How Much Does A Hip Replacement Cost In The Uk

What is the average private cost of hip replacement in the UK? – The cost of private hip replacements in the UK varies, depending on provider. Prices start at around £10,000 but other providers can charge as high as £15,000 depending on the area of the UK you live in. Prices also vary by provider and what’s included.

How much does a hip replacement cost NHS?

In the United Kingdom, the cost of a hip replacement can vary depending on several factors, including the type of hip replacement surgery, the hospital you go to, and whether you have private or NHS treatment. The National Health Service (NHS) is the public healthcare system in the UK, and it provides a range of medical services, including hip replacement surgery, free of charge to UK residents.

How long do you have to wait for a hip replacement on the NHS?

Summary – Waiting a long time for knee and hip replacements can put physical strain on patients and potentially worsen their outcomes when they eventually receive the treatment. It is therefore extremely important that patients are receiving their hip and knee replacements within the 18 week time frame that the NHS has set out in order to have the best possible outcome after receiving the treatment.

Where is the cheapest place to get a hip replacement in Europe?

Hip Replacement Surgery in Poland – Medical tourism in Poland is becoming increasingly popular and, although the Covid-19 pandemic with its travel restrictions has reduced the number of patients travelling for medical treatment in Poland, this is expected to change rapidly as freedom of movement between countries is being reinstated. Poland is among one of the top destinations for hip replacement surgery. Even with possible additional costs like flights the cost of hip replacement surgery in Poland is about half the price of equivalent private surgery in the UK. Medical costs for a hip replacement start at about £4500.

In Poland, surgery is cheap because the country has such a low cost of living. The price does not reflect any inferiority in the services of the hospital/clinic or skills of the medical staff. Some of these hospitals/clinics have the best surgeons in Poland. Leaving the cost aside for hip replacement, Poland has lots of advantages for medical tourists from the UK.

There is an abundance of good value flights from almost every UK airport to the main centres in Poland of Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk and many others. The flight time from London to Warsaw is about 2½ hours with other routes taking up to around 3 hours. When it comes to global medical tourism, Poland is an important destination.

How much does a hip replacement cost in the Netherlands?

Abstract – This paper assesses variations in the cost of primary hip replacement between and within nine member states of the European Union (EU). It also compares the cost of service with public-payer reimbursements. To do so, data on cost and reimbursement were surveyed at the micro-level in 42 hospitals in Denmark, England, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, and Spain.

• The total cost of treatment ranged from 1290 euros (Hungary) to 8739 euros (The Netherlands), with a mean cost of 5043 euros (STD +/- 2071 euros).
• The main cost drivers were found to be implants (34% of total cost on average) and ward costs (20.9% of total cost on average).
• A one-way random effects analysis of variance model indicated that 74.0% of variation was between and only 26% of variation was within countries.

In a two-level random-intercept regression model, purchasing-power parities explained 79.4% of the explainable between-country variation, while the percentage of uncemented implants used and the number of beds explained 12.1 and 1.6% of explainable within-country variation, respectively.

What is the best hospital in the UK for hip replacement?

Which English hospital is best at hips? Earlier this month, the first set of data on post-operative patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) was published by the Department of Health. For the first time, this has provided a patient-based assessment of changes in patients’ health-related quality of life following hip replacement.

1. The data also cover surgery on knees, varicose veins and groin hernias.
2. Between April 2009 and April 2010, more than 14,000 patients who had had hip surgery from more than 200 English NHS and private hospitals completed PROMs questionnaires both before and after surgery.
3. Data are still being collected and will soon build up to one of the world’s largest sets of PROMs information.

While the Department emphasises that the figures are ‘experimental’ – released to encourage comment, debate and suggestions for improvement – the initial headline figures are fascinating. So, which hospital is best at hips? We have looked at the EQ-5D, which provides a patient’s rating of their own health in response to five key questions.

1. This is then summarised as an overall index score and adjusted to take account of differences in each trust’s case mix.
2. It turns out that Whipps Cross Hospital has the largest improvement in patient-reported health, though when case mix is taken into account the overall winner is Mid Essex Hospital Services NHS Trust.

The difference between the best and worst performers is large – a 49 per cent improvement versus 31 per cent – although the numbers of patients aren’t yet big enough for us to identify statistically significant differences. Data on other hospitals are available (see the related document on the right).

• Just to be clear; these data don’t measure patients’ experience of their care or their satisfaction with it; rather they measure outcomes in terms of patients’ own assessments of their pain, mobility, mental state and ability to function normally.
• They offer evidence about health outcomes at a level of detail never before seen in the NHS, which fits well with the outlined in the recent health White Paper.

As well as comparing how much hospitals improve health, what else is gained from measuring PROMs? Putting PROMs and data on hospitals’ costs together, we can begin to look at how cost effectively hospitals are improving their patients’ health. Using a simple model, we have estimated how much, on average, it costs hospitals to generate one quality-adjusted life year (QALY) by carrying out hip replacements.

Like the PROMs data, our results are also ‘experimental’: it’s possible to use more sophisticated methods to measure hospital efficiency, and research is under way to apply those methods to PROMs data. However, even a simple analysis is revealing. Together with Professor David Parkin, Chief Economist, South East Coast SHA, Nancy Devlin and I have analysed the PROMs data on hip operations, and it suggests that hip replacements are very cost effective – around £1,000 per QALY gained.

That compares very well to NICE’s threshold range of £20,000 to £30,000. But cost effectiveness seems to vary considerably between hospitals, and the differences appear to be statistically significant. And further, these seem to be driven as much by differences in costs as variations in outcomes.

1. All of this raises important questions for the NHS as it tackles its productivity challenge.
2. How can some hospitals achieve better outcomes for the same cost? Could high-cost hospitals reduce costs without affecting outcomes? The initial PROMs data suggest that there is much to be learned from hospitals that achieve good outcomes in a cost-effective way.

This blog was written in collaboration with Prof Nancy Devlin and was also produced on the, : Which English hospital is best at hips?

When is it too late to get a hip replacement?

When is it too late to get a hip replacement?

• Most hip replacements are performed on patients between 60 and 80 years old.
• As osteoporosis and other forms of arthritis are more common in older people, they are more likely to need partial or,
• While uncommon, younger adults and teenagers have been known to require hip arthroplasty.

, in England in 2020/21, the demographic that received the most hip replacements were women aged between 75 – 79 years. The number of hip replacements peaked in the age group of 75 – 79 for both men and women. There is no official cut-off age for getting a hip replacement.

1. In fact, trends indicate that hip replacements have a higher success rate in older patients than younger ones! This means, as long as patients are healthy, hip replacements are possible well past the 75 – 79 age bracket.
2. Essentially, the older you get, your eligibility for a hip replacement comes down to your level of fitness and general health.

Any pre-existing conditions that increase the risk of complications during surgery could also play a part. Your doctor or surgeon will carefully weigh the benefits and risks to see if the procedure is right for you. While it’s unlikely a consultant will refuse surgery for a patient, the following factors may inform their recommendation against the procedure:

• if you’re overweight or obese
• if you’re allergic to the implant materials
• whether you have a pre-existing health condition
• if the consultant thinks you will struggle to complete the recovery plan.

The urgency of your surgery is dependent on the state of the joint. Your consultant will assess the damage and take your other symptoms into account before making a decision. Other symptoms will include the amount of pain you’re in and whether your condition is affecting your ability to carry out daily tasks.

1. Your mental wellbeing will also be taken into account when considering surgery.
2. You can check the for more information.
3. If you delay, it’s likely the damage to your joint will worsen.
4. This could make the eventual surgery more difficult, increasing the risk of complications.
5. Another risk of delaying surgery is a possible decrease in mobility.

If your pain prevents you from being active, the stiffness in your joint may worsen over time, making movement difficult. This will vary from patient to patient and depends on a number of different factors. You should talk to your consultant if you are concerned about,

1. If you are paying for yourself, the average time from booking enquiry to having your surgery at Practice Plus Group is 11 weeks.
2. While hip replacement is a common and successful procedure for the majority of patients, there are always factors to consider before you make a decision about having surgery.
3. Having a hip replacement comes with both benefits and risks. These include:

• nerve damage
• blood clots
• joint dislocation
• infection
• leg length discrepancy.

You will experience some pain and stiffness as you recover from surgery. It’s important to keep mobile and follow your physiotherapy recovery plan to give you the best chance at making a full recovery. If you think you may struggle with this, please discuss with your consultant.

If your overall health is good, you are more likely to have a successful outcome and a speedy recovery. Patients with a healthy and active lifestyle are more likely to make a full recovery. When deciding on the right time to have your hip replaced, you will need to consider how long the replacement will last.

A new hip implant will usually last between 10 and 15 years depending on how well you look after it. So, if you get the procedure while in your 50s, you may need another later on in life. Before you take the plunge, you may want to consider the alternatives to surgery.

• Anti-inflammatory medication or hip injections (PNF) can have a great effect.
• You can also make lifestyle improvements to help relieve pain.
• These include losing weight or trying physiotherapy.
• Speak to your consultant for more information about the alternatives.
• In the days after, your mobility is going to be limited.

With that in mind, it’s likely you’ll need help and care with regular household chores, shopping and driving. If you don’t have family or friends that can help, your doctor should be able to help arrange care. Given the lifespan of a hip implant is between 15-20 years, younger candidates will need to consider whether the quality of life improvements and reduction in pain that come with a hip replacement outweigh the risk of needing revision surgery.

If your level of pain is getting in the way of enjoying life, surgery might still be the right decision for you. Older candidates will need to consider their current level of pain and decide if relieving pain is worth going through the recovery process. If you’re concerned you may need hip surgery or have any questions at all about the process, we’re here to help.

A pre-operative consultation is our opportunity to ensure that the procedure for which you have been referred is right for you. We’ll explain your treatment and make sure that you are medically fit enough to proceed. It is also your opportunity to meet the team who will care for you and to ask any questions.

How far can I walk after hip replacement UK?

It takes up to 12 months for a complete recovery and while it is important to walk regularly during this time, you should gradually increase the amount you walk. In the first few days of your recovery, it’s best to walk for 20 to 30 minutes at a time.

Can you avoid hip replacement with exercise?

Exercise may help delay hip replacement We know exercise provides many health benefits and lowers risk for conditions like Type 2 diabetes, cancer and more. But did you know that exercise could help lower your risk for a hip replacement? Exercise is one of the best things you can do to keep your hips healthy, especially if you already have arthritis.

• A published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases showed that individuals with mild to moderate hip osteoarthritis might be able to avoid or delay hip surgery by exercising.
• The study put people through a 12-week exercise program.
• Six years later, they were 44 percent less likely to need hip replacement compared with a control group that did not exercise.

Exercise can help strengthen the muscles that support your hips. It also may help you keep range of motion in your hips. Stretching the muscles and tendons surrounding the joint also may ease pain from certain hip conditions and lower your injury risk.

1. What types of exercise should I do? Before starting any exercise routine, talk with your health provider about what’s right for you.
2. Water aerobics, riding a stationary bike, dancing and even housework are all ways to stay active.
3. You also can look at our guide for arthritis prevention exercises, “A Body in Motion Stays in Motion,” for ideas.

: Exercise may help delay hip replacement

Is hip replacement free on NHS?

How To Choose One Health – You can choose to have your NHS treatment carried out by One Health at no cost to you. Private and self-pay patients can either self-refer or ask their GP to refer them to the One Health for consideration of Total Hip Replacement Surgery.

The NHS e-Referral system (previously known as ‘Choose & Book’) allows NHS patients to choose the date and time of their appointments. Referral can be made by your GP to our DIRECTLY BOOKABLE SERVICE via the Electronic Referral System (ERS) – enabling you to choose the date, and location of your appointment before you even leave your GP practice.

How much does it cost for a new hip?

Once you are logged into the NHS e-Referral site, you will be able to select One Health as your care provider. We guarantee to offer you a prompt appointment on receiving your referral.

Is hip replacement as good as an original hip?

An artificial hip is not identical to a healthy natural hip joint. It is much more prone to dislocation, as shown in the accompanying X-ray (Fig 8a). – This happens because the artificial hip is lacking in certain structures that normally hold the head of the femur securely in the acetabulum.

For example, ligaments can be stretched and damaged in the period prior to hip replacement surgery. After surgery, these ligaments, which lie under the repair site, will still be stretched. Also, during the operation, part of the fibrous capsule that normally surrounds and stabilizes the hip joint is removed in order to have clear access to the hip joint.

Although capsular material grows back over the next 6-12 weeks, it is thinner and more scar-like than the original capsule tissue and does not necessarily function as well. The labrum is another stabilizer that is sacrificed during surgery. This tough piece of cartilage is removed from the rim of the acetabulum to enable dislocation of the diseased femur and implantation of the prosthesis.

It is not replaced. Loss of these stabilizing structures all make it easier for an artificial hip to dislocate, particularly in the first six weeks after surgery while the capsule is regrowing. The artificial hip is especially susceptible to posterior dislocation if the leg is raised with a bent knee and rotated inward.

Sudden jolting movements may also lead to dislocation. Your artificial hip will never be as stable as a normal healthy hip so you must learn to avoid certain movements. Another difference is that the synovial fluid produced in the natural hip joint, acts as a lubricant. Both natural components and artificial components are affected by wear and tear. While the artificial components do not show the same type of aging and deterioration that bone does, they are susceptible to corrosion and metal fatigue, Moreover, the stem component depends upon the surrounding bone tissue being sufficiently healthy to hold it in place.

Do hip replacements last 30 years?

We found that, according to registry data, just over half of hip replacements last 25 years. Published case series suggest better survivorship at 20 years and 25 years. The data from the two sources are similar at 15 years.

How much does hip replacement cost in Europe?

Resume – Hip joint replacement is an operation that allows returning freedom of movement to patients with coxarthrosis, rheumatoid arthritis and other joint diseases. The procedure consists of removing the damaged joint and replacing it with a prosthesis made of artificial hypoallergenic materials. The success of hip replacement surgery in foreign clinics reaches 97-99%. The cost of hip replacement depends on many factors: country of treatment, clinic, doctor, diagnostics, prosthesis, length of hospital stay and rehabilitation. The price of a hip replacement operation ranges from €5,800 to €18,000. The cheapest surgeries are performed in Lithuania, Poland and Turkey. After hip replacement, patients have an opportunity to undergo rehabilitation in specialized centres in Israel, Turkey, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania and South Korea. This will make it easier and faster to adapt to a new prosthesis.

Is it worth getting hip surgery?

Advantages – Most people who have hip replacements notice an improvement in their overall quality of life and mobility. Freedom from pain is often the main benefit of surgery. You should expect to have some pain from the surgery to begin with, but you’ll be given medication to help with this.

• Pain from the surgery itself should start to ease within the first two weeks after the operation.
• However, some people will have longer-term pain and, in some cases, this may need further treatment.
• You can expect to have some improvement in mobility as well, although a hip replacement may not give quite as much mobility as a healthy natural hip joint.

You may find it easier to move simply because there’s less pain. But you’ll probably have a greater improvement if you take an active part in your recovery – for example, by regularly doing the exercises recommended for you. Some people find that one leg feels longer than the other after the operation.

• Sometimes this may be because you’ve become used to walking in a way that eases the load on your painful hip.
• If this is the case, physiotherapy should help.
• If there is a real difference in leg length, this may need to be corrected with a shoe insert or insole.
• As with all major operations, there are some risks involved in the surgery itself.

We’ll look at these risks in more detail later on, but your surgeon will also discuss these with you before you decide to go ahead with surgery.

What I wish I knew before hip replacement surgery?

4. You need support – If you’re a ‘she’ll be right’ type, you might have to make an exception in this case. A hip replacement is major surgery, so you’ll need some daily help, at least for the first week. Make sure you have someone to pick you up and help you settle into your house after surgery.

Getting in and out of a car can be tricky at first! If you live alone, ask a friend or family member to stay or pop in daily to help out. Getting around the house will be tricky initially, you’ll likely be tired and need to rest, and the medication for pain relief might affect your ability to get around safely.

If you normally care for other family members or pets, you’ll need to organise someone to help with that. Having some ready to go meals in the freezer, or better still, from friends or family, will be very welcome during this time. Think about organising some help with other jobs like watering the garden, putting the bins out and shopping.

• There are plenty of minor adjustments that can make a big difference at home.
• Ensure you have plenty of space to manoeuvre around with a walker or crutches and make sure there’s nothing you could trip over (power cords or rugs).
• Remember you can’t bend more than 90 degrees in those early days, so ensure everyday items are stored at waist height.

It’s also worth thinking about hiring a raised toilet seat and a shower chair. Setting up a recovery station is a great way to avoid unnecessarily getting up and down when you’re trying to recover. Find a basket and add your phone, medication, tissues, the TV remote and books in the one place so you have everything you need on hand.

How can I avoid hip replacement UK?

Can You Avoid Hip Replacement Surgery? As we age, the cushioning cartilage in our hip joints wears down, causing pain from the bones grinding against each other. When this pain becomes too much to bear, hip replacement surgery is called for. Other reasons for this surgery include fractures and rheumatoid arthritis.

However, there are things you can do to keep your hip bones strong to avoid surgery as long as possible. Maintain a Healthy Weight Every 10 pounds of weight gain translates to 30 to 60 extra pounds of pressure on your joints, causing cartilage to break down more quickly. Losing that extra poundage can make a big difference.

Watch what you eat. Not only will certain foods quickly pack on the pounds, some even cause inflammation that can actually increase hip pain. These include sugar, white flour, white rice and potatoes. Get Regular Exercise Besides helping with your weight goals, exercise strengthens the muscles surrounding your hips and back.

Try Physical Therapy Along with exercise, get regular treatment from a professional physical therapist who can manipulate your joints to ease pain and increase flexibility. Take Supplements and Anti-Inflammatories Over-the-counter NSAIDs, such as Nuprin, Advil and Motrin, can help to reduce inflammation and ease hip pain.

Chondroitin and glucosamine supplements may also be helpful. Chondroitin sulfate can help to keep cartilage from deteriorating, and glucosamine stimulates cartilage formation and repair. Don’t Ignore Hip Pain If you are experiencing pain in your hips, schedule an appointment with the experts at the Orthopedic Performance Institute.

How successful is hip replacement surgery UK?

Long-lasting results – Artificial hip implants are designed to be long-lasting. The latest studies show 80-85% of hip replacements are still working 20 years after they were inserted. This means that older patients are unlikely to need hip revision surgery.

How long do you need someone to stay with you after hip replacement?

How long do I need someone to stay with me after the hip replacement? – You should book for short-term care after your hip replacement surgery for at least a week. On average, you can fully recover and function on your own six weeks after surgery. However, this could differ for others who need more time and help to recover.

How long does it take to walk normally after a hip replacement?

2-6 Weeks After Surgery After two to four weeks, your doctor will likely remove the stitches from the surgical wound. By this point, you should be able to walk without assistive devices.

Is hip replacement free on NHS?

How To Choose One Health – You can choose to have your NHS treatment carried out by One Health at no cost to you. Private and self-pay patients can either self-refer or ask their GP to refer them to the One Health for consideration of Total Hip Replacement Surgery.

1. The NHS e-Referral system (previously known as ‘Choose & Book’) allows NHS patients to choose the date and time of their appointments.
2. Referral can be made by your GP to our DIRECTLY BOOKABLE SERVICE via the Electronic Referral System (ERS) – enabling you to choose the date, and location of your appointment before you even leave your GP practice.

Once you are logged into the NHS e-Referral site, you will be able to select One Health as your care provider. We guarantee to offer you a prompt appointment on receiving your referral.

How long do I have to wait for an operation on the NHS?

Tips on how to have NHS surgery sooner Guide 6 February 2023 The maximum waiting time for non-urgent consultant-led treatments is 18 weeks, and if you have to wait longer this is known as a ‘breach’. With a little research and discussion with your GP or other referring clinician, it is possible to receive such treatment well within the 18-week maximum period. Tips on how to have your NHS surgery sooner If you or a loved one are in pain and your wait for treatment is affecting your quality of life, read on to discover how you could have your NHS surgery sooner,

When you are choosing where you might receive treatment, always research individual hospitals’ waiting times. You can do this by using the (the information comes up in a drop down menu called ‘Services Near You’) or by checking hospital websites – many update their waiting times at least weekly and it can be a good way to see which hospital has the capacity to see you sooner. Your access to the NHS e-Referral Service will be given to you by your GP. The waiting period starts from when the hospital of your choice receives your referral letter, or when the first appointment is booked via the NHS e-Referral Service. So the sooner you choose where to be treated, the sooner your surgery should be booked. NHS patients have the right to choose where they receive NHS treatment. You will be offered a number of suitable options by your GP, referring clinician or the NHS e-Referral Service. You can do your own research and suggest your preference to your GP too. A good track record on waiting times should play an important role in how you make your decision if you want to be treated as soon as possible. Always remember that it is your right to choose where you receive your NHS treatment. You can find more here.

Although the maximum waiting time for non-urgent consultant-led treatments is 18 weeks, there are instances where this does not apply including – if you choose to wait longer; if it is in your interest to delay treatment so you can, say, lose weight or stop smoking; if your condition is better monitored than treated; if you fail to attend appointments that you chose from the choice available to you, or; you no longer need the treatment.

Sometimes operations are cancelled. If this happens at the last moment (on or after the date of admission) and due to non-clinical reasons, you should be offered another date within 28 days or have your treatment funded at a time and place of your choice. These rights do not apply if your operation is cancelled before your admission date, but it is still your right to start treatment within a maximum waiting time.

If the cancellation means you are waiting for longer, you can ask the hospital or your local Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) to move you to a different waiting list. We offer free non-urgent within the recommended 18 weeks at our various treatment centres across the country – visit your local hospital’s website to see waiting times by treatment type and check if you could be seen sooner.

What is the recovery time for a 70 year old hip replacement?

How long does it take to recover from a hip replacement? – Your rehabilitation will begin within 24 hours after surgery. Most hip replacement patients progress to walking with a cane, walker or crutches within day or two after surgery. As the days progress, you will increase the distance and frequency of walking.

• Your recovery will begin directly following surgery in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where your medical team will manage your pain and monitor your vital signs.
• Once the anesthesiologist is satisfied with your condition, you will be moved to an inpatient recovery room to monitor your progress. Appropriate candidates for outpatient surgery will be discharged when medically appropriate.
• You will most likely have a dressing and tube on your hip for drainage, which should be removed the day after surgery.
• The pain management team will assess your medication and use a multifaceted approach to ensure comfort and mobility during the rehabilitation process.
• You will begin rehabilitation with a physical therapist within 24 hours. Your therapist will help you sit up, get in and out of bed, and practice walking and climbing stairs using a walker, cane or sometimes crutches.
• You will then continue physical therapy outside the hospital for six to eight weeks. After that period, most patients are able to do everyday activities and return to playing sports.

Learn more in our series of articles about hip replacement recovery.

What is the recovery time for a 60 year old hip replacement?

What to Expect During Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery – Most people will fully recover from hip replacement surgery within a few months to a year, but recovery times vary for each patient. Expect about one to four days of bed rest immediately after surgery, but physical rehabilitation usually starts the same day as your procedure.

• The process is slow and steady, barring complications, and each week should bring less pain, better balance and increased mobility.
• A 2022 study reported that, following a hip replacement, 46.7% of participants experienced a clinically significant improvement, while 15.5% experienced worsened outcomes.

Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline

DAY OF SURGERY You will check into the hospital several hours before surgery. The operation will take two to three hours, and you’ll spend about two more hours in a recovery room as the anesthesia wears off. Expect a liquid diet for the rest of the day. You will also have various intravenous medications to prevent blood clots and infections and to ward off pain. 1 TO 2 DAYS FOLLOWING SURGERY Most patients will need help getting out of bed but should be able to move around with a walker or crutches. Take it slow but try to keep moving for 20 to 30 minutes at a time. This will keep your muscles strong and promote circulation to prevent blood clots. Physical therapists will show you motions that cause the least amount of pain, but you will be limited in your overall movements for several more weeks. You will likely return to a normal diet the day after surgery and oral pain medications will replace your IV. 3 TO 4 DAYS FOLLOWING SURGERY By day three you may be able to walk to the bathroom without help. You will still feel pain, but it should not overwhelm you. Most people can leave the hospital by day three or four if they have had no complications. If you are headed home, you will need someone to drive you and someone to stay with you for several days to a few weeks. Some patients will stay at a rehabilitation center for some time before going home. 4 TO 10 DAYS FOLLOWING SURGERY This time is critical for preventing infection. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking care of the incision. Let them know immediately if you have any signs of infection such as redness, fever or oozing from the incision. Keep your incision dry. You won’t be allowed to shower or bathe until the doctor removes your surgical staples. Regular sponge baths will help keep the incision clean. Moving about as much as possible and sticking with your physical therapy exercises will prevent stiffness, improve circulation and speed your recovery. If you spend time at a rehabilitation center, physical therapists and nurses will watch for any signs of complications. They will also assist with exercises. 10 TO 14 DAYS FOLLOWING SURGERY The doctor will remove your surgery staples at this time. Once that happens, you’ll be able to take showers or baths and walk without a cane or walker. Depending on your recovery and your insurance coverage, if you are at a rehabilitation center you will likely be able to return home. 3 TO 6 WEEKS FOLLOWING SURGERY Light activities will resume and you should not need crutches or a walker at this point. Your doctor may also clear you to drive again, as long as you are not taking any pain medication. You should be able to resume sexual activity about six weeks following surgery. 10 WEEKS TO 1 YEAR FOLLOWING SURGERY Many people return to normal activities within 10 to 12 weeks after surgery, but full recovery can take six to 12 months. Pain usually goes away during this time, but some people feel some pain beyond the first year. Most hip replacements last 20 years, but a fraction of implants fail sooner. Watch for signs of loosening, instability, infection or additional pain. These could be indications that the implant is failing or wearing out and you may need hip revision surgery,

“Ideally, we’re looking to get patients back to work after a joint replacement within a matter of weeks to a couple of months,” Dr.H. John Cooper, a board certified orthopedic surgeon, told Drugwatch. The fastest way to recover from hip replacement surgery is to follow your surgeon’s instructions, watch for signs of problems, be diligent with your physical and occupational therapy and maintain a healthy diet.