Glenn Close has revealed she had a complete hip replacement after learning her left hip was in 'really bad shape'. The 79-year-old actress explained the surgery in an Instagram video posted on Tuesday 20 October.

'I have a cane because I have had a complete hip replacement,' Close said, thanking fans for their concern. Her caption read: 'A needed explanation. Love to all.'

She reassured followers, saying: 'Don't worry. I'm feeling great.' She added that her family is around her.

Close thanked her physician on Instagram. 'My deep gratitude to Dr. Edwin Sue at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York for being a consummate physician in every way. Thank you for my new hip.'

Cane Draws Attention at Premiere

Close was photographed carrying a cane on 15 October at the opening-night screening of La Bola Negra at NewFest in New York. She briefly handed it to someone while posing for photographers.

Fans asked what had happened and wondered whether the cane was part of a role. One commenter guessed she had recently undergone hip replacement surgery, a possibility Close has confirmed.

Close Shares Recovery Outlook

Close said her focus is on keeping herself 'in running order' so she can meet whatever challenges come her way. She is still using the cane while she recovers and hopes it is temporary.

She hopes to be 'fully present' at upcoming events, though 'maybe not running around going up mountains, but at least my old self'. Fans sent well wishes, one joking: 'This is proof that you are even more hip than ever!'

She is due in London on 26 October for the premiere of The Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reaping. She then returns to New York for the season two premiere of All's Fair.

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Why Hip Replacement Is Performed

According to NIAMS, hip replacement surgery, or hip arthroplasty, removes diseased parts of the hip joint and replaces them with artificial parts that mimic normal function. An orthopaedic surgeon performs the procedure.

The goals are relieving pain from the damaged joint, improving its function and increasing mobility. Doctors may first recommend pain medication, physiotherapy, activity changes or assistive devices such as a cane, crutch or walker.

Mayo Clinic says surgery might be an option when hip pain interferes with daily activities and nonsurgical treatments no longer help. Arthritis damage is the most common reason.

Johns Hopkins Medicine lists osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis and hip fractures among the conditions that can lead to the procedure. A typical total hip replacement lasts about two hours.

What Surgery and Recovery Involve

In a total hip replacement, both the ball and the socket are replaced, while a partial replacement swaps only the ball. Early movement is encouraged, and physiotherapy helps patients regain strength and range of motion.

Patients receive anaesthesia, and many people can go home the same day. A physiotherapist can teach patients to use a walking aid, such as a walker, cane or crutches.

Patients slowly increase the weight they put on the leg until they can walk without assistance. With uncemented replacements, activity may be limited for several months.

For many people, much of the recovery happens in the first two months. Full recovery continues over the following year.

Risks and Long-Term Outlook

Possible risks of hip replacement include blood clots, infection, fracture, dislocation, leg-length changes, loosening and nerve damage. Blood thinners and early walking can help lower the clot risk.

Some people need revision surgery, which means a re-operation on the artificial joint. Causes include loosening, fracture around the joint, dislocation and infection.

Most people are doing well three months after surgery, with improvement continuing through the first year. High-impact activities such as running may be too stressful, but most people can in time enjoy swimming, golfing and cycling.

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