Joint Replacement
Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty) removes the damaged hip joint and replaces it with an artificial joint made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. The goal is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore quality of life.
What It Is
One of the Most Successful Operations
Hip replacement is one of the most successful orthopaedic procedures. Most patients experience significant pain relief and improved function within weeks of surgery.
It is considered when hip pain limits walking and daily life despite conservative treatment, and when imaging confirms joint damage.
Symptoms
Signs You May Need a Hip Replacement
- Hip pain that persists despite medications and physiotherapy
- Pain in the groin, thigh, or buttock that limits walking
- Stiffness that makes it difficult to put on shoes or socks
- Pain that wakes you at night
- Need for a walking stick or frame due to hip pain
- Hip pain that prevents activities you enjoy
Common Causes
What Damages the Hip
- Osteoarthritis — the most common reason. Cartilage wears away, leading to pain and stiffness.
- Rheumatoid arthritis — autoimmune inflammation damages the joint lining and cartilage.
- Avascular necrosis — loss of blood supply causes the femoral head to collapse; may follow trauma, steroid use, or alcohol abuse.
- Hip fracture — some fractures, especially in older adults, are best treated with replacement rather than repair.
- Developmental dysplasia — abnormal hip development leads to early arthritis.
First Steps
Non-Surgical Options to Try First
- Weight loss — reduces load on the hip joint.
- Physiotherapy — strengthening hip muscles and maintaining flexibility.
- Medications — anti-inflammatories and pain relievers.
- Injections — corticosteroid injections into the hip joint.
- Walking aids — a cane in the opposite hand reduces hip load.
- Activity modification — avoiding high-impact activities that worsen symptoms.
The Procedure
What Happens in Surgery
The surgery takes 1 to 2 hours. The damaged femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal or ceramic ball on a stem that fits into the thighbone. The damaged socket is replaced with a metal cup lined with plastic or ceramic.
- Implant fixation — cemented, uncemented (bone grows into the implant), or hybrid.
- Surgical approaches — posterior, lateral, or anterior. Your surgeon will discuss which is best for you.
What to Expect
Recovery Timeline
Early Mobility
Most patients stand and walk a few steps on the day of surgery. Hospital stay is typically 1 to 3 days, then walking with crutches or a frame and following hip precautions.
Returning to Activity
By six weeks most patients walk with a cane or without aids, and driving may resume. By three months you return to most daily activities.
Full Recovery
Full recovery, with continued strength improvement. Low-impact activities and some sports may be possible.
Risks & Red Flags
Seek Emergency Care
Hip replacement is generally safe. Risks include blood clots (reduced with blood thinners and early mobilisation), infection (about 1 percent of cases), dislocation (especially in the first few months — hip precautions reduce this), a slight leg-length difference, and implant wear or loosening that may require revision. Seek urgent care if you experience:
- Fever above 38.5°C
- Increasing wound redness, drainage, or odour
- Sudden severe hip pain or a popping sensation
- The leg appears shorter or rotated compared to before
- Calf pain, swelling, or tenderness
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
Get Started
Is Hip Pain Affecting Your Life?
Call +966 50 580 8852 to discuss whether hip replacement is right for you.
Related
Related Joint Care
Total Knee Replacement
Resurfacing an arthritic knee — one of the most successful operations in medicine.
Osteoarthritis
The most common cause of hip wear — and how it is managed before surgery.
Joint Replacement Hub
An overview of joint replacement — causes, options, and what to expect.