hip replacement

[dugandiving]

I am just after some general information. Ten days ago I had a hip replacement operation. The doctor said I would be on crutches for six weeks. I forgot to ask him if after the six weeks was up if I could then go straight back to diving, or if there will more time before I can start diving again. Is there anyone who has had a hip replacement, or knows about them that can give me a rough idea of how long it will probably be.

 

[DocVikingo]

How soon after hip replacement one can return to scuba depends upon a number of factors, such as the type of replacement, freedom from post-op complications, natural healing speed, time to completion of prescribed muscle-strengthening exercises, and the like.

Under any set of circumstances, however, return immediately after release from assistive devices seems overly optimistic. It is very likely that an extended period of recovery & rehabilitation will follow the termination of crutch use.

Once the patient has been released for a reasonably full range of weight-bearing activities, return to diving can be discussed.

This is educational only and does not constitute or imply a doctor-patient relationship. It is not medical advice to you or any other individual, and should not be construed as such.

Best regards.

DocVikingo

 

[saturated]

Hello

I had my right hip replaced after an auto accident. I think alot will depend on you and your rehab efforts. You will find that you will need some time off. It took me about 3 months to get back in the water and closer to 6 to be what I felt was normal. Is your hip titanium, stainless? I've noticed that in cold water the "steel" in my hip seems to retain the cold. Do as much walking and exersize as you can early on, listen to your doc and you'll be wet in no time. Good Luck to You!

 

[dugandiving]

Thank you for the information. I probably am getting a bit carried away thinking about getting back into diving yet, I am still full of pain killers and not moving real well.

 

[DocVikingo]

.... given that everything goes reasonably well is around 6 months. Hopefully, you'll beat that.

A speedy recovery to you.

DocVikingo

 

[PK]

If possible, I would talk to a few different orthodaedic surgeons who have hip replacement patients who are divers (as well as your own orthopod). It's sometimes important to get information from a few different sources on this subject, especially from surgeons who have plenty of experience in your particular issue. Consistent answers can give you ensurance or inconsistent answers can give you clues to the key questions.

One of this things I would ask is if the articulating surfaces in your hip implant and the way they are healing can withstand the pressures while carrying heavy scuba equipment. Bone is alive and can grow or become stronger under pressure, stainless steel, cobalt chrome, and polymers etc do not. Having said that, hip implant materials are probably not as much of a concern as how well they are settling in, proper placement, and how well your supporting bones in the acetabular and femur are recovering. I imagine that the time interval for you to get back in the water depends on how well the bone surrounding your implant is healing and if the implant itself is settling in well.

Did your surgeon know that you dive before the surgery? Do you know anything about the implant (cemented or non-cemented)? If you do, I can help you guide a few more questions.

It's important to be very careful to balance your activity. Sedentary recovery isn't good because your bone will be too shielded from stress (bone needs stress). Too active recovery isn't good because your joint may be too delicate until it recovers. The best thing to do is be in good communication with your health care workers and don't assume anything. Questions are really important in this situation and there are no dumb questions!

 

[dugandiving]

Actually I did not have a full hip replacement. I had a something or other resurfacing. Basically I think they capped the top of the femur( if I have my names right) and re-shaped the socket. They did not put a metal shaft down into the bone, because they said they are going to have to replace this at some stage, a long time from now hopefully, and they needed to keep the bone as undamaged as possible. The surgeon knew I dived, and was in no doubt that I intended to go back to it. I should have explained myself more precisely in the first place. Thanks for your interest.

 

[PK]

All my best to you Dugandiving!