Hip replacement surgery is a major procedure, but if the device is installed properly it can give patients many years of comfort and a normal lifestyle they may not otherwise have. As a hip implant attorney , I understand that the decision to have an artificial hip implant is a huge commitment that will affect the patient’s life forever, but thankfully, most of the hardship is within the first year.
Most hip implant recipients report a pain free and enjoyable life after the first year of post-surgery recovery. Hip replacements aren’t a quick fix, and the prosthesis will never be as strong as the bone it is replacing, but many can enjoy a broad range of motion and normal daily activity.
Hip implants are meant only for normal day-to-day use, however. The patient will be cautioned to limit or to avoid a variety of behaviors including: repetitive, heavy lifting, excessive stair climbing, high-impact exercises like skiing and jogging, quick-start motions, twisting motions, kneeling and sitting on any low surface including low chairs.
The hip implant should last 15-25 years; meaning patients shouldn’t experience many difficulties with their implant until that time. During the first year, patients could experience squeaking and creaking of their device, but should rarely acknowledge signs of the device after that time. If you experience pain or abnormalities with your device, it could be a sign your device is prematurely failing and you should contact your doctor and possibly a personal injury lawyer .