Choosing to have a hip replacement is a big step towards regaining mobility and easing pain. It’s completely normal to wonder what your time in hospital will involve. This article aims to gently guide you through the typical journey—from the moments after surgery up to your discharge. Usually, this stay lasts between one and three days, depending on your overall health and fitness. Throughout this time, you will be supported every step of the way by specialist healthcare teams dedicated to your comfort and recovery.

Admission and Arrival at the Hospital

Your experience begins the moment you arrive at the hospital for your hip replacement. After checking in, you will meet the friendly team responsible for your care—nurses, anaesthetists, and orthopaedic surgeons. At MSK Doctors, with experts such as Professor Paul Lee leading the way, you are assured of receiving highly skilled and compassionate care. The team will take the time to explain what to expect, answering any questions to help you feel at ease.

Day of Surgery: Immediate Post-Operative Care

Once your surgery is complete, you’ll be moved to the recovery ward where nurses will closely monitor your health, attending to your wound and managing your pain with medication as needed. You might have equipment like intravenous drips or compression devices to support your healing. Knowing what happens after a hip replacement in hospital can help ease anxiety—key steps include starting gentle movement and keeping pain well controlled. Advances in surgery mean there are exciting options available; for example, “surface replacement is a significant development in hip arthroplasty,” offering patients more choices tailored to their needs (Amstutz et al., 1998).

The First 24 Hours: Early Recovery and Important Milestones

The first 24 hours after surgery are often the most critical. Your pain will be carefully monitored and managed to ensure you’re comfortable. To reduce the risk of blood clots, anti-clotting measures will be started early. You’ll be encouraged to begin moving gently, perhaps by sitting up in bed or performing simple leg exercises. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists will join your care team to provide personalised support. Good knowledge of how the hip works biomechanically is key here, as “it is essential to have good knowledge of the biomechanics of the hip to achieve better clinical results” (Lee et al., 2019).

Day Two and Beyond: Regaining Mobility

From the second day onwards, the focus turns to helping you regain your mobility. Most patients start to get out of bed, stand, and take steps with the support of a walker or crutches. Everyone’s progress is different, so your healthcare team will work alongside you to set achievable goals tailored to your pace. At MSK Doctors, Professor Paul Lee and colleagues foster a rehabilitation environment that encourages steady gains, building your confidence and independence.

Some newer hip replacement techniques are particularly suitable for younger, more active patients. For example, “surface replacement offers a bone-conserving alternative, especially beneficial for young and physically active patients” (Amstutz et al., 1998), highlighting the thoughtful innovation in this field.

Preparing for Discharge: Criteria and Support

Before leaving hospital, certain requirements need to be met. You should be able to walk safely with assistance, manage your personal care, and take your medications independently. As you near discharge, your care team will discuss your progress and help plan for your recovery at home. Feel free to ask questions—understanding the hospital discharge process and what to expect from the typical hip replacement hospital stay length helps you feel prepared and confident for the next stage.

Arranging Home Support and Ongoing Care

Returning home is a key part of your recovery. You may need some help from family or carers, as well as equipment such as walking aids or raised chairs. Physiotherapy appointments will usually continue to help improve your strength and mobility. It’s important to make your home safe by removing hazards and organising your medications clearly. Keep an eye out for any unusual symptoms and don’t hesitate to contact your healthcare team if you have concerns. The MSK Doctors team remains available for ongoing support and advice throughout your recovery.

Special Considerations: Hip Replacement and Pregnancy

For women of childbearing age, it’s natural to wonder how hip replacement might affect pregnancy. Research shows that “among women of childbearing age with a total hip replacement, 12% to 17% will later have at least one pregnancy” (Lopez Garcia et al., 2023). Encouragingly, young women who undergo total hip replacement do not face a higher risk of pregnancy complications. While some may experience hip pain during pregnancy, studies report that “there is no increased risk of pregnancy complications or increased revision rates” following childbirth, offering reassurance for those planning families after surgery (Lopez Garcia et al., 2023).

Conclusion and Responsible Advice

In summary, your hospital stay for hip replacement involves carefully planned stages designed to support your recovery and promote early mobility. You will be cared for by an expert, compassionate team, including renowned specialists like Professor Paul Lee, ensuring you receive the best clinical care. Remember, for advice tailored specifically to your circumstances, always consult a qualified healthcare professional.

References

Amstutz, H. C., Sparling, E. A., Grigoris, P., Campbell, P., & Dorey, F. (1998). Surface replacement: The hip replacement of the future? Hip International, 8(4), 187-207. https://doi.org/10.1177/112070009800800401
Lee, Y.-K., Choi, J. H., Won, H., & Koo, K.-H. (2019). Biomechanics of hip and hip replacement arthroplasty. The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association, 54(5), 377. https://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2019.54.5.377
Lopez Garcia, E. P., Prosser, G. H., & Bucher, T. A. (2023). Pregnancy, hip pain, and total hip replacement. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American), 105(17), 1373-1380. https://doi.org/10.2106/jbjs.22.01017