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Can you go home after hip replacement surgery?

Author

William Rodriguez

Published Jan 23, 2026

When can I go home after a hip replacement? “Most patients can start walking and can go home the day of the surgery,” says Thakkar. Most people don't need bed rest. In fact, moving your new joint keeps it from becoming stiff.

How long do you stay in hospital after hip replacement?

Recovering from hip replacement surgery

You'll usually be in hospital for 3 to 5 days, but recovery time can vary. Once you're ready to be discharged, your hospital will give you advice about looking after your hip at home.

How soon after hip replacement can I go home?

Hip surgery types

It is very common that you will go home three to four days after surgery, depending on your healing progress. Your doctor will likely prescribe painkillers and recommend assistive devices.

Can I go home the same day after hip replacement surgery?

Same-day surgeries, also called outpatient surgery, are when a patient safely leaves the hospital to recover at home the same day as the surgery. About one-third to one-half of my patients with a knee or hip replacement surgeries can go home the same day as their procedures.

How painful is hip replacement surgery?

You can expect to experience some discomfort in the hip region itself, as well as groin pain and thigh pain. This is normal as your body adjusts to changes made to joints in that area. There can also be pain in the thigh and knee that is typically associated with a change in the length of your leg.

31 related questions found

How long are you on bed rest after a hip replacement?

How do I safely rest and sleep after a hip replacement? Elevate both of your legs when sitting to minimize swelling. When resting or sleeping in bed, lie on your non-operative side for the first four to six weeks following surgery.

What you Cannot do after a hip replacement?

Hip replacement patients are given a long list of things not to do—do not bend the hips or knees further than 90 degrees, do not cross the legs, do not lift the leg to put on socks, and much more. These movement restrictions protect the new hip from dislocation.

How long will I limp after hip surgery?

You will walk without support when you feel you are safe and can walk comfortably without dropping your hip or limping. Some patients can do this within 2 weeks after surgery while others take 6-8 weeks or longer. Continue to use support as needed to minimize limping.

How do you poop after hip surgery?

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to prevent constipation. Use a stool softener while taking pain medication. Take a laxative if you do not have a bowel movement within two to three days. Notify your doctor if you don't have results after taking the laxative.

How many hours does hip surgery take?

The procedure will probably last about 2 to 3 hours. Recovery from anesthesia will probably take about 2 hours. Once you're fully awake, you'll go to your hospital room. You will likely stick to a liquid diet for the rest of the day.

Are you awake during hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is usually done either under general anaesthetic (you're asleep throughout the procedure) or under spinal anaesthetic (you're awake but have no feeling from the waist down). Sometimes you may have an epidural, which is similar to a spinal anaesthetic.

What do I need at home after hip replacement?

A cane, crutches, or a walker. A reacher to help you pick up things from the floor, put on your pants, and take off your socks. A sock aid to help you put on your socks. Handle bars in the bathroom to allow you to steady yourself.

Do you have to sleep on your back after hip replacement?

The best position to sleep in after total hip replacement is on your back with a pillow between your legs. You can also sleep on your non-operative side with two pillows lined between your legs. When you're sleeping on your back, make sure you don't cross your ankles or legs.

How do you sleep after a hip replacement?

Sleeping after hip surgery

  1. Sleep on your back with a pillow between your knees. Avoid crossing your surgical leg across the middle of your body.
  2. Sleep on your non-operative side with pillows between your legs. Avoid bending your knees.

What is the fastest way to recover from a hip replacement?

7 practical tips for successful hip replacement recovery

  1. Prepare your home in advance. ...
  2. Plan for some time off work. ...
  3. Balance rest and recovery with gentle exercise. ...
  4. Think about your nutrition to help speed up recovery. ...
  5. Be mindful of your hip when in bed. ...
  6. Think about your holidays and travel plans.

Is walking the best exercise after hip replacement?

Walking. Walking is the best exercise for a healthy recovery, because walking will help you recover hip movement. Initially, the use of a walker or crutches will help to prevent blood clots and strengthen your muscles which will improve hip movement.

Can I kneel after hip replacement?

After a hip replacement many patients can kneel down after completing the precautionary period of three months. The safe way to do this is to perform a single-legged kneel whereby the patient kneels on the knee of the operated side only. This means that the other hip has to bend whilst the operated hip stays extended.

Is hip replacement major surgery?

Hip replacement is a major surgery and some complications, such as infection and blood clots, can be life-threatening. Experts estimate3 0.35% (35 in 10,000) patients die within 30 days of hip replacement surgery.

How long after hip replacement can I shower?

Do not shower until 3 to 4 days after your surgery, or when your provider told you to shower. When you can shower, let water run over your incision but do not scrub it or let the water beat down on it. Do not soak in a bathtub, hot tub, or swimming pool. You may have bruising around your wound.

Can I go back to work 2 weeks after hip replacement?

“Most people can go back to a sedentary job in six to eight weeks. For manual labor, it's more like eight to 12 weeks.”

Do I need a raised toilet seat after hip replacement?

After hip replacement surgery, you will need a raised toilet seat on your toilet at home. This is to make sure that your knees are not higher than your hips when sitting.

Can you climb stairs after hip replacement?

Climbing stairs may also be difficult during recovery. With anterior hip replacement, patients can bend the hip freely immediately after surgery and use the hip normally without cumbersome restrictions. Under supervision, they go up and down stairs before leaving the hospital.

Do you need a wheelchair after hip replacement?

For a joint replacement to succeed, patients need at least 3-4 months of a successful recovery. In the first few days after surgery, mobility is difficult without help, but not all patients need a wheelchair. Based on the procedure, patients can walk immediately for short distances with a cane or walker.

What are the 2 types of hip replacement surgery?

There are two major surgical approach methods for performing a total hip replacement:

  • the posterior approach (more common)
  • the anterior approach (sometimes called the "mini-anterior approach" or "muscle-sparing hip replacement")

How do u know if u need a hip replacement?

5 Signs You Might Need Hip Replacement Surgery

  1. You experience pain when you walk. ...
  2. You are experiencing a limited range of motion in your hip joint. ...
  3. You are limping or experiencing limpness in one leg. ...
  4. You have swelling or tenderness in your hip. ...
  5. You have a feeling of instability in your hip joint.