What is a hip replacement?

A hip replacement is a type of surgery that replaces damaged parts of your hip with artificial parts. The operation can help reduce hip pain and improve your ability to walk and move.

Your doctor might recommend a hip replacement if you have severe hip damage that affects your life, and other treatments have not helped.

During hip replacement surgery, damaged bone and cartilage (tissue at the end of the bone that cushions the joint) are removed from the hip joint. These are replaced with artificial parts (implants), for example, metal or plastic.

A hip replacement is also known as hip arthroplasty or a total hip replacement.

What are the benefits of a hip replacement?

If you have a condition that causes hip pain or immobility, hip replacement surgery can reduce pain, improve mobility and improve quality of life.

Your doctor may recommend a hip replacement if you have:

• osteoarthritis
• rheumatoid arthritis
• pain following a hip injury
• an injury that affects blood supply to the hip
• a hip condition from birth (congenital)

Your doctor may also recommend a hip replacement if you have chronic hip pain, and:

• you find it difficult to move around comfortably
• pain has not improved with medicines, physical therapy or walking supports
• you find it difficult to look after yourself and carry out your daily activities

The most common reason in Australia for hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis.

What does a hip replacement involve?

Hip replacement surgery usually takes 1 to 2 hours. You'll have either a general anaesthetic, which makes you fully unconscious, or a spinal anaesthetic, which numbs the lower half of your body.

During total hip replacement surgery, the damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the hip joint. These are replaced with metal or plastic parts.

There are different types of hip replacement:

• A partial hip replacement only replaces the ball on the end of the thigh bone. A ceramic or metal ball on a stem is attached to the bone.
• A total hip replacement means the ball of the hip and the socket of the hip joint are both replaced.
• Sometimes just the surface of head of the hip is replaced, rather than the whole ball.

How can I prepare myself for a hip replacement?

Before your surgery, your doctor may suggest some ways to improve your health. These may include:

• eating well
• stopping smoking
• staying physically active

Maximising your health and wellbeing can make your recovery easier and reduce your chance of developing complications.

Your doctor or surgeon will also talk to you about the risks and the potential complications, and the type of prosthesis (hip implant) that's recommended in your situation.

How soon will I recover?

Most people spend a few days in hospital after the surgery, and go home after 3 to 5 days.

Your health team will usually encourage you to get up and walk with the help of a walking support soon after surgery. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will advise you on how to take care of your new hip and how to avoid hip dislocation.

Recovery is different for everyone. Rehabilitation can help you to strengthen your new joint and improve flexibility. This can include physiotherapy and occupational therapy.

Most people can return to light daily activities after around 6 weeks. After about 3 months, you should be able to get back to most of your normal activities. For some people, it takes up to 12 months to feel the full benefits of the hip replacement.

Your surgeon will let you know if there are any activities to avoid after surgery. Most people are advised to avoid high impact sports to reduce the chance of complications.

What complications can happen?

Hip replacement surgery is considered safe and effective. However, complications can include:

• infections
• blood clots (deep vein thrombosis, or DVT)
• hip dislocation, especially in the first few months after surgery
• one leg feeling shorter than the other
• nerve and blood vessel injury
• swelling and stiffness
• ongoing pain

Are there alternatives to a hip replacement?

Alternatives to a hip replacement depend on your situation and may include:

• continuing with physical therapy
• adding new methods of pain relief
• hip resurfacing

It's best for you to discuss your options with your doctor or surgeon.

To help you decide, here are some questions you might want to ask your surgeon:

• What are the alternatives to surgery?
• What are the different surgery options? For example, is 'minimally invasive' hip replacement suitable? This technique reduces cutting of the tissue around the hip.
• What are the possible complications and how likely are they?
• What can I expect during recovery?
• How much improvement can I realistically expect?
• How long will my new hip last?

What will happen if I decide not to have the procedure or it is delayed?

If you are considering not having or delaying the procedure, discuss this with your doctor. The impact on your health will depend on the reason for your hip replacement and how severe your symptoms are.

How long does a hip replacement last?

Hip replacement parts last at least 15 years for 9 in 10 people who have a hip replacement.

In some people, the parts may eventually need to be replaced — this is called revision surgery. The younger you are, the more likely you are to need revision surgery.

To help with recovery and increase the lifespan of your new hip, do the exercises your health team shows you and try to maintain a healthy weight.

Resources and support

Talk to your health professional about the benefits and risks of having a hip replacement. Use the Therapeutic Goods Administration's guide on what to ask. The information is in English, Arabic, Croatian, Farsi, Greek, Italian, Korean, Mandarin, Spanish, Turkish and Vietnamese.

For more information on different types of hip replacements, visit the Queensland Government page.

Languages other than English

Arthritis Australia has information on arthritis in several languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Staying Strong with Arthritis has resources on osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Find an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) or Affiliate near you.