Potential benefitsPain relief The operation may relieve all of the pain and it is certainly quite possible and not uncommon for patients to resume almost completely normal function following hip replacement surgery. However, it is not uncommon to have some residual tenderness around the wound for some months and even thereafter some minor discomfort may persist. In regard to the knee some residual pain is slightly more common and in general the functional outcomes following knee replacement are slightly inferior to that of hip replacements. Mobility Range of movement should improve following surgery but full movement may not be restored. In regard to the hip, restrictions may be placed on you for several weeks to reduce the risk of dislocation. Function is usually improved following surgery in terms of walking ability, speed of walking and light exercise. You may wish to discuss with your surgeon what sort of exercises and activity and sports may be possible after your operation. This to some extent depends not just upon the operation but also in terms of general fitness and pre-operative activity levels. Quality of life Hip replacement is well recognised as being one of the most successful operations at improving quality of life. This is because the pain and impairment of function from hip arthritis affects almost all aspects of the patient's life including basic activities of daily living (washing, dressing etc), ability to work, leisure activities, sleeping and social relationships. Following surgery patients feel improvement in all of these areas with a consequent improvement in quality of life. | 
