How Long Before You Can Travel After Hip Replacement Surgery?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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14 days for more complicated open surgery (i.e. shoulder joint replacement surgery). 14 days after surgery to stabilise a fracture (broken bone).

3 months

– total hip replacement (hip precautions minimise the risk of hip dislocation in the first 6 weeks after surgery & cannot be met in standard aeroplane seats).

Is it safe to travel after hip replacement surgery?

Travel after Joint Replacement Surgery

Several studies have shown that, if appropriate measures are taken,

it is safe to travel soon after your joint replacement without an increased risk of developing a blood clot for most patients

.

Can I travel 2 weeks after hip replacement?

I generally recommend as soon as you are comfortable with sitting down, you can fly. Usually,

three to four weeks is the minimum time

. If the surgery was done within the last 6 weeks, I recommend blood thinner treatment for the prevention of blood clots.

How long does it take to walk normally after hip surgery?

Most hip replacement patients are able to walk

within the same day or next day of surgery

; most can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks of their total hip replacement recovery. Once light activity becomes possible, it’s important to incorporate healthy exercise into your recovery program.

How much should you walk after hip replacement?

In the beginning, walk for 5 to 10 minutes, 3 to 4 times a day. As your strength and endurance improve, you can walk for 20 to 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day. Once you have fully recovered, regular walks of

20 to 30 minutes, 3 to 4 times a week

, will help maintain your strength.

Are there permanent restrictions after hip replacement?

Less chance of the hip coming out is only the beginning. This anterior hip is so much more stable that patients are no longer given restrictions after hip replacement. That’s right,

no restrictions

. After an anterior hip replacement you can do anything you want to.

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.

Can I travel by car after surgery?

Car and train travel, however,

may be safe after only a few days

. You should be able to resume driving as soon as you can move your head without pain or difficulty, as long as you are not taking prescription pain medication.

How long after surgery can you travel by plane?

Here’s a general window of when it’s typically safe to fly after surgery:

abdominal surgery (complicated): 10 days

. abdominal surgery (simple): 4–5 days. cataract or corneal laser surgery: 1 day.

How do I get in a SUV after hip surgery?

Does hip replacement affect travel insurance?

Should you declare your hip replacement on your travel insurance? The simple answer is

yes, providing it fits within the medical warranty

. Declaring any pre-existing medical condition ensures you are offered comprehensive travel insurance policies tailored to your needs.

Do I need to tell insurance about hip replacement?


Your insurance company should be informed about your operation

. Some companies will not insure drivers for a number of weeks after hip surgery, so it’s important to check what your policy says.

How far should you be walking 4 weeks after hip replacement?

During weeks 3-5, walking endurance usually increases if you have been consistent with your home program. Weeks 4-5: Ambulation distances up to

1 mile (2-3 city blocks)

, resting as needed. Weeks 5-6: Ambulation distances of 1-2 miles; able to meet shopping needs once released to driving.

How long do you have to sleep on your back after hip replacement?

It’s important to follow these sleeping precautions for

6 to 12 weeks

after surgery, depending on your health and personal recovery. The best sleeping position for your hip is to lie on your back with a pillow between your legs.

What should I be doing 3 weeks after hip replacement?

  • You may be able to do most light activities. You’ll likely be able to walk without a walker or crutches.
  • You may be able to drive again.

What happens at 9 weeks after hip replacement?

When can you put full weight on leg after hip replacement?

Instructions after first postop visit (

6-8 weeks after surgery

): You should now be comfortable in walking with a cane or nothing at all, placing full weight on the operated leg. At this point, if you haven’t already done so, you may wean to using 1 crutch or cane in the opposite hand/arm.

What should I be doing 4 weeks after hip replacement?

It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks to start feeling stronger and to be able to get around with less pain. You’ll still need to continue with

physical therapy by going to regular appointments

. Walking at this point is especially important for your recovery. You’ll want to walk regularly and avoid sitting for too long.

What happens at 4 months after hip replacement?

Researchers have previously shown that hip strength and muscle weakness persist up to 2 years after surgery. Based on the rapid recovery in the first 3 to 4 months,

some patients may stop doing their exercises, which may limit their recovery and place them at risk for falls

.

Can you live a normal life after hip replacement?

And researchers, led by Washington University specialists at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, have a found that

the vast majority of patients return to work, to a normal sex life and to other activities after hip replacement surgery.

Can you ever bend past 90 degrees after hip replacement?

When Can You Bend Past 90 Degrees After Hip Replacement?

You should not bend your hip beyond 60 to 90 degrees for the first six to 12 weeks after surgery

. Do not cross your legs or ankles, either. It’s best to avoid bending to pick things up during this period.

How painful is a total hip replacement?

Although the majority of patients have a high degree of satisfaction with their THR,

27% experience some discomfort, and up to 6% experience severe chronic pain

. Although it can be difficult to diagnose the cause of the pain in these patients, this clinical issue should be approached systematically and thoroughly.

What is the best sleeping position 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.

Is it better to fly or drive after surgery?

Risks of Clotting After Surgery

There is a risk of clotting for up to 4-6 weeks after surgery for all patients, but

flying long distances aggravates this problem further

. As a result, those who travel such distances may be subject to enhanced preventive measures after their procedure.

Is it OK to travel before surgery?

CONCLUSION.

Prolonged air travel before major surgery significantly increases the risk of perioperative VTE

. Such patients should receive more intensive VTE prophylactic measures during the flight and throughout the perioperative period.

Carlos Perez
Author
Carlos Perez
Carlos Perez is an education expert and teacher with over 20 years of experience working with youth. He holds a degree in education and has taught in both public and private schools, as well as in community-based organizations. Carlos is passionate about empowering young people and helping them reach their full potential through education and mentorship.