Your anterior approach procedure will help you return to an active lifestyle without the pain, but it will take time to do so. Ensuring a successful outcome involves several careful steps and patience.
For the first few days after the operation, you will want to take it easy, but also balance that rest with beginning activity. The anterior approach is tissue sparing, which means most patients can freely bend their hip and bear full weight immediately after the surgery. Movement will help the healing process and keep blood clots from forming in your leg veins. Physical therapy will begin while you are still in bed, and walking and exercises will begin as soon as possible.
You will want to make sure your home is ready for you once you return from your hospital stay, which may last from 2 to 4 days. Placing frequently used items within reach and removing anything that may cause slipping are good ways to make you as comfortable as possible.
Resuming normal activities once home will help you recover, but the key is to not overdo it. The anterior approach to hip replacement surgery allows patients to resume normal activities much faster than with traditional surgery. Your physicians and physician therapists will discuss with you the best rehabilitation plan for your specific needs.
In addition to your prescribed activities, walking (especially with trekking poles) is a good way to add exercise to your day. Swimming is also recommended and can be done as soon as the sutures have been removed and the wound is healed. Other low-impact aerobic activities, such as bicycling, can be done two to three weeks after the procedure.
Avoid activities that involve impact stress on the joint as well as contact sports. Remember that though you may have no pain, your new hip is artificial and may be subject to wear and tear.
References: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00356
http://newstjohns.org/uploadedFiles/Content_Collections/Patient_Forms/anteriorApproachpatient.pdf
