Total hip replacement is a surgery. Doctors remove a damaged hip joint. They replace it with artificial parts. The surgeon removes the ball of the thigh bone. They also remove the socket in the pelvis. A new metal stem and ball go into the thigh bone. A new socket is placed in the pelvis. The parts are usually made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.
The new joint moves more smoothly. Pain goes away or becomes much less. Doctors suggest this surgery when injury or arthritis makes walking and daily life hard.
Why is Hip Replacement Needed?
Many people need this surgery. Here are some common reasons:
- Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis breaks down the joint surface. This causes stiffness and pain.
- Hip fractures can damage the joint too much. Some joints cannot be repaired, so they must be replaced.
- Avascular necrosis means the hip bone loses blood. It breaks down and may collapse.
- Birth defects or past surgeries can cause joint problems. Surgery may be needed if other treatments fail.
People often try other options first. These include medicine, physiotherapy, or walking aids. When pain becomes too strong, total hip replacement can help. It improves comfort and makes movement easier.
The Hip Replacement Procedure
The hip replacement surgery takes place in a hospital. The patient gets anesthesia. This keeps them relaxed and pain-free. The doctor makes a cut near the hip. They remove the worn-out ball and socket. A metal stem goes into the thigh bone. A new ball is placed on top of it. A metal cup is placed in the pelvis. A liner goes inside the cup. This can be plastic or ceramic. The liner helps the joint move smoothly.
The surgeon may use cement. Sometimes they use a press-fit method. In this case, the bone grows around the implant. Some doctors use smaller cuts. This reduces muscle damage. Dr. Imran Salim at Omar Hospital in Lahore uses this method. It helps patients recover faster.
Preparing for Surgery
Step1– Medical Tests
You will have tests before the surgery. These include blood work, an ECG, and a chest X-ray. The tests help check if you are ready for the operation.
Step2– Medication Review
Tell your doctor about all the pills and supplements you take. You may need to stop some medicines. These include aspirin and ibuprofen. They increase the risk of bleeding.
Step3– Infection Control
Any infection must be treated before the surgery. Even a dental infection can cause problems. Your doctor may suggest a dental visit before the operation.
Step4– Health Changes
Smoking slows healing. You should quit before the surgery. If you are overweight, try to lose a little weight. This reduces stress on the new joint.
Step5– Home Setup
Move anything that could make you trip. Create a safe space to rest. A ground-floor room is best. You may also need a raised toilet seat or grab bars.
What Happens on Surgery Day?
You will arrive at the hospital. Nurses will help you get ready. An IV will be started. You will get medicine to make you sleep or numb your lower body. The surgeon will make a cut near the hip. They will remove the old joint parts. They will place the new parts. Real-time X-rays may guide the work.
The doctor will test the joint. They will check if your leg length matches. They will then close the cut with stitches or staples. After the surgery, you go to the recovery room. Nurses will check your heart and breathing. You will get medicine to ease the pain. You may feel sore. This is normal.
After the Surgery: What to Expect in the Hospital
You will stay in the hospital for a few days. Usually, this is one to three days. During this time:
- Pain control: You will get medicine. It will help with pain in the hip and leg.
- Early movement: A therapist will help you sit, stand, and walk. You may begin walking on the same day or the next.
- Blood clot prevention: You will wear socks that press your legs. You will take medicine to stop clots from forming.
- Breathing support: You will do deep breathing exercises. This keeps your lungs healthy.
- Wound care: Your cut will be covered. The doctor will check it each day. Stitches are removed after 10 to 14 days.
- Basic exercises: The Staff will teach you simple leg moves. These help your muscles grow stronger.
You can go home when you can move safely. You also need to control pain with pills before leaving.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
First 2 Weeks
You will do exercises at home. Use crutches or a walker. Keep your leg up to reduce swelling. Pain will go down each day. You will also sit in a straight-backed chair.
Weeks 3 to 6
You may switch to using a cane. Keep doing leg exercises. You can do small daily tasks. Do not walk too much. Slowly increase how far you go.
Weeks 6 to 12
You may walk without help. You can start swimming or cycling. These movements are gentle. They help you stay fit. Do not play hard sports. Continue doing simple exercises each day.
3 to 6 Months
You will feel stronger. You may return to most normal tasks. Some people can start golf or tennis. Ask your doctor first. You should feel more balance in your body.
After 6 Months
Most pain is gone by now. You will walk with ease. You can go up and down stairs. Your hip should feel stable. Continue walking and doing gentle exercises. These help your hip stay healthy.
Table: Hip Replacement vs. Knee Replacement (Patient Search Trends)
| Feature | Total Hip Replacement | Total Knee Replacement |
| Average surgery time | 1–2 hours | 1.5–2 hours |
| Common age group | 60+ | 60+ |
| Hospital stay | 1–3 days | 2–4 days |
| Implant longevity | 15–20 years | 15–20 years |
| Recovery time | 3–6 months | 3–6 months |
| Return to normal activity | 2–3 months | 3–4 months |
| Pain relief success rate | 90–95% | 85–90% |
People often ask, What is a total knee replacement, and how does it compare. Like hip surgery, it replaces worn parts. The total knee replacement surgical procedure removes damaged bone and cartilage. It then adds metal and plastic parts.
Risks and Complications
- Blood Clots: These can form in your legs. They are serious. You will take medicine and wear socks to help stop this.
- Infection: Doctors give antibiotics before and after surgery. Keep the wound clean. Call your doctor if you see redness, fever, or pus.
- Dislocation: Your new joint can pop out of place. Do not bend your hip too far, cross your legs, or sleep with a pillow between your legs.
- Nerve Injury: Nerves near the hip can be harmed. This might cause numbness. It usually goes away with time.
- Leg Length Difference: Your legs may feel uneven. Doctors try to make them equal. If needed, you can wear a shoe lift.
Lifestyle After Hip Replacement
Better Movement
You should feel less pain. You can walk better. Limping usually goes away in a few weeks.
Normal Tasks
You can cook, clean, and shop. Do not twist your body. Use safe movements to protect your hip.
Exercise
Do gentle workouts. Walk each day. Try swimming or cycling. These help muscles without hurting the joint.
Sleep and Sit Safely
Use firm chairs with armrests. Do not use low chairs. Sleep on your back or on your side with a pillow between your legs.
Work and Driving
You may drive after 2 to 6 weeks. You can return to office work in about 4 weeks. Heavy work takes more time. Always ask your doctor before going back to work.
Some patients also need knee surgery. The total knee replacement surgical technique helps reduce pain in the same way. Both surgeries improve movement and daily life.
Meet Dr. Imran Salim
Dr. Imran Salim Malik is an orthopedic surgeon in Lahore. He has more than 20 years of experience. He works at Omar Hospital & Cardiac Centre. He has fellowships from the United States. He focuses on total hip replacement and total knee replacement.
Many patients trust his work. He uses small cuts to help people heal faster. He treats arthritis and injuries of the hip and knee.
Conclusion
Total hip replacement helps people who have joint pain that stops them from living normally. It removes pain and brings back movement. When done correctly, the results can last many years. Keep moving, do your exercises, and follow your doctor’s advice. This will help your new joint stay strong and safe.