FAQs

Although you will experience relief of your pre-operative pain quite soon after the operation, the return of full function can take much longer.  After three months, you will probably have regained some of the strength in the muscles in your leg, and range of movement will be improving.  However, it may take up to 12 months to feel the full benefits. 

You can return to playing low-impact sports.  This means sports that don’t put high stresses on your hip.  These include golf, bowling, cycling or swimming. 

The lifetime of the joint replacement varies from person to person.  It can depend on many factors such as the patient’s activity level, body weight and surgical technique.  A replacement joint is not as strong or durable as a natural healthy joint. On an average they last 10-15 years in 90% of the patients. There is no guarantee that a replacement joint will last the rest of a patient’s life. 

You are able to drive 6-8 weeks after the operation, providing there have been no problems in your rehabilitation. 

You are able to fly no sooner than 3 months after your operation.  Your risk of having a DVT (blood clot in the calf) is still high within this time period. 

The majority of patients may well be pain free and no longer need painkillers.  About a third of patients will have some pain, but it should be much less than the pain they had before the operation. 

Generally, patients resume sexual activities as soon as they feel able, usually from 6 weeks onwards.  In the months following surgery, patients are generally advised to take it easy and modify their positioning to keep pressure off the affected joint whilst it is healing.

1. Keep active when you are on the ward.  It will be much easier to walk around with crutches at home rather than a frame.
2. Gradually increase the distances walked at home, as pain allows.

1. Bend the hip beyond 90º (a right angle) for the first 3 months.
2. Cross your legs, as this is a risk position for hip dislocation.
3. Twist and turn on your operated leg.  Make sure you lift your feet when turning.
4. Sit on a low chair, bed or toilet.