expertise before the operation. If you're a high level athlete you may be able to return to a sport with a lower risk of injury. If you're an experienced skier, for example, you're less likely to fall and damage your new hip joint than someone attempting to learn how to ski.

You may also find that you can't return to your chosen sport at the same level as you were before. Your risk of injury is greatly increased if you take part in competitive, rather than recreational sport.

Your doctor, surgeon or physiotherapist will be able to give you more information about what activities are suitable.

Further information

Sources

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What can I do to make my recovery easier?

You should try to be as fit and healthy as possible before your operation and prepare your home for when you return.

Explanation

If you're having a hip replacement it's a good idea to try and be as fit and healthy as possible before your operation to speed up your recovery.

You should stop smoking as smoking can increase the chances of getting an infection and slows your recovery. If you're overweight your doctor may recommend a weight loss programme.

You can exercise to strengthen your upper body. This will help you to get around after the surgery when using walking aids such as crutches.

If it's possible you should try to strengthen your leg muscles. Strengthening the muscles in your leg will speed your recovery and will make it easier to perform the postoperative exercises.

Your surgeon or physiotherapist will be able to recommend exercises for you.

It's a good idea to prepare your home for when you return from hospital. This may involve rearranging furniture to make it easier to move around and placing commonly used items at arm level so you don't have to reach for them. It's also a good idea to stock up on non-perishable food such as frozen or tinned items, so that you don't need to go shopping immediately after your surgery.

You may need someone to help you during the first weeks after surgery. It's a good idea to arrange to have a friend or family member stay with you for a couple of weeks after the operation.

Further information

Sources

  • Preparing for joint replacement surgery. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. orthoinfo.aaos.org, accessed 6 February 2008
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Related topics

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This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by. It has also been reviewed by Arthritis Research Campaign (arc). The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.

Publication date: September 2008

 

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