Hip health & joint replacement
If chronic hip pain is making it difficult to walk, exercise, sleep comfortably, or enjoy everyday activities, hip replacement surgery may be an option your orthopedic surgeon recommends. One of the most common questions patients have before their procedure is: How long does hip replacement surgery take?
At Great Lakes Orthopaedics in Garden City, Michigan, our orthopedic team provides comprehensive care for patients experiencing hip pain and joint problems, including hip surgery, total hip replacement, and anterior hip replacement.
How Long Does a Total Hip Replacement Take?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, a typical hip replacement procedure takes approximately one to two hours.
During a total hip replacement, damaged portions of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial components designed to restore joint function and reduce pain.
Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) provides a similar timeframe, explaining that the actual procedure takes approximately 1.5 hours, while total operating-room time may be closer to two hours when anesthesia and preparation are included.
Keep in mind that these are general estimates. Your orthopedic surgeon can provide a more personalized estimate based on your condition and treatment plan.
What Happens During Hip Replacement Surgery?
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. During total hip replacement, the surgeon replaces damaged parts of this joint with prosthetic components.
The procedure generally involves:
- Administering anesthesia
- Making an incision to access the hip joint
- Removing damaged bone and cartilage
- Preparing the hip socket
- Replacing the damaged joint surfaces with prosthetic components
- Checking the stability and movement of the new joint
- Closing the surgical incision
Although hip replacement has become a commonly performed orthopedic procedure, it is still major surgery and requires careful evaluation, planning, and postoperative care.
What Can Affect How Long Hip Replacement Surgery Takes?
Not every hip replacement takes exactly the same amount of time. Several factors may influence the length of your procedure.
Type of Hip Replacement
A total hip replacement involves replacing both sides of the hip joint, while other procedures may involve different levels of joint reconstruction.
Surgical Approach
Hip replacements can be performed using different surgical approaches, including anterior and posterior techniques.
Great Lakes Orthopaedics offers anterior hip replacement as part of its orthopedic services. The practice describes its anterior hip replacement care as using minimally invasive techniques designed to support recovery and mobility.
Complexity of the Joint
Previous surgeries, severe arthritis, bone abnormalities, fractures, or other joint problems can potentially make a procedure more complex.
Your Overall Health
Every patient is different. Your medical history and overall health can influence how your surgical team plans and performs your procedure.
How Long Are You at the Hospital for Hip Replacement Surgery?
Surgery time and total hospital time are not the same thing.
Even if your hip replacement takes only one or two hours, you’ll need additional time before and after surgery.
Before surgery, your medical team will prepare you for the procedure and administer anesthesia. After surgery, you’ll spend time in a recovery area where your medical team can monitor you as the anesthesia wears off.
Some patients may qualify for same-day discharge, while others may need to stay overnight or longer depending on their health and progress after surgery.
Your surgeon will determine the appropriate plan based on your individual needs.
How Soon Can You Walk After Hip Replacement?
Patients are often surprised to learn that movement generally begins relatively soon after hip replacement surgery.
Cleveland Clinic notes that rehabilitation exercises may begin within 24 hours after surgery. Physical therapists and other members of your healthcare team may help you safely stand and begin walking as appropriate.
Initially, you may need assistance from a walker, crutches, or cane.
Early rehabilitation is designed to help restore mobility and strength, but it is important to follow your surgeon’s instructions rather than trying to progress faster than recommended.
How Long Is Hip Replacement Recovery?
While hip replacement surgery itself may take only one to two hours, recovery takes considerably longer.
Cleveland Clinic notes that it may take approximately six to 12 weeks before patients can use their hip without restrictions, while complete recovery can take several months.
Your individual hip replacement recovery timeline can depend on factors such as:
- Your age and general health
- Your mobility before surgery
- Muscle strength
- The type of hip replacement performed
- Your surgical approach
- Your body’s natural healing process
- Participation in physical therapy
- Following postoperative instructions
The goal isn’t simply to recover from the operation. Rehabilitation focuses on helping you regain strength, mobility, balance, and confidence in the new joint.
When Can You Return to Normal Activities?
There isn’t one recovery schedule that applies to everyone.
Some patients may return to basic daily activities relatively quickly, while activities that place greater demands on the hip may require additional healing.
Your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist can help determine when it is appropriate to resume activities such as driving, working, climbing stairs, exercising, and recreational activities.
Avoid comparing your recovery too closely with someone else’s. Hip replacement recovery is highly individualized.
How Long Does Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery Take?
Anterior hip replacement generally falls within the overall timeframe associated with total hip replacement, but the exact duration varies from patient to patient.
The anterior approach allows the surgeon to access the hip from the front of the body. Great Lakes Orthopaedics provides anterior hip replacement as one of its specialized orthopedic services.
Whether anterior hip replacement is appropriate depends on your diagnosis, anatomy, health, and other factors. An orthopedic surgeon can evaluate your hip and recommend the surgical approach that best fits your individual situation.
How Do You Know If You Need a Hip Replacement?
Not everyone experiencing hip pain needs surgery.
Conservative treatment may be considered first depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms. However, hip replacement may become an option when arthritis or another hip condition causes significant pain and loss of function that hasn’t adequately improved with nonsurgical treatment.
You may want to speak with an orthopedic specialist if hip problems are interfering with your ability to:
- Walk comfortably
- Climb stairs
- Sleep without significant hip pain
- Exercise
- Work
- Get in and out of a chair or vehicle
- Complete normal daily activities
Great Lakes Orthopaedics provides personalized treatment for patients with arthritis, hip fractures, chronic discomfort, and other conditions affecting the hip.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Replacement Surgery
How many hours does hip replacement surgery take?
Most hip replacement surgeries take approximately one to two hours. Your total time at the hospital or surgical facility will be longer because of preparation, anesthesia, and postoperative monitoring.
Is hip replacement a major surgery?
Yes. Although hip replacement is commonly performed, it remains a major orthopedic surgery. Patients should discuss potential benefits, risks, recovery expectations, and alternatives with their orthopedic surgeon.
Can you walk immediately after hip replacement?
Patients generally begin moving relatively soon after surgery. Cleveland Clinic notes that exercises may begin within 24 hours. The exact timing depends on your surgeon’s instructions and your condition after the procedure.
Can you go home the same day after hip replacement?
Some appropriately selected patients may be discharged the same day, while others may need an overnight or longer hospital stay. Your surgical team will determine when it is safe for you to return home.
How long does it take to fully recover from hip replacement?
Recovery varies. Cleveland Clinic notes that it may take six to 12 weeks to use the hip without restrictions, although complete recovery may take several months.
Hip Replacement Surgery at Great Lakes Orthopaedics
If hip pain is limiting your mobility or quality of life, determining the cause is the first step toward finding an appropriate treatment.
Great Lakes Orthopaedics has served the local community for decades and provides care in total hip replacement, anterior hip replacement, hip surgery, total joint replacement, sports medicine, and other areas of orthopedics. The practice’s physicians include specialists with training in joint replacement and minimally invasive orthopedic procedures.
Learn more about hip replacement care at Great Lakes Orthopaedics or schedule an evaluation with our orthopedic team in Garden City, Michigan.
This content is intended for general educational purposes and should not replace personalized medical advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Great Lakes Orthopaedics · Garden City, Michigan
Take the next step toward better hip health
If hip pain is limiting your everyday activities, our orthopedic team can evaluate your symptoms and discuss treatment options, surgery expectations, and your individual recovery plan.
6255 Inkster Rd #103Garden City, MI 48135
