Hip Resurfacing Recovery

Hip resurfacing differs from a total hip replacement in that no parts of the knee joint are replaced. Instead, a tool is used to reshape the joint and metal prostheses are added to allow the hip join to move freely and reduce the chance of dislocation. Hip resurfacing is more complicated than hip replacement, making the recovery process slightly longer.

Procedure

• After the hip's ball joint is reshaped, it is capped with a metal prosthesis. An additional metal prosthesis is fitted to the socket of the hip joint.

Post-Op

• Upon waking up after the surgery is complete, the patient will spend one hour in the recovery room as fluids are drained from the hip and a post-operative X-ray is taken.

Recovery Length

• Recovery from a hip resurfacing procedure generally takes anywhere from six weeks to three months.

Physical Therapy

• Patients who perform exercises recommended by their physical therapist -- such as walking, hip movements and stretches -- tend to recover much more quickly than patients who do not.

First Year

• For the first year after undergoing hip resurfacing, patients should not run, jump or do any high impact activities.