Conversion to Hip Replacement Recovery
Conversion to Total Hip Arthroplasty
What a conversion is
A conversion turns a hip that has already been operated on into a full hip replacement. Most often the first operation was to fix a broken hip with screws or a plate, or to reshape the bone. Where that has not worked out — the fracture did not heal, the joint has since worn, or the hardware is causing trouble — the hip is converted to a replacement.
Why it is not simply a hip replacement
The bone and the muscles have been operated on before. Anatomy is often distorted from the earlier surgery, scar tissue has to be worked through, and old hardware usually has to come out first. All of that makes it longer and more involved than a first-time replacement, and the recovery reflects it.
Removing the old hardware
Screws and plates leave holes in the bone when they come out. Bone with holes in it is weaker until they fill in over the following months, which is why weight through the leg is often limited for a period. This surprises people who were expecting an ordinary hip replacement, so it is worth asking your surgeon what applies to you.
Weight through the leg
You may be asked to put only part of your weight through that leg for some weeks. It depends on how much hardware came out, where the holes are, and how the new components are fixed. Your surgeon will be specific about it before you first stand.
Why the outer hip muscles need extra work
The abductors on the outer side of the hip are often already weakened by the first operation, sometimes for years, and then disturbed again by this one. They are what keep the pelvis level with each step. Rebuilding them takes longer here than after a first replacement and is what determines whether the limp resolves.
What the first weeks usually feel like
Soreness around the hip and thigh is expected, and generally more than after a straightforward replacement. Bruising down the leg is common. Progress often feels slower in the first fortnight than people were led to expect by others who had a routine hip replacement.
The incision
The old scar is usually reopened and often extended. It stays tender for several weeks, may feel tight, and numbness along one side is expected. It generally settles over months.
Leg length
Small differences in leg length are more common here than after a first replacement, because the previous surgery and the original injury have both changed the anatomy. Many settle as the pelvis readjusts; where one remains, a shoe insert usually handles it.
Precautions
Depending on the approach and what was found, positional limits may be firmer and last longer than after a first replacement. Your surgeon will tell you which apply and for how long.
Pain and how it usually changes
Discomfort is highest in the first two weeks and eases as the muscles recover, more slowly than after a first replacement. Aching in the thigh with activity is common for some months and usually reflects the bone settling around the new components.
Walking aids
Crutches or a frame are usually needed for longer here — often several weeks — and coming off them is guided by weight-bearing limits and abductor strength rather than by comfort alone.
Driving
Driving generally waits until any weight-bearing restriction has lifted, you are off stronger pain medication, and you could perform an emergency stop without hesitating. This commonly takes longer than after a first hip replacement.
Returning to work
Desk-based work is often possible within six weeks or so. Work involving standing, climbing, or lifting typically waits several months and is guided by how the bone is healing.
How the first year usually unfolds
The first six weeks centre on protected walking and gentle strengthening. From six to twelve weeks weight-bearing usually normalises and abductor work begins properly. Between three and six months the walking pattern improves markedly, and strength continues building through the first year.
Staying in touch with your care team
Recovery after a conversion varies a great deal, because it depends on the original injury, the first operation, and what was found at this one. Your own surgeon knows those details. If something about your recovery is worrying you or does not match what is described here, contact your care team — they would far rather hear from you.
Exercises for Conversion to Hip Replacement
An illustrated, phase-by-phase exercise program for this procedure. View the Conversion to Hip Replacement exercise program.
Recovery education · Condition guides · Exercise programs
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This guide is general education and doesn't replace evaluation by a licensed provider. Recovery and treatment vary by person — follow the guidance of your own surgeon or care team.