Two years ago I had a complete hip replacement. In my case my surgeon sees my every year for forever. Last year he chided me for using a cane. He said it was not necessary. However it is necessary for me because I am afraid of falling. So what did I do? In full daylight, I walked into an ottoman which sent me to the floor heavily. Thankfully nothing was broken but I suffered bruised ribs. It took a couple of months for them to heal. As most of you, I try to be cognizant of where I am walking and will still continue to use my cane in spite of what my surgeon says.