Total hip joint replacement:

A complete guide to relief and recovery

A Total Hip Joint Replacement is a surgical procedure where an orthopaedic surgeon removes the damaged or worn-out parts of the hip joint and replaces them with artificial components. This surgery is commonly performed to relieve chronic pain and restore mobility in individuals suffering from severe arthritis, hip fractures, or other hip joint issues.

Think of your hip joint as a "ball and socket" mechanism. During a Total Hip Joint Replacement, both the ball (the femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum) are replaced with smooth, durable, man-made parts. These artificial parts allow for easier, pain-free movement, dramatically improving your hip's function.

Following a Total Hip Joint Replacement, most patients experience significant pain relief and improved mobility. With a good recovery, including physical therapy, you can regain your ability to walk, move, and enjoy daily activities with much less discomfort than before the surgery.

Who is a Candidate?

Individuals suffering with severe hip pain and disability, usually due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or fractures. Those whose symptoms are not relieved by conservative measures (medication, physiotherapy, lifestyle changes).

Recovery Timeline 

(May vary with provider)

• Immediate (days 1–3): Mobilisation begins with physiotherapy, often weight-bearing as tolerated.
• Short-term (4–6 weeks): Walking with aids, return to basic daily activities.
• Medium-term (3–6 months): Improved strength, function, and reduced pain; many resume low-impact activities.
• Long-term (6–12 months): Full recovery for the majority of people, with continued functional gains. Implants typically last 15–20+ years.

Benefits

• Significant pain relief.
• Improved mobility, function, and independence.
• Enhanced quality of life.
• Long-lasting results in most patients.

Risks

• General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots.
• Implant-specific risks: dislocation, leg length discrepancy, loosening/wear of the prosthesis, need for revision surgery.
• Rare but serious risks: nerve or blood vessel  injury.

This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.