Medically Reviewed by Dr Wang Lushun
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edinburgh), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edinburgh)
Deciding to undergo hip replacement surgery can bring up practical questions about what will actually happen on the day. How is the damaged part of the hip replaced? Will you be awake during the procedure? And how soon will you be expected to get back on your feet?
Hip replacement follows a planned sequence, from preparation before surgery through to the first stages of recovery. Understanding what happens at each stage can help you know what to expect and prepare for the procedure ahead.
Preparation begins before the day of the hip replacement. Your surgical team will assess your general health and provide instructions to help you prepare safely for the procedure.
Your surgical team will advise when you should start fasting before the procedure. Your doctor may also recommend temporarily stopping or adjusting certain medications.
You may also be advised to make practical arrangements for your recovery, such as organising transport home and having someone available to assist you during the initial recovery period. Preparing frequently used items so they are easy to reach may also make it easier to move around safely when you return home.
Follow any additional instructions from your surgical team regarding eating, drinking, bathing and your hospital admission, as these may vary depending on your health and the planned procedure.
Before your surgery begins, you will go through several steps at the hospital to make sure you are ready for the procedure. These typically include final safety checks and preparation for anaesthesia.
Before you are taken into the operating theatre, your care team will complete several final checks and preparations. These may include:
Hip replacement surgery may be performed under general anaesthesia, where you are unconscious during the procedure, or regional anaesthesia such as a spinal anaesthetic, which numbs the lower part of the body.
During a hip replacement, the damaged parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial components. The procedure generally follows several key stages.
The hip joint is accessed through an incision. The damaged femoral head at the top of the thigh bone is then removed, allowing the remaining bone to be prepared for the replacement components.
Damaged cartilage and bone are removed from the hip socket before an artificial socket is positioned in its place. A liner is then placed within the socket to create a smooth surface for the new joint.
The upper part of the thigh bone is prepared to receive the femoral component. A stem is inserted into the bone and fitted with an artificial ball, which sits within the new socket to form the replacement hip joint.
Before the incision is closed, the surgeon checks the stability of the replacement joint. The hip may be moved through a range of motion to assess how the components work together.
Once these checks are complete, the incision is closed and a dressing is applied. You will then be transferred to the recovery area as the anaesthesia wears off.
After the procedure, you will be monitored in a recovery area as the anaesthesia wears off. Once you are stable, you will usually be transferred to a hospital ward where your recovery can begin.
Some pain and discomfort are expected after a hip replacement. Medication will be given to manage this, with the approach adjusted according to your needs and response after surgery.
You will usually be encouraged to start moving soon after surgery, with assistance where needed. A physiotherapist may guide you through early exercises and help you begin standing or walking safely.
Early movement is an important part of recovery. How much you can do initially will depend on your condition and your surgeon’s instructions.
The length of your hospital stay after hip replacement surgery will depend on your recovery and overall health. Before you are discharged, your care team will check that you are recovering safely and able to manage the initial stages of recovery at home.
You may be ready to leave the hospital when:
Hip replacement is a major procedure, and careful planning helps determine the surgical approach and care required for each patient.
At Arete Orthopaedic Centre, patients considering hip replacement surgery can undergo assessment and receive guidance on their treatment options. Where surgery is appropriate, care includes surgical planning and support through the recovery process.
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Wang Lushun provides surgical treatment for hip conditions, including hip replacement surgery. He works with patients to plan treatment based on their condition and individual needs. If you are considering hip replacement surgery, schedule a consultation with us to discuss your treatment options.
Modern hip replacements are designed to last around 15 years or more, although the exact lifespan of an implant varies between patients. Individual lifestyle factors can also affect how long the implant lasts.
The timing varies depending on which hip was replaced, your recovery and whether you can safely control the vehicle. Your surgeon can advise when it is appropriate to resume driving based on your progress.
In the early stages of recovery, you may be advised to avoid certain movements while the tissues around the hip heal. Depending on the surgical approach, this may include crossing your legs or bending the hip beyond a certain angle. Your surgeon or physiotherapist will explain which precautions apply to you and when they can be relaxed.
MBBS (S’pore), MRCS (Edin), MMed (Ortho), FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Wang Lushun is an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in treating a wide range of sports injuries and musculoskeletal conditions. He has in-depth experience in minimally invasive surgery and advanced robotic surgery. Dr Wang provides orthopaedic care to athletes and everyday individuals throughout their journey to recovery.
