The hips are a very crucial weight bearing joint that help you move in a lot of different ways, so you can go about your routine with ease. When you have had an injury or suffer from degenerative conditions that can affect how the hip moves, it can impact your quality of life severely. If you have severe pain that does not go away, excessive stiffness and poor joint function and find no relief from conventional treatments, it is time to talk to an experienced orthopedic surgeon about getting a hip replacement surgery done.
So, call us at Dr. Adarsh’s Clinic today!
What Happens Before You Get Hip Replacement Surgery Done?
Hip replacement can change your life for the better, but it takes time for you to get the surgery done, a few hours for the procedure itself and a few months after, which will help you recover slowly, but surely.
Hip Surgery Preparation
- Your medical history will also be taken.
- You will be asked to get imaging done- so the doctor can visualise the extent of damage and look for other structural abnormalities and confirm joint damage.
- Non-surgical options are first discussed- and if you have already been treated but find no success with them, you will be asked to get surgery.
Next comes the pre-operative phase, where you will be asked to get blood tests and other panels done, to understand your general health parameters.
- You will be given a few strengthening exercises before surgery, so your muscles get stronger and you can recover faster afterwards.
- You will also be given a diet and certain medications- which will be added or removed from your regime. Follow these instructions closely.
Hip Replacement Procedure Steps
You will either get a total or partial hip replacement done. In total hip replacement, the whole joint is removed and a complete prosthesis is added. With partial hip replacement, only the highly damaged portion of the hip is replaced.
Depending on how severe joint damage is, if it is highly localised and has not spread to other parts and other factors, doctors will recommend one option-
- Minimally invasive surgery for less scarring and quicker recovery.
- Traditional open surgery where a big incision is needed to reach the hip joint.
During surgery
You will first be anaesthetised- you will either be given spinal or epidural anaesthesia for the procedure.
Surgery will take about an hour or two – and involves 4 major steps-
- Making the incision
- Removing all damaged bone and cartilage tissue.
- Placement of prosthetic implant in the right orientation.
- Closure of the incision with stitches or staples.
What To Expect After Hip Replacement?
After surgery, you will enter post-operative care. You will be in the hospital for the first 2-3 days and will stay in the recovery room. These happen next-
- You will be given painkillers to help manage the pain.
- You will be asked to walk or move around very slowly, with assistance within the first 2 hours after surgery, to ensure no blood clots form and other complications are prevented.
- You will begin physical therapy with a certified specialist.
- You will continue to use a walker or crutch to walk, so you don’t strain the joint too much, for a few days or weeks.
After this, you will go home and continue recovery. You will need to follow some instructions-
- No bending over 90 degrees and not crossing your legs.
- You will need to continue exercises and stretching very slowly.
- Wound care- The incision needs to stay clear and dry. If you notice any redness, swelling or a slight increase in temperature, please call your doctor immediately.
Long Term Recovery
This will involve continuing with physical therapy, doing exercises and stretching and gradually moving to more complex movements, with guidance. Daily activities can be resumed in 6-12 weeks. You will take about 6 months or longer to completely recover.
Opting for hip replacement surgery can be a daunting decision to make. But, we are here to help you through it all. So, call us at Dr. Adarsh’s Clinic today!
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I expect before hip replacement surgery?
Before surgery, your doctor will evaluate your overall health with blood tests, imaging, and a physical exam. You may be advised to start pre-surgery exercises, adjust medications, and plan home support for recovery. Education about the procedure and rehabilitation helps set realistic expectations and improves post-surgery outcomes.
What happens during hip replacement surgery?
During surgery, the damaged parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. The procedure is performed under anesthesia and usually takes a few hours. The goal is to restore smooth joint movement and reduce pain caused by conditions like osteoarthritis.
What is the recovery process after hip replacement?
Recovery begins soon after surgery with guided movement and physiotherapy. Most patients start walking with support within a day or two. Over the next few weeks, strength and mobility improve gradually. Following rehabilitation exercises and medical advice is key to regaining function and ensuring long-term success.
What are the risks or complications of hip replacement surgery?
While generally safe, risks include infection, blood clots, dislocation, or implant wear over time. Careful surgical technique, post-operative care, and adherence to rehabilitation plans reduce these risks. Regular follow-ups help detect and manage any complications early.
How long does it take to return to normal activities after surgery?
Most people resume basic daily activities within 4–6 weeks, while full recovery may take a few months. The timeline depends on age, overall health, and commitment to physiotherapy. Gradual return to routine activities helps protect the new joint and ensures better long-term mobility and stability.