Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Total Hip Replacement involves removing a damaged or arthritic hip joint and replacing it with an artificial implant, relieving pain and restoring the ability to move freely.
Who Needs It
Recommended for patients with severe hip arthritis or joint damage causing persistent pain, stiffness and reduced mobility that no longer responds to medication, physiotherapy or other conservative treatment. Common underlying causes include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis and hip fractures.
Types of Hip Replacement
A Total Hip Replacement resurfaces both the ball and socket of the hip joint, while a Partial Hip Replacement replaces only the femoral head, typically used for certain fracture cases. Surgeons may also choose between different surgical approaches, such as posterior or anterior, based on the patient's anatomy and recovery goals.
Preparing for Surgery
Before surgery, patients typically undergo a physical examination, blood tests and imaging to assess the joint and plan implant size and positioning. Pre-existing conditions such as diabetes or heart disease are optimised beforehand to reduce surgical risk, and patients are counselled on what to expect during admission, surgery and the initial recovery period.
The Procedure
The damaged ball and socket of the hip joint are removed and replaced with an artificial ball and socket made from metal, ceramic or plastic components that recreate natural hip movement. Surgery is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia and typically takes one to two hours, after which patients are moved to a recovery area for close monitoring.
Implants Used
Modern hip implants combine a metal or ceramic ball with a durable socket liner, chosen based on the patient's age, activity level and bone quality. Implants are selected and sized specifically for each patient during pre-surgical planning and are designed to withstand years of everyday movement.
Benefits
Most patients experience significant pain relief, improved joint mobility and the ability to return to daily activities that had become difficult before surgery.
Risks & Complications
As with any major surgery, Total Hip Replacement carries some risk, including infection, blood clots, differences in leg length, dislocation or, rarely, implant loosening over time. Your surgical team will discuss your individual risk factors beforehand and take preventive steps, such as blood-thinning medication and early mobilisation, to minimise these risks.
Life After Surgery
Modern hip implants are built to last many years of normal use, and most patients return to activities such as walking, swimming and cycling without difficulty. Periodic follow-up visits help monitor the implant and ensure long-term joint health.
Price Range
Price on Consultation
Recovery Timeline
Patients are encouraged to stand and take their first steps with support soon after surgery, aided by pain management and physiotherapy.
Hospital discharge typically follows within a few days, with a home or outpatient physiotherapy programme focused on regaining hip movement and strength.
Most patients progress from a walker or crutches to walking independently, with swelling and discomfort steadily easing.
The majority of patients resume normal daily activities, with continued improvement in strength and flexibility over the following months.