General Procedure Information
Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement is generally considered when major hip-joint damage causes persistent pain and reduced function. Planning should reflect the cause, health, lifestyle needs and personal goals.
What Is It?
Total hip replacement uses prosthetic components to replace damaged ball and/or socket joint surfaces, aiming to improve pain and mobility. Whether replacement is needed, the approach and timing all require individual specialist assessment.
When Might It Be Considered?
These are common assessment considerations only; they do not mean that you are necessarily suitable for surgery or the procedure.
- Hip or groin pain, stiffness and walking difficulty substantially affect daily life, sleep or work
- Arthritis, post-fracture damage, inflammatory disease or other joint damage fits the symptoms and assessment
- Appropriate non-operative care has not provided acceptable pain control or functional improvement
What Are the Alternatives?
- Depending on the cause: activity modification, physiotherapy, pain management, walking aids, injections or other treatment
- Not every type of hip pain or degree of imaging change needs immediate replacement; symptoms, function, health and expectations all matter
General Assessment and Procedure Planning
Planning reviews health, medication, infection and clot risk, home support, walking ability and post-operative rehabilitation. The anaesthetic, implant, admission and discharge arrangements are confirmed according to individual circumstances and hospital pathway.
Important
Possible Risks and Limitations
All surgery and invasive procedures carry risks. Your actual risk depends on your condition, the scope of the procedure, health and other factors. Your doctor will discuss this individually during informed consent.
- General surgical risks including anaesthetic complications, bleeding, infection, blood clots and injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Dislocation, perceived limb-length difference, persistent pain, implant loosening or wear, and possible further surgery
- Falls, infection or not following rehabilitation instructions may affect recovery; individual restrictions must follow the treating team
General Recovery Approach
Early rehabilitation commonly includes safe transfers, walking aids, pain and wound care, followed by gradual hip movement, leg and gluteal strength, balance and daily function. Sitting, sleeping and activity restrictions differ with the surgical approach and individual circumstances.
When Should You Contact the Medical Team Promptly?
- Pain, swelling, redness or warmth becomes suddenly worse after surgery or injury
- Persistent wound bleeding or discharge, marked wound redness or swelling, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
- New or worsening numbness, weakness, breathing difficulty, chest pain or marked calf pain/swelling
For severe illness, breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting or inability to travel safely, call 999 or attend an emergency department immediately.
Reference
Hong Kong College of Orthopaedic Surgeons: Hip patient education
Would You Like to Discuss Which Treatment Direction May Be Suitable?
Book an orthopaedic assessment to discuss your symptoms, findings, lifestyle needs and treatment goals individually.