Returning to daily activities

Recovery varies between individuals, and your postoperative instructions may be adjusted to suit your surgery and general health. After an uncomplicated anterior hip replacement, you can usually:

• Bend your hip beyond 90 degrees as comfort permits
• Sit on a normal chair
• Use a standard toilet seat
• Put on socks and shoes when comfortable
• Sleep on either side when comfortable
• Use crutches for approximately one to four weeks, as advised

Important precautions

Avoid taking the operated leg backwards into a deep lunge while turning the foot outwards. Do not force the hip into extension during the early healing period. Continue this precaution until cleared by Angus or your physiotherapist, usually for approximately 8–12 weeks.

Do not twist or pivot on the operated leg. When changing direction, take several small steps and turn your whole body.

• Driving: only when you can safely control the vehicle, perform an emergency stop and are no longer impaired by strong pain medication
• Desk-based work: often around three to four weeks
• Light physical work: commonly six to eight weeks
• Heavy manual work: commonly ten to twelve weeks
• Sport, gym and gardening: usually avoided for at least six weeks and resumed gradually as advised

These are general timeframes. Individual advice from Angus, the hospital and your physiotherapist takes priority.