What is a hip replacement? 

A hip replacement, also called hip arthroplasty, is a procedure where the damaged parts of your hip joint are replaced with artificial parts. It’s usually recommended if you have severe hip pain from conditions like arthritis that hasn’t improved with other treatments, such as medication or physical therapy.

The goal of hip replacement surgery is to relieve your discomfort, improve how your hip works and help you move better, making it easier for you to return to everyday activities with less pain and more mobility.

man walking outside after recovering from hip replacement surgery

How long does a hip replacement last?

A hip replacement usually lasts at least 15 to 20 years, and likely even longer, depending on the type of implant and your age. Most people keep their implants for life, but in some cases, another surgery might be needed later on.

couple hiking after recovering from hip replacement surgery

Types of hip replacement

Your doctor will consider several factors to determine the best type of hip replacement for you, including your overall health and specific needs.

  • Total hip replacement: The surgeon replaces the entire hip joint, including the top of your thighbone (femoral head) and the socket in your pelvis (acetabulum). This is the most common type of hip replacement.
  • Partial hip replacement: This is less common and usually done to fix specific hip fractures or remove certain tumors. Only part of the hip joint is replaced.

Your surgeon will perform either a total or partial hip replacement through:

  • A traditional side, or posterior approach
  • A front, or anterior approach
  • Robotic technology

How do I know if I need a hip replacement?

If hip discomfort is making it difficult to do your daily activities, a hip replacement might be a good option for you. Before considering surgery, most people try less invasive treatments like medication, physical therapy, or using a cane or walker. Your doctor will likely suggest these options first before recommending a hip replacement.

Arthritis is the most common cause of hip pain that leads to a hip replacement. Some of the most common types of arthritis that affect the hip include:

Other conditions that can damage the hip joint enough to require a replacement include:

Other conditions that can damage the hip joint enough to require a replacement include:

  • Osteonecrosis
  • Injuries from accidents or falls
  • Hip impingement (femoroacetabular impingement syndrome)
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Benign tumors
  • Cancer
  • Perthes disease
couple walking their dog after recovering from hip replacement surgery

How to prepare for hip replacement surgery

Before your hip replacement surgery, your surgeon will do a physical exam and run tests to understand your condition better. They’ll ask you about your symptoms and check how well you can move your hip. Be sure to let your surgeon know about any medications or supplements you’re taking, as they can affect the surgery.

Your surgeon will compare your damaged hip to the healthy one. They’ll ask you to move your hips in different ways to check how well your muscles and joints are working.

To make sure you’re ready for surgery and to help your surgeon make the best decisions for your treatment, you'll likely need a few tests, including:

  • X-rays: These help the surgeon get clear images of your hip and see how much damage has occurred to the joint.
  • Blood tests: These may include blood counts and a basic metabolic panel (BMP) to check your overall health and make sure everything is functioning properly.
  • Urinalysis: This test checks your urine for any signs of infection or other potential issues.

Depending on your needs, your surgeon may recommend additional tests, like an MRI scan to check the soft tissues around your hip, a CT scan for a closer look at your hip joint, or an EKG to ensure your heart is healthy enough for surgery.

Using tobacco can slow down the healing process, so it's a good idea to stop using tobacco products before your surgery. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor for support and resources.

The hip replacement procedure

Here’s what you can expect before, during and after hip replacement surgery.

Before the procedure

Before your hip replacement surgery, your doctor will likely ask you to stop eating and drinking for up to 12 hours to ensure your safety during the procedure.

When you check in for your surgery, you'll change into a hospital gown. The medical team will then get you ready for the procedure. You’ll receive one of two types of anesthesia: a spinal block, which numbs the lower half of your body, or general anesthesia, which will put you into a sleep-like state, so you are asleep throughout the surgery.

To help manage pain after the surgery, your surgeon may also inject numbing medicine around the nerves or directly into the hip joint. This will help reduce discomfort as you begin your recovery.

Hip replacement recovery 

Your recovery from hip replacement surgery starts right away. You'll be encouraged to move around as soon as possible. Your doctor or therapist will help guide you on when to walk with or without assistance, how to manage pain and what to expect during your recovery.

Here’s what you can do during your recovery:

  • Keep the surgery area clean and dry
  • Take your medications as directed
  • Keep follow-up appointments with your doctor
  • Attend physical therapy and do your exercises at home
  • Eat normally unless your doctor advises otherwise
  • Elevate your legs and use ice to reduce swelling
  • Wait for your doctor’s approval before driving

You will likely be able to return to most light daily activities within three to six weeks after your surgery. Some pain or discomfort is normal with activity or at night for several weeks. Full hip replacement surgery recovery time is usually about three months.

High-impact activities like running or playing basketball may put too much stress on your new joint. However, most people can gradually return to lower-impact activities, such as swimming, golfing and biking, once they’ve fully recovered.

Blood clot prevention

After hip replacement surgery, you may be at higher risk for blood clots in your legs. To help prevent this, your doctor might recommend the following:

  • Moving early: You’ll be encouraged to sit up and start walking with crutches or a walker as soon as possible after surgery.
  • Using pressure devices: You may wear compression stockings or inflatable air sleeves on your legs. These help improve circulation and prevent blood from collecting in your veins.
  • Blood-thinning medications: Your doctor may prescribe blood thinners, either as an injection or pill, to help prevent clots. Depending on how active you are, you might need these for a few weeks after surgery.

Ease in every step

Liz Sigman shares her hip replacement experience and how Care Companion, a digital tool within the MyBSWHealth app, helped her husband keep her recovery on track so she could heal with confidence.

What are the risks of hip replacement surgery?

Complications from a hip replacement are rare, but as with any surgery, there are some risks both during and after the procedure. The most common risks include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Blood clots in the legs or lungs
  • Difference in leg length
  • Nerve injury
  • Fracture
  • Ongoing pain or stiffness
  • Dislocation
  • Loosening or wearing out of the parts
  • Unresolved joint pain (this may be temporary)

Artificial hip parts may wear out over time, especially if you're younger and more active. If that happens, you might need a second replacement. However, newer materials are making hip implants last longer.

portrait of senior woman looking from the balcony

Frequently asked questions

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