Hip & Knee Revision Surgery Recovery
Based on NHS trust guidance
Last reviewed: October 2026 · Free to use · No data collected
Revision surgery — replacing or repairing a hip or knee replacement that was done before — is more individual than a first-time joint replacement, and recovery is usually slower. Your surgeon's instructions on weight-bearing matter more here than any general timeline, because what was done to the joint varies from patient to patient.
⚕️ This is friendly general guidance. Revision surgery varies more than first-time replacement, so your surgical team's specific instructions always take priority here. If you're concerned about any symptom, contact your team, or in an emergency call your local emergency number: 000 (Australia) · 111 (New Zealand) · 999 (UK, Ireland & Singapore) · 911 (USA & Canada) · 112 (European Union & India) · or your country's equivalent. On most mobile networks worldwide, 112 also works as a backup even without a SIM card or when the phone is locked. do not rely on this guide alone.
Recovery at a glance
Day 0-1
Hospital; crutches or frame, weight-bearing set by your surgeon
Day 10-14
Wound check; clips or stitches often removed
Wk 6
Hip: precautions often lifted. Knee: still commonly on crutches
Wk 6-9
Driving often possible once off walking aids and pain-free
3 mo – 2 yr
Knee swelling/stiffness can persist to 1 year, improving to 2 years
What NHS trust guidance recommends
Weight-bearing is individual. Unlike a first-time joint replacement, how much weight you can put through a revised hip or knee is decided by your own surgeon based on what was done during your operation — always follow their specific instructions rather than a general rule.
- Revision hip: if fully weight-bearing, you can usually start weaning off crutches around 2 weeks; if partially or non-weight-bearing, this is often extended to 6–8 weeks
- Revision hip precautions (no bending past 90°, no crossing legs, no turning the leg inward, no twisting your torso, avoid lying on the operated side until healed) typically apply for at least 6 weeks
- Revision knee: expect to be helped up and walking with a frame or crutches from the day after surgery, with the aim of coming off crutches by around 6–9 weeks
- Do regular ankle pumps and breathing exercises to reduce blood clot risk; you may be prescribed medication such as aspirin for around 6 weeks
- A practice nurse usually checks your wound 10–14 days after surgery, and your surgical team reviews you at around 6 weeks
- Avoid flights for 6 weeks (hip), and long-haul flights for 3 months; ask your own team for knee-specific flight advice
Driving and return to work
- Driving after revision hip replacement: usually around 6 weeks, once you're nearly pain-free, not relying on walking aids, and can perform an emergency stop safely. Some patients driving an automatic car after a left-side revision manage sooner, around 3–4 weeks, if comfortable. If you're still not driving at 3 months, contact the DVLA and your insurer.
- Driving after revision knee replacement: usually once you're off crutches, often around 6–9 weeks.
- Return to work after revision hip replacement: a desk job is often possible around 4–8 weeks; a physical job can take around 3 months. Heavy labour isn't recommended until your surgeon confirms you're ready.
- Return to work after revision knee replacement: there's no single NHS figure — it depends on your job and how your knee is healing, so check with your own surgical team.
Recovery essentials
Things NHS guidance and other patients say make a genuine difference.
🪑
A raised toilet seat helps you follow hip precautions for the full 6+ weeks without strain. Raised Toilet Seat →
🤏
A long-handled reacher/grabber avoids bending past 90° while hip precautions are in place. Long Handled Reacher Grabber →
As an Amazon Associate, Postopcare.info earns from qualifying purchases — at no extra cost to you.
⚠ When to get urgent help
- A wound that is red, weeping, bleeding, or feels infected
- Fever or feeling generally unwell
- Sharp new pain, or a feeling that the joint is giving way or unstable
- Calf swelling, redness or pain (possible blood clot)
- Sudden breathlessness or chest pain (possible pulmonary embolism)
Sudden breathlessness or chest pain, or a joint that suddenly feels unstable or dislocated: call emergency services immediately (999 in the UK — or your local equivalent). Other concerns: contact your surgical team, GP or NHS 111.
📍 Find NHS help near you
Opens NHS.uk's official service finder (enter your postcode there).
Common questions
How is revision replacement recovery different from a first-time hip or knee replacement?
Revision recovery is generally slower and more individual. Weight-bearing rules after revision hip surgery are set by your own surgeon based on what was done, rather than a single standard timeline. Revision knee replacements in particular can involve significant swelling and stiffness for up to a year, with the joint continuing to improve for up to two years.
When can I drive after revision hip or knee replacement?
For revision hip replacement, NHS trust guidance commonly suggests around 6 weeks, once you are nearly pain-free, not relying on walking aids, and can perform an emergency stop safely; some patients driving an automatic car after a left hip revision may manage sooner. For revision knee replacement, driving is usually possible once you are off crutches, often around 6 to 9 weeks. Always check with your own surgical team and motor insurer.
Is ongoing swelling normal after knee revision surgery?
Yes, significant pain and swelling can be expected for up to a year after revision knee replacement, and the knee typically keeps improving for up to two years. Sudden, worsening swelling, redness or pain should still be checked by your team rather than assumed to be normal.
Recovering in Australia instead? See our AU guide for hip & knee revision surgery recovery.
Related NHS recovery guides
Did this help? We'd love to know
Thank you — this helps us improve the page.