Best Time of Year For Hip Replacement Surgery

Executive Summary 

• The time of year you decide to schedule hip replacement surgery can influence your mental health throughout the recovery process and possibly even your surgical outcome.
• When deciding the best time of year for your procedure, consider factors like the weather, your support system availability, and logistical factors such as busy work seasons.
• Discuss the best time of year for your surgery with your provider based on your preferences and their recommendations.
• It’s important not to sacrifice choosing a reliable surgical provider for the sake of finding the perfect timing for your surgery.

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Timing is everything,” but does it apply to hip replacement surgery too? Choosing the right time of year for your procedure can boost your mindset and morale, make your recovery process more convenient, and possibly even improve your surgery outcomes.

However, that doesn’t mean what’s best for you is best for everyone else. The best time of year for hip replacement surgery depends on several factors, like your schedule, your favorite seasonal activities, and the availability of your support system. Considering these factors will equip you with the resources necessary to support you during your recovery without causing you to miss out on important activities or responsibilities.

Considerations for Timing Your Hip Surgery

You don’t want to spend your favorite, or busiest, time of the year recovering from surgery. From personal preferences to logistics, there are a lot of factors that can influence the best timing for your hip replacement surgery. As you plan the timing for your procedure, the following considerations will have the largest influence on your decision.   

Weather & Temperature

One of the biggest downsides of hip replacement surgery is that it places limits on your mobility and capacity for physical activity. Different seasons and climates can influence how likely you are to engage in outdoor activities and follow through on your post-surgery recovery plan.

Making your decision based on the weather matters for two reasons: 

• Walking and staying active after surgery is essential, so it can often be a good choice to schedule surgery when the weather is nicer. If your home doesn’t provide much space for walking around, then getting outside will be a must.
• You may not want to plan your hip replacement during your favorite outdoor weather season and miss out on the activities you enjoy. 

Consider how much the weather impacts your plans and how surgery may fit into the schedule. If you’re normally cooped up with a warm blanket in the winter but have no problem getting outside for an occasional walk, then it may be a great time to schedule your surgery. If you’re an avid skier and love the winter, though, you’ll likely want to be in your best shape during this season.

Complication Risk

For the most part, the best season for surgery depends on your personal preference and personal activity levels. However, there are some signs that the time of year you receive surgery may impact your outcome.

One study found that seasonality may be a risk factor for infection after hip replacement surgery, as surgeries performed in the winter had a greater risk of infection. This may be the result of factors like wearing longer clothing, reduced vitamin D levels, or greater presence of bacteria. In a place with mild winters where it’s easier to be outside, like Arizona, this may be less of a concern.

Still, you should consult your medical provider about what makes the most sense for you and your outcome.

Mental Health

With any medical procedure, your mental health is a crucial factor in the process. Patient satisfaction during the recovery process boosts morale, improves motivation for following your post-op recovery plan, and promotes an all-around smoother recovery.

In the long term, mental health improves after hip replacement surgery. However, in the short term, the recovery process comes with considerable downtime and limits your ability to engage in daily activities while you heal. These limitations can temporarily impact your mental health and morale.

It’s important to think about how the time of year you undergo surgery may impact your ability to do the things you love. If the surgical procedure and recovery process keep you from your favorite seasonal activities, it may be best to opt for a time of year when surgery will be less disruptive.

For example, if you enjoy summer activities, like golfing or swimming, you may be discouraged by not being at full capacity to enjoy them. Or, if you want to be in your best shape for the holidays, you should schedule your procedure in the spring or summer so you don’t have to limit yourself during any of the festivities.

Support System Availability

The time of year may also influence your support system, which will also have a significant impact on your mental health. A strong support system is a valuable part of the recovery process, supporting you with transportation to appointments, picking up prescriptions, and completing chores. 

Is your support system available year-round? If your network of family or friends is away traveling or busy at school or work during certain times of the year, you should consider this when scheduling your procedure. Consult your family and friends about when they may have space to support you. 

Logistical Factors

Of course, your preference for when you’d rather have surgery can only extend so far. Choosing the best time for hip replacement surgery also depends on logistical factors like how soon you need the surgery, the availability of surgical providers, and your own calendar availability.

Some of the most important logistical factors to consider include:

• Pain levels – If you are experiencing high levels of pain or limited mobility, then you are better off prioritizing your surgery sooner rather than later. Discuss with your doctor when it’s a good time to consider joint replacement surgery.
• Provider availability – Don’t compromise on choosing a quality provider for the sake of timing your surgery. Be sure to prioritize finding an experienced provider with a strong reputation. When you do, you may have to be flexible to schedule a time that aligns with their availability.
• Responsibilities – Jobs and other responsibilities can make it difficult to take time off for rest and recovery. However, if your company has a slow season, it may provide the perfect opportunity to make time for your surgery.

Experience Long-Term Joint Relief with JRCS

The timing of your surgical procedure can play a role in your mental health during your recovery and what activities you may miss out on. Ultimately, the best time of year for hip replacement surgery depends on your preference and the advice of your provider. Discuss your lifestyle needs so you can determine together what time of year makes the most sense for your procedure.

Still, timing is just one important factor to consider as you prepare for hip replacement surgery. Always be sure to find an experienced and well-respected provider to ensure your comfort and peace of mind. At the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale, we are committed to providing patients with the best possible outcomes at any time of year, using advanced treatment methods combined with compassionate care to promote a faster, smoother recovery.  

Schedule a consultation with our expert team today to determine whether you are a good candidate for hip surgery and what time of year is best for you.