What to Expect Before and After Hip Replacement Surgery

Joints aren’t built to last forever. For some people the hip, in particular, gets damaged due to age, arthritis, tumor, or an injury. So if you or someone close is dealing with nagging hip pain, and you’ve tried almost everything, from painkillers, exercise, and rest, then perhaps hip replacement surgical procedure becomes necessary.  
 

Surgery usually enters the conversation when the pain starts affecting your daily life, to an extent it becomes difficult to walk around. That said, a hip replacement surgery is an effective and safe surgical procedure to replace a damaged hip joint with an artificial one.

Here’s what to expect before and after the hip replacement surgical procedure, so you can prepare yourself and your loved ones for the journey.

At Felix Hospital, the best hip replacement hospital in Noida, our hip replacement surgeons follow a personalized strategic approach towards each patient, thereby making their recovery process smooth and hassle-free. To schedule an appointment, contact us!

Looking for the best hip replacement surgery in Noida, and schedule an appointment with our team of best orthopaedic doctors in Noida. To schedule an appointment, contact us at: +(91) 9667064100.

Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement is a surgical procedure that’s recommended to patients whose hip (total or partial) has been damaged. Such individuals may experience stiffness or pain while performing common daily activities like walking, getting in and out of a chair and restricted body movements, etc. During the surgery, a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one. A modern artificial hip joint is designed to last for at least 15-20 years.

Adults of any age can be considered for a hip replacement surgery, although it is most commonly performed on elderly patients. Post hip replacement (hip revision) surgery, patients experience a significant reduction in pain and improved joint function.

Types of Hip Replacement Procedures
 

Total hip replacement: In this type of surgery, our best doctor for Hip Replacement in Noida, will replace the entire hip with a prosthetic. Most of the hip replacement surgeries are total hip replacements.

Partial hip replacement: This type of replacement is not very common and it includes replacing only a part of the hip when there is an injury, fracture, or removal of a tumor. 

Why Do People Need Hip Replacement?
 

Here are a few common reasons why someone might be advised to get a hip replacement surgical procedure:

• Osteoarthritis

• Rheumatoid arthritis

• Fractures in the hip bone, especially in older adults

• Reduced mobility and chronic pain

Diagnosis

Before recommending surgery, our best doctor for hip replacement in Noida will start with the physical examination, where you’ll be asked about your pain, movement limitations, etc. This will be followed with imaging tests like an X-ray or MRI, which confirms if you require a hip replacement surgery.  

 What Happens During Surgery?
 

Partial and Total Hip Replacement: During the Partial Hip Replacement Surgery (Hemiarthroplasty), only the ball or femoral head of the hip joint is removed and replaced. It does not replace the socket. The surgery is often performed to repair hip fractures in elderly patients. Whereas, during the Total Hip Replacement Surgery (Total Hip Arthroplasty), which is the second most common orthopedic surgery after total knee replacement, both the ball (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components.

During the procedure, the ceramic or metal ball, called the hip implant, is attached to a metal stem. The stem is firmly fixed into the core of the thigh bone in one of the following ways: 

Cemented: New parts of the hip joint are cemented with existing healthy bone.  
Uncemented: Artificial parts are made of porous material that allows the patient’s
Hybrid: As the name suggests, this kind of replacement consists of cemented ball part and uncemented socket part of the joint. 
Anterior, Posterior, and Lateral Approaches: These techniques refer to the surgical approach used to access the hip joint. The choice of approach is based on the surgeon’s preference and the joint’s anatomy. 
Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement: As the name suggests, this technique uses smaller incisions and aims to reduce recovery time and postoperative pain. 

Getting Ready Before Surgery

There’s a bit of planning involved before your hip replacement (hip revision) surgery. You might be asked to:

• Stop certain medications

• Do some basic blood and heart tests

• Arrange help at home for the first few weeks

• Remove furniture you could trip over

What Recovery Looks Like

Right after surgery: You’ll likely stand or walk with help the same day or the next. A physiotherapist will show you simple movements. Pain is expected but usually well controlled.
 

Week 1 to Week 6: You’ll keep doing exercises daily, maybe with help. There’ll be some soreness, but most people notice the old pain is already reduced.
After 6 weeks: Many return to normal routines—walking unaided, going out, climbing stairs. You’ll still need to be careful with sudden twists or high-impact moves.
3 months onward: By now, most people are finally back to moving freely.

Long-Term Outlook

A modern hip replacement often lasts 15–20 years, sometimes longer. If you stay active, avoid high-impact sports, and attend follow-ups, your new joint should serve you well for a long time.
Conclusion

Hip replacement surgery is a major decision, usually made after trying other options. At Felix Hospital, our hip replacement surgeons excel at providing all the three types of hip replacement surgeries total hip replacement, hip revision, and partial hip replacement surgery. Besides, our hip replacement surgery cost is affordable. They follow a personalized strategic approach towards each patient, thereby making their recovery process smooth and hassle-free.

If you’re on the edge of that decision, don’t rush – but don’t fear it either. With a good doctor, a bit of preparation, and realistic expectations, the recovery might be easier and faster.

To schedule an appointment, contact us!

 

FAQs

Q: Will I need a walker forever after the hip replacement surgery?
No, you’ll use a walker or crutches for a few weeks, but many switch to a stick and then walk independently within 6–8 weeks.

Q: Is hip replacement surgery risky?
All surgeries carry some risk, but complications like infection or blood clots are uncommon. Our hip replacement surgeons will take every precaution.

Q: Will I be able to drive again, after the hip replacement surgery?
Yes, usually within 4–6 weeks for driving. Longer trips may need a bit more time, depending on your progress.

Q: Will I set off metal detectors at airports?
Sometimes, yes. The hospital can give you a card explaining your implant. But it’s not a major issue.