Can you live a normal life after hip replacement surgery?

Apr 26, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

After hip joint replacement, if the degree of joint disease is not severe, postoperative care is appropriate, and the patient has good physical health, it is possible to recover normal walking and mobility. However, if the hip joint condition was severe and proper care was not provided, leading to poor recovery, the function of muscles around the joint may be affected, resulting in residual muscle dysfunction.

Whether a person can function like a normal individual after hip replacement depends on the extent of the disease and the recovery process. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Possible

Hip replacement surgery primarily involves removing the damaged femoral head and replacing it with an artificial implant. If the joint damage is not severe, postoperative care is properly managed, and the patient is in good physical condition, normal walking and daily activities can generally be restored after 3 to 6 months of recovery. However, strenuous physical activities should still be avoided.

2. Not possible

If the hip joint disease was severe or if inadequate postoperative care leads to poor healing, the surrounding muscle function may be affected, resulting in persistent muscle impairment. In such cases, the patient may not be able to walk or move normally and could develop a limp.

It is recommended to actively cooperate with medical care during recovery and to engage in appropriate exercise training after rehabilitation to restore normal walking ability and daily living functions as soon as possible.

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Feeling one leg longer than the other after hip joint surgery

In general, the sensation of one leg feeling longer than the other after hip surgery may be caused by factors such as excessive or insufficient osteotomy, muscle imbalance following hip replacement, or pelvic tilt. Additionally, it could also be related to conditions such as lumbar scoliosis or lumbar disc herniation. Patients experiencing the above symptoms are advised to promptly visit a qualified hospital for further evaluation and, based on the specific condition, receive appropriate treatment accordingly.

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How to defecate after femoral head replacement surgery

After hip replacement surgery, patients may attempt to use a bedpan for bowel movements. The patient should lie on their side, place the bedpan under the buttocks, and gently lower the anus onto the bedpan to defecate. Alternatively, sitting on a toilet may also be attempted. If bowel movement does not occur within a few days after surgery, increase intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains, while reducing consumption of meat and sugar.

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Pain when walking 2 months after hip replacement surgery

In general, pain while walking two months after hip replacement surgery may be related to hip dislocation, hip instability, postoperative infection, muscle atrophy, nerve injury, or other causes, and requires symptomatic treatment. Patients are advised to seek timely medical attention when experiencing discomfort and to receive standardized treatment under a doctor's guidance, which can facilitate recovery. Hip dislocation refers to the artificial hip joint moving out of its normal position.

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Can I stop using crutches 40 days after hip replacement surgery?

In general, hip replacement refers to hip replacement surgery. Forty days after hip replacement surgery, some patients may be able to walk without crutches, while others may not. Typically, after undergoing hip replacement surgery and receiving early pain management, patients can start walking with crutches as early as the second day. They may be able to walk without crutches between 14 to 28 days post-surgery, and usually can walk unaided by 40 days after the procedure.