level of function to expect post total hip replacement

[ren.lpn]

53 year old LPN, 30 yrs in various nursing fields, LTC for last 10 years...I'm having to consider a total hip and possible knee replacement...can they both be done on the same limb at the same time?? Realistically, how much function can I expect post recovery and PT? and for how long? Can I expect the full ROM that I've lost, and the endurance to return to work? I've read that problems are common 7-10 years post replacement, at my age I don't like those stats, also that dislocations are a risk. Any nurses out there who have had joint replacements ...please respond.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

You probably wouldn't be able to have both a TKR and THR on the same leg at the same time, if for no other reason than the use of continuous passive motion for the knee, which could easily flex the hip too much and dislocate it. OW.

I haven't had one yet, but I'm sure a TKR on my left knee is in my not-too-distant future. I'm not looking forward to it, because I've taken care of hundreds of orthopedic pts and this is one of the hardest surgeries to recover from. I don't think total hips are quite as bad.......You are still young, and a lot depends on if you're overweight (and if you are, try to lose as much weight as you can BEFORE you go under the knife), how healthy you are overall, and your individual pain tolerance.

Good luck to you. :)

[meownsmile, BSN, RN]

I agree, doing both at the same time wouldnt be advised. I dont know if you could get a dr to even do that. We have people that work with me that have had joint replacement and there is no reason you couldnt be able to get most of your stamina back if like mjl said you are in fairly good shape to begin with.

You are still young and would probly recover nicely from replacement. The problems you have heard about in 10+ years are probly coming from older joint models that do wear and need revision after years especially if you are in a active job, or do a lot of walking and excersise. I think the newer types of joints have a little longer "shelf life" than the older ones. Ask the frank straight to the point questions of your doctor, he would be the best to tell you, because he sees the patients past the initial recovery. He would know the stats and details on function and need for revision.

[CapeCodMermaid, RN]

MJLRN-I don't think that TKR is the hardest to recover from(excuse the dangling participle). My patients' range between late 50's to late 80's and for the most part they do great. Lately we've had several people come in with BILATERAL TKR's....one surgery, one anesthesia. Probably not a good idea to do the knee and the hip at the same time. We had one guy once who wanted both hips done at the same time. The docs around here refused (he was 86 but in excellent health) so he flew to Philadelphia, had the surgery there and then came back home for rehab. He accredited his great physical condition to his years of figure skating with Sonja Henjie!

To echo someone else's advise....if you need to lose weight, do it before the surgery. I wish the surgeon's around here would tell their patients to lose weight pre-op.

Good luck.