Two of the largest joints in our bodies are the hip and knee, which allows for a wide range of movement. Unfortunately, with age or injury, these vital areas can deteriorate to the point where replacement surgery is necessary. According to the data collected from the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, on average, more than 1 million Orthopedic surgeries (knee and hip replacement surgeries) are performed in the United States annually. This number is only increasing as people are now living longer and being active well into their later years.
Dr. Bobby Howarth, an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee replacement in Steamboat Springs, commented on the health of the town’s inhabitants, saying steamboat is an incredibly healthy community. He continued by expressing that many people here stay fit into their 70s and want to continue doing the things they love, which we also want for them.
There are some similarities between hip and knee replacement surgeries. such as
- Both surgeries can be performed as outpatient procedures.
- Minimum use of narcotic painkillers
- Both operations can be done with local anesthesia
- Surgeries typically take less than an hour
- Minimal tissue damage
Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery Process
Howarth stated that many of his patients inquire about resuming outdoor activities, such as skiing, after surgery. Howarth explained. ‘The answer is yes! We want you to get back to living your life and enjoying the activities you love, pain-free.’ A hip replacement generally has a simpler recovery process than other more complicated joint procedures.
The hip joint is structurally similar to a ball and socket, so when artificial parts are needed to replace the damaged joint–usually because of osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis–the surgery is typically not very complex. “Most of our patients can walk within a few hours of surgery,” said Howarth. “About 60 percent of them can go home the same day. They schedule appointments with physical therapists as soon as they leave the hospital.”
Howarth explained that while most patients need crutches or a walker to get around at first, they generally use just a cane within days or weeks and can eventually walk on their own. Few patients report discomfort following surgery and can resume their normal physical activity within four to six weeks. According to him, as long as patients are active and moving around, they won’t always need physical therapy. For most patients, pain medication isn’t needed after the initial few days following their injury.
According to him, sports such as tennis and pickleball incorporating shorter spouts of speed are acceptable, along with hiking and biking. The only activities he asks patients to avoid for at least six weeks are motorcycle or horseback riding.
Recovery Process Of Knee Replacement Surgery
The knee joint is more complicated than other joints because it can move in a wider range of directions and has more flexibility. When performing knee replacement surgery, the arthritis is removed, and new hardware is placed onto the bone. The surgeon then needs to verify that the knee stays in place and that the joint can still move & rotate correctly.
More tissue and bone are removed during a knee replacement surgery than for a hip replacement. Also, the soft tissue around the knee must stretch further than with soft tissues near the hip, which is why patients usually experience more pain afterward, as the knee can swell and feel tight. According to Howarth, knee replacement surgery requires physical therapy for a complete recovery. Typically, patients who follow the surgeon’s and physical therapist’s directions heal more rapidly than those who do not.
The amount of time it takes to recover from surgery depends on the patient’s age and general health, and recovery times can vary anywhere from a few months to a year. In two weeks, Howarth hopes patients can fully bend their knees at a 90-degree angle.
Consulting with your regular physician and creating a post-operative plan that involves physical therapy, working out, eating well, and changing something in your home (if necessary) is vital, no matter which surgery you have. “Patients commonly avoid these surgeries, but stalling is not always the best solution,” he explained. “Many patients regret not starting treatment earlier once they’ve recovered and returned to their pre-injury activity level.”
