Recovering from Hip Replacement

Who is a candidate for same-day outpatient hip replacement?

The majority of patients undergoing total hip replacement are able to leave the hospital on the day of surgery. Some factors that may require a patient to spend a night in the hospital include patient age, social support system at home, and medical conditions.

When can I start walking?

Based on years of experience, Dr. Kelly and his team have developed a rapid recovery pathway that begins when his patients start to walk a few hours after surgery.

How long does it take to recover from hip replacement?

The rapid recovery process is a step by step process. Most patients are able to return home on the same day of surgery and put full weight on their leg. During the first two weeks after surgery, the main goal is swelling reduction and soft tissue healing. Patients focus on ice and elevation, twice daily exercises, and short but frequent walking. Formal physical therapy is not required after anterior total hip replacement but can be helpful for patients who are struggling to get back to their previous functional level. Most patients are back to performing all activities by week 6.

How do you manage pain after total hip replacement?

Dr. Kelly works with an excellent team of providers across medical specialties to reduce your pain after surgery. Dr. Kelly and his team effectively manage the pain with multiple types of medications, and by following the rapid recovery protocol which greatly improves postoperative experiences.  During surgery, Dr. Kelly injects a specialized formula of medicine inside the hip joint to reduce pain after surgery.  Most patients require only a small amount of narcotic pain medication for a few days following surgery, and some are able to avoid them altogether.

How does Dr. Kelly communicate with patients after surgery to assist in their recovery?

Dr. Kelly uses a special program called STREAMD to help his patients recover well after surgery. STREAMD is a artificial intelligence based text messaging program that serves as a personal health coach to coach patients through the entire process of surgery. Patients receive either emails or texts prior to surgery and afterwards to help with pain management, exercises, and other commonly asked questions. This is a free, optional program for Dr. Kelly’s patients that guides you every step of the way through surgery and on the path to a full recovery.