How long does recovery take after hip or knee replacement surgery?

What Happens Immediately After Surgery?

Once a hip or knee replacement operation is performed, the patient is taken to a recovery room where the medical staff monitors the patient’s vital signs as the anesthetic effect gradually fades. During this period, the effort is to control the patient’s pain and make sure that the new joint remains stable. Patients are encouraged to perform some early, supervised movements as these help in better blood flow and also lower the chances of stiffness or other complications. Immediately after the operation, one can expect:

• Being closely watched until the anesthetic wears off completely
• Getting pain medicines and medication to prevent blood clot formation
• Helping the patient to stand or take the first steps, most probably within the next 24 hours
• Physiotherapists will advice on how to position and move safely
• Slowly, the patient is started on fluids and light meals ‍‌‍‍‌again

Hospital Stay, Early Mobility, and Discharge

During the hospital stay, the focus is on medical stability and getting the patient moving early. A lot of patients don’t have to be put up for a long time and can be sent home within 24 to 48 hours if they are medically stable and have someone to look after them at home. 

Getting mobile early is really important in the recovery process at this stage. Right after surgery, patients are helped to stand and walk, because a bit of controlled movement prevents the body from getting stiff and promotes the healing process. Physical therapists work with the patients on the essential daily functions and make them acquainted with the necessary precautions for safe homecoming. Before the patients go home, they are taught how to:

• Get in and out of bed without hassle
• Walk, sit, and stand up with support, if necessary
• Operate with the help of assistive devices like walkers or canes
• Handle their basic personal care ‍‌‍‍‌tasks

Recovery Timeline: Weeks 1 to 12 After Surgery

The healing process after a joint replacement surgery is gradual and lasts several weeks. Although every patient is different, the overall pattern of improvement generally remains the same.

Weeks 1–2:

During this period, the main objectives are to control pain, get the wound to heal, and start moving slowly. It is considered prudent to take certain measures that include not bending deeply, refraining from twisting movements, not crossing the legs, and not driving until the orthopedic surgeon gives the green light, among others. These limitations serve only the short-term purposes and are lifted step by step as the patient regains the necessary strength and ‌ ‍ ‍ ‌‍‍‌balance.

Patients perform simple physical therapy exercises that help blood flow and prevent the joints from becoming stiff. Walking with support is common, and at times, patients might still need some help with daily activities.

Weeks 3–6:

There is a continuous growth in the patient’s strength, balance, and the flexibility of the replaced joint. At this stage, most of the time, the patients stop using their walking aids, and their routine movements like sitting, standing, and going upstairs get easier for them. Generally, pain and swelling reduces during this phase.

The healing of surgical incisions is a process that lasts about six weeks, during which patients are given recommendations on dressing the wound and keeping it dry so as to minimize the risk of infection.

Weeks 8–12:

Patients typically get allowed to carry out their daily tasks and return to their daily lifestyle without any aid by this time. However their returning back to normal life depends on work level and their recovery progress. Even though a slight stiffness or pain might still be there, the level of mobility is rather good as compared to the preoperative condition.

Especially after knee replacement surgery, a full recovery might take several months because while the muscles are still getting stronger, the joint is adjusting to its regular ‍‌‍‍‌use.

Rehabilitation, Pain Management, and Safety During Recovery

Rehabilitation‍‌‍‍‌ is a focal point for ensuring a successful recovery after a joint replacement surgery. Physiotherapy, when planned and executed systematically, aids in recovering the joint’s range of motion, strengthening muscles around the joint, and enhancing balance. 

It is normal to feel mild to moderate pain, swelling, and stiffness after the surgery and usually these symptoms reduce as time goes by. Pain relief is achieved through a combination of methods such as prescribed painkillers, cold therapy, taking rest between exercise sessions, and support during movement.