Hip Replacement

Overview

Hip replacement, also called hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint. The goal is to relieve pain, restore function, and improve your quality of life. It is one of the most evidence-supported elective orthopaedic procedures available, with high published rates of pain relief and functional improvement at 12 months.

Hip replacement is typically recommended when the cartilage in your hip joint has deteriorated significantly due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or hip fractures. Our surgeons use a minimally invasive anterior approach, which is associated with potentially faster early recovery in selected patients compared to traditional surgical methods.

When Is It Needed?

Hip replacement may be recommended when:

• You have severe pain in your hip that limits daily activities (walking, climbing stairs, sleeping)
• Non-surgical treatments have not provided adequate relief
• Your hip joint shows advanced arthritis on imaging
• You have a hip fracture that cannot be repaired with other methods
• You have other conditions affecting the hip joint, such as osteonecrosis (bone death due to loss of blood supply) or developmental dysplasia

Your surgeon will assess your individual circumstances through physical examination, imaging studies, and discussion of your symptoms before recommending surgery.

The Procedure

Hip replacement typically takes 60–90 minutes. Our surgeons use an anterior approach, accessing the hip joint from the front rather than the side or back. This technique avoids cutting major muscles, which may support faster recovery and less pain in suitable cases.

The procedure involves:

• Making a small incision over the front of the hip to access the joint
• Removing the damaged cartilage and bone from the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) and hip socket
• Preparing the bone surfaces to receive the artificial components
• Securing the artificial socket to the pelvis
• Inserting the artificial ball component onto the femur (thigh bone)
• Fitting the components together to restore joint function
• Closing the muscles and tissues carefully to protect the new joint

You’ll be under general or regional anaesthesia throughout the procedure, so you’ll be asleep or numb and unaware of what’s happening.

Recovery & Rehabilitation

Most patients are up and walking with assistance within the first day after surgery. Here’s what to expect:

Hospital stay: Usually 1–3 days, depending on your recovery progress.

Early mobilisation (Days 1–7): You’ll work with a physiotherapist on exercises in bed, sitting, and walking with crutches or a walker. Weight-bearing will be gradually increased as tolerated. You should be able to get out of bed, sit in a chair, and use the toilet independently by day 4–6.

At home (Weeks 2–12): Continue with home exercises and physiotherapy. Sutures are removed around 2 weeks. You can gradually reduce reliance on crutches and increase activity levels. Avoid high-impact activities and strenuous exercise for at least 6–12 weeks.

Return to activity: Most people can resume light activities within 3–6 months and return to sport or vigorous exercise within 6–12 months, depending on progress.

Follow-up appointments: You’ll have check-ins at 1 week (wound check), 2 weeks (suture removal), 6 weeks (X-ray), 3 months, 6 months, 12 months, and then annually to monitor your progress and ensure proper healing.

Important precautions during early recovery include avoiding hip flexion beyond 90 degrees, not crossing your legs, avoiding low chairs, and not bending to pick items up from the floor. These restrictions typically apply for the first 6 weeks after surgery.

Risks & Complications

As with any major surgery, hip replacement carries some risks, though serious complications are uncommon. These include:

• Infection: Treated with antibiotics or, in rare cases, further surgery
• Blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism): Managed with blood thinners; early mobilisation and compression stockings reduce this risk
• Implant loosening or wear: May require revision surgery years later
• Nerve or blood vessel injury: Rare but can affect sensation or require treatment
• Hip dislocation: More common in the early recovery phase; avoided through proper positioning and precautions
• Muscle weakness or stiffness: Addressed through physiotherapy
• Anaesthesia-related risks: Your anaesthetist will discuss your individual risk factors
• Allergic reaction to implant materials: Very rare; metal hypersensitivity testing can be done if you have known metal allergies

Your surgeon will discuss these risks in detail during your consultation and take steps to minimise them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an artificial hip last? Modern artificial hips typically last 15–20 years or more according to joint replacement registry data, though individual outcomes vary. Some may require revision surgery in the future, particularly if there is loosening or wear — your surgeon can discuss realistic expectations for your situation.

Will I set off metal detectors at airports? Most modern hip implants are not magnetic and do not set off standard metal detectors. However, you should notify security staff about your implant if asked. Your surgeon will provide you with an implant identification card to carry with you.

Can I return to exercise and sports after hip replacement? Yes, many patients return to walking, swimming, cycling, golf, and other low-impact activities. High-impact activities like running or contact sports should be discussed with your surgeon, as they may increase wear on the implant or dislocation risk.

What if I have metal allergies? If you have a documented metal allergy, inform your surgeon before surgery. Hypoallergenic implant options are available. Testing can be done to determine which materials are safe for you.

Is hip replacement really necessary, or can I manage with physiotherapy and medication? If conservative treatments (physiotherapy, medication, injections) have not adequately relieved your pain and your quality of life is significantly affected, hip replacement may be the most effective long-term solution. Your surgeon will help determine the best course of action for your situation.