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Recovery · Orthopaedics · Joint replacement

Hip replacement recovery timeline

Day-by-day recovery after hip replacement at Class A international departments — discharge, fly-home clearance, return to work, and full activity.

← Full Hip replacement guide

Length of stay
14–21 days
Fly-home clearance
Day 10–12
Back to desk work
Week 4–6
Full activity
Month 6

Day-by-day timeline

  1. When
    Day 0

    THA via posterior or anterior approach

    60–90 min under spinal or general anaesthesia. Cementless or hybrid implant per case.

  2. When
    Day 1

    Mobilise with frame

    Out of bed within 6 h. Posterior precautions or anterior precautions reviewed by PT.

  3. When
    Day 4–6

    Discharge

    Discharge once independent on stairs with crutch and dressing dry.

  4. When
    Day 10–12

    Fly-home clearance

    VTE bridging covered for flight. Window-seat aisle access, walk hourly.

  5. When
    Week 4–6

    Sedentary work

    Return to office work. Avoid prolonged sitting beyond 30 min.

  6. When
    Month 3

    Walking distance back

    1–2 km comfortable. Cycling, swimming permitted.

  7. When
    Month 6

    Full activity

    Resume hiking, doubles tennis, golf. Avoid running.

Red-flag symptoms

If any of the following occur post-discharge, contact the operating surgeon immediately or present to local emergency services:

  • Sudden hip pain or instability
  • Calf swelling (DVT)
  • Wound drainage or fever
  • Leg-length discrepancy noticed late

12-month tele-follow-up

  • 6-week, 3-month, 12-month tele-consults
  • Annual implant survivorship review

Aftercare on repatriation

Driving allowed at 4–6 weeks. Long-haul flights between weeks 2 and 6 require a fly-home letter from the surgeon.

Frequently asked

When can I fly home after hip replacement?
Fly-home clearance is typically issued at Day 10–12. VTE bridging covered for flight. Window-seat aisle access, walk hourly.
When can I return to work after hip replacement?
Week 4–6: Return to office work. Avoid prolonged sitting beyond 30 min.
When can I resume full activity?
Month 6: Resume hiking, doubles tennis, golf. Avoid running.
What red-flag symptoms should I watch for?
Sudden hip pain or instability; Calf swelling (DVT); Wound drainage or fever; Leg-length discrepancy noticed late. Contact the operating surgeon or local A&E immediately if any occur.

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