NHGI - Wolfram H KlugeRehabilitation
Planning ahead will make it easier to recover at home. You might want to make some modifications at home and ask a friend or relative to look after you when you come home after the operation. Unless instructed otherwise by the surgeon, full weight bearing is encouraged from the day of the operation. Physiotherapists and nursing staff will help you in order to speed recovery.
The expected hospital stay for uncomplicated hip replacement and hip resurfacing is 3 – 5 days, for revision surgery it might be longer. You are ready for discharge as soon as you feel safe to manage a flight of stairs. Activity and exercise must be a regular part of your day to regain the use of your joint and muscles. About 12 days after surgery your skin clips will be taken out. In order to avoid infection your dressing will have to be kept dry until 3 days after the skin clips have been removed. Remember: Infection is one of the most serious complications. About 2-3 months after the surgery you will be seen again by your surgeon to make sure your hip is recovering well. X-rays will be taken at certain stages. If rehabilitation is progressing well, most patients resume their normal activities before their 3 months appointment.
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