Hip replacement replaces the worn ball at the top of the thigh bone and the socket it moves in with an artificial joint, removing painful friction and restoring natural movement.
It helps people whose groin or upper-thigh pain stops them walking, putting on shoes or sleeping on their side.
When is it needed?
- Advanced hip arthritis
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
- Some femoral neck fractures in older adults
- Pain and stiffness that have not responded to conservative care
What to expect
- 01Assessment with examination, X-rays and pre-operative tests
- 02Surgery takes about one to two hours
- 03Standing and walking with support from the day after surgery
- 04A hospital stay of around two to four days
Recovery
Most patients walk comfortably again within 6 to 8 weeks, with physiotherapy and a few simple precautions to protect the new joint early on.