Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) is a common, highly effective operation that replaces a damaged hip joint with a prosthetic one to relieve pain and restore movement.

Who Needs It

It is usually recommended for severe hip pain and stiffness — most often from osteoarthritis, but also rheumatoid arthritis, hip fractures or joint damage — when pain limits daily life and non-surgical treatments such as medication, physiotherapy and lifestyle changes no longer help.

The Procedure

The surgeon removes the damaged ball (femoral head) and worn socket and replaces them with prosthetic components made of metal, ceramic and durable plastic, recreating a smooth, stable joint. It can be done as a total or, in some cases, partial replacement, using different surgical approaches. The operation typically takes one to two hours under general or spinal anaesthesia.

Recovery

Movement and physiotherapy begin within a day, with a short hospital stay. Walking aids are used early and gradually reduced, and rehabilitation exercises continue for several weeks. Most people return to normal activities within a few months.

Benefits and Risks

Hip replacement reliably relieves pain and restores mobility for the vast majority of patients, with modern implants lasting many years. As with any major surgery there are risks — infection, blood clots, dislocation and, rarely, implant wear — which your surgeon will discuss and help minimise.