Most patients are out of bed and walking with crutches or a walker within 24 hours of surgery. Patients are also shown how to safely climb and descend stairs, how to get into and out of a seated position, and how to care for their hip once they return home. It is a good idea to enlist the help of friends or family to help at home after surgery.

  • Recovery

    Recovery after minimally invasive ASI hip replacement can be substantially reduced as compared to recovery from traditional total hip replacement. However, every person’s recovery time will vary. Most people should be able to drive after two weeks, garden after three to four weeks, and golf after six to eight weeks. Your surgeon will tell you when you can return to these activities and will also tell you the activities to avoid.

    Most patients are not typically allowed to participate in high-impact activities or contact sports. These types of activities place extreme pressure on the joints, which could lead to complications. Ask your surgeon which activities to avoid after surgery.

  • Complications

    While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some complications include, but are not limited to, infection, blood clots, implant breakage, malalignment, dislocation, and premature wear, any of which can require additional surgery. Although implant surgery is extremely successful in most cases, some patients still experience pain and stiffness. No implant will last forever, and factors such as the patient’s post-surgery activities and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to discuss these and other risks with your surgeon.

    There are many things that surgeons may do to minimize the potential for complications. Surgeons may recommend preoperative testing to ensure proper health before surgery. Some patients may also need to have their dental work up to date and may be shown how to prepare their home to avoid falls.

  • Summary

    We realize that the decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. We hope this brochure has helped you understand some of the basics of minimally invasive ASI hip replacement surgery so that you can make the best decision for yourself.