According to figures by the National Joint Registry, there were just under 85,000 hip replacements carried out in 2021 (in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Isle of Man and Guernsey), with the average age of those having the procedure being 67 years for men and 69 years for women.
With so many hip replacements occurring in older adults, the prospect of needing this kind of procedure can be a real worry for both those in later life themselves and also their loved ones.
In this article, we look at why so many older people need hip replacements, what the procedure might involve and some of the risks and common consequences of this kind of surgery in older adults. We also provide some information on the elderly hip replacement recovery process and some tips for after the surgery.
Jump to:
- Why do so many elderly people need hip replacements?
- Hip replacement risks for elderly people
- What happens during elderly hip replacement surgery?
- Elderly hip replacement recovery times
- Tips for recovery from hip replacement in the elderly
- Peace of mind after hip replacement surgery
Why do so many elderly people need hip replacements?
There are several reasons why older people tend to need hip replacement procedures.
- A common reason is osteoporosis, which is a condition experienced by many in later life that weakens the bones. It can mean that experiencing a fall or another kind of trauma to the hip can more easily cause fractures and mean that a hip replacement procedure is needed.
- Another reason is osteoarthritis, which is where ‘wear and tear’ on the hip joint over the years can reduce the cartilage and cause the bones to rub against each other.
- Another condition that can give rise to a hip replacement is rheumatoid arthritis, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joint and causes a high degree of pain and stiffness.
- A bad fall, even if the older person doesn’t have osteoporosis, can also sometimes cause a hip fracture that may need replacement surgery.
The aim of a hip replacement procedure is to relieve pain and stiffness and improve the function of the hip. In turn, this aims to improve the mobility of the individual and their quality of life.
Hip replacement risks for elderly people
Hip replacements are a very common kind of surgery and this procedure is considered safe, but there are always risks with any kind of operation and these should be explained by the medical team before the hip replacement goes ahead.
For some older people, especially if they live alone or don’t have anyone at home who will be able to help look after them once they are discharged from the hospital, this can mean an extended period in a hospital or a care facility while they recover from the surgery.
Other risks or complications when undergoing a hip replacement procedure, although rare, can include:
- Blood clots
- Wound infection
- Slight difference in leg length
- Nerve or tissue damage
- Hip dislocation or wear over time
It’s important to understand all of the potential risks before undergoing a hip replacement operation, but it’s also worth noting that the vast majority of hip replacements go to plan, and the individual experiences significant improvements to quality of life after a period of recovery.
What happens during elderly hip replacement surgery?
The specific kind of surgery involved in a hip replacement will depend on the damage to the hip, where this issue is and what caused it.
The doctor will discuss the particular type of surgery needed in every individual case and make sure that the older person, and any loved ones involved, understand the procedure that is being done and why.
- The most common type of surgery is a ‘total hip replacement’, where the ‘ball’ and ‘socket’ part of the hip joint are both replaced with new parts.
- A ‘partial hip replacement’ is where only the ‘ball’ of the joint needs replacing.
- Another kind of procedure, called ‘hip resurfacing’ involves covering the surface of the ‘ball’ joint with metal, rather than replacing it. However, this is usually not an option for those over the age of around 50 years as it works best on those with stronger bones.
After the surgery has been completed, the individual will need to spend some time recovering in the hospital before being allowed to continue their recovery at home. This length of time can be different for everyone.
Elderly hip replacement recovery times
Everyone recovers from something like hip replacement surgery differently and there are lots of different variables that can have an impact on how long it takes to achieve certain milestones after the procedure.
If there are no issues after the surgery and the wound is starting to heal well, many older people who are generally fit and well are discharged from hospital between 1-3 days after their hip replacement procedure.
Before leaving the hospital, a physiotherapist or occupational therapist will explain how to manage daily activities and give some exercises and other tips to help with recovery at home. There will usually be a prescription for painkillers to help manage the pain once at home.
There will be a return appointment booked in for around 10 days after surgery to check on the wound and remove any stitches or clips used. Another appointment will be scheduled for between 6-12 weeks post-surgery to check on recovery. There may well be other physiotherapy appointments arranged throughout the recovery process.
All-in-all, it can often take between six and twelve months to fully recover from hip replacement surgery. Following the advice from the medical team and making sure to do the exercises given can help with this, and will also help ensure the best possible outcome in the long-term.
Tips for recovery from hip replacement in the elderly
By making some preparations in advance, before the hip replacement procedure is carried out, an older person can help their recovery go as well as possible. This can include:
Preparing the home – by making sure that the living and sleeping spaces are safe and comfortable for the recovery process, with easy access to a bathroom. Take into account that most people recovering from hip replacement surgery need to use crutches or a walking frame for at least the first part of the recovery process and it’s likely to be some time before they can walk up or down stairs.
Arranging some help at home – whether this is family, friends, neighbours or professional care at home, in the days and weeks after the surgery. This can be to help with daily living tasks such as shopping, preparing meals, doing some housework or helping with personal care.
Once home from hospital, other tips to help with recovery include:
- Following the pain management plan set out at hospital, which might include heat or cold packs, as well as medication.
- Attending all of the planned physiotherapy sessions to help regain mobility and strength.
- Doing all of the suggested exercises and techniques at home between physiotherapy sessions.
- Use walking aids if needed to help get around, gradually reducing reliance on them as the recovery progresses.
- Follow all of the medical team’s instructions for the surgery wound(s) to minimise the risk of infection or interrupting the healing process.
- Start to gradually bear weight on the affected leg as per the guidelines provided by the medical team. Don’t try to do too much, too soon.
- Gradually increase activity levels as advised by the physiotherapist. This will help to build strength, flexibility and increase the range of motion in the hip.
- Eat a healthy balanced diet and stay hydrated to help support quicker healing.
- Prioritise resting and sleep to help with the healing process. View our sleep tips for seniors for some ideas on this.
- Attend any follow-up appointments to check on the progress of recovery.
It is important to remember that everyone heals differently
and the recovery rates do vary.
Other factors, such as other existing health conditions, can affect the recovery process. It’s important to speak to medical professionals if there are any concerns after the surgery and during recovery.
Peace of mind after hip replacement surgery
Many older people, especially if normally very independent, fit, well, active and mobile, can find the recovery process after hip replacement surgery to be very challenging, both physically and mentally.
Having to rely on others for help in the days, weeks and months after the procedure doesn’t always come naturally, and it’s also normal for the older person’s loved ones to worry when they aren’t there in case something happens.
One option that can help with peace of mind for everyone is a personal alarm system. Designed to be worn all the time, the person recovering from a hip replacement just has to press the button to be connected to the 24/7 monitoring team. If needed, the nominated contact(s) can be reached, or emergency help if it is required. It can help everyone involved to know that assistance is always available, but also enables the older adult to keep as much independence as possible.
View our full range of personal alarms online. With a range of different products and features available, including emergency alarms and fall alarms, you can call our team for more information on which alarm system would be best suited to your individual circumstances. Our customer service team is available on 0800 085 7371 (Mon – Fri, 9am – 5pm).
