Hip surgery

Recovering from hip surgery

The aim after surgery is to speed up recovery to help regain your mobility.

Either on the day of surgery or the next day, you will havea physiotherapy assessment and be given a rehabilitation programme that includes realistic goals for you to achieve during your recovery. The aim is to help you regain your mobility and independence so you can return home as soon as possible.

Read more about your care after discharge from hospital.

How long you’ll need to stay in hospital will depend on your condition and mobility. It may be possible to be discharged in three to five days.

Evidence suggests that prompt surgery and a tailored rehabilitation programme that starts as soon as possible after surgery can significantly improve a person’s life, reduce the length of their hospital stay and help them recover their mobility faster.

Read more about recovering from a hip fracture.

It may also be useful to read your guide to care and support – written not only for people with care and support needs, but their carers and relatives too. It includes information and advice on:

• transport and getting around with mobility issues
• rehabilitation or ‘reablement’ services
• choosing mobility equipment, wheelchairs and scooters

Complications of hip surgery

Complications can arise from surgery, including:

• infection – the risk is reduced by using antibiotics at the time of surgery and careful sterile techniques; infection occurs in about 1-3% of cases and requires further treatment and often further surgery
• blood clots – can form in the deep veins of the leg (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT) as a result of reduced movement; DVT can be prevented using special stockings, exercise and medication
• pressure ulcers (bedsores) – can occur on areas of skin under constant pressure from being in a chair or bed for long periods

Your surgeon will be able to discuss these and any other risks with you