Yes, hip replacement is major surgery, but it's one of the most common and successful procedures doctors perform

Hip replacement is classified as major surgery because the surgeon opens your hip joint, removes damaged bone and cartilage, and implants artificial parts. The operation typically takes one to two hours and requires general anesthesia or spinal anesthesia. You will spend at least one night in the hospital, and most people go home within one to three days.

The procedure is major in the medical sense—it involves significant tissue damage and a real recovery period—but it's also routine. Surgeons in the United States perform over 300,000 hip replacements each year. The success rate is high: most people report less pain and better movement within weeks, and the artificial joint often lasts 15 to 20 years or longer.

Key Takeaways

  • Hip replacement requires general or spinal anesthesia and involves opening the joint to remove damaged bone and install artificial parts, making it a major surgical procedure.
  • Hospital stays are typically one to three days, and most people begin physical therapy the same day or the next day.
  • Recovery takes about six weeks before you can return to light activities, and three to six months before you're fully healed.
  • Serious complications like blood clots or infection occur in fewer than 2 percent of cases, though minor swelling and stiffness are common in the first weeks.
  • You will need someone to drive you home and help you for at least the first week or two after discharge.

What happens during the surgery itself

The surgeon makes an incision over your hip, usually four to six inches long, depending on the approach used. There are several surgical approaches—anterior (front), posterior (back), and lateral (side)—and your surgeon will choose based on your anatomy and the damage to your joint. Once inside, the surgeon removes the damaged femoral head (the ball at the top of your thighbone) and the worn cartilage from your hip socket.

The surgeon then prepares the socket and inserts a new socket component, usually made of metal or ceramic. The femoral stem (a metal shaft) is inserted into your thighbone, and a new ball is attached to the top. Some components are cemented in place; others are press-fit and rely on bone to grow around them over time. The incision is closed with stitches or staples, and you're moved to recovery.

Hospital stay and the first 24 hours

You'll wake up in the recovery room with your hip bandaged and possibly in a compression stocking to prevent blood clots. Pain medication is given through an IV or by mouth. Most hospitals start physical therapy the same day or the next morning—a therapist will help you sit up, stand, and take a few steps with a walker or crutches. This early movement is crucial and helps prevent complications.

Before you leave the hospital, you'll receive instructions on how to move safely, what positions to avoid, and how to use assistive devices. You'll also get a list of warning signs—fever, severe swelling, chest pain, or signs of infection—that require when ready medical attention. Most people go home within one to three days, though some stay longer if they live alone or have other health conditions.

Pain and swelling in the first weeks

Pain is usually worst in the first few days and then gradually improves. You'll take pain medication as prescribed, and ice applied to the hip (over the bandage) helps reduce swelling. Expect significant swelling for the first two to three weeks; this is normal and doesn't mean something went wrong. Your leg may feel warm, and you might notice bruising around the incision.

Most people can put weight on the leg within days, though you'll use crutches or a walker for the first few weeks. Walking short distances—even just around your home—speeds healing. Avoid sitting with your hip bent more than 90 degrees, crossing your legs, or lying on the operated side for at least six weeks. These precautions protect the new joint while it heals.

Physical therapy and returning to activity

Physical therapy is essential and usually begins in the hospital. You'll continue at home or in an outpatient clinic for six to twelve weeks. A therapist teaches you exercises to restore strength and range of motion—things like straight-leg raises, hip abduction, and walking progressions. Most people can walk without aids within four to six weeks and return to light activities like driving and desk work by six to eight weeks.

Full recovery takes three to six months. By then, most people can return to moderate activities—walking, swimming, golf, or recreational cycling. High-impact activities like running or jumping are generally not recommended, as they can wear out the artificial joint faster. Your surgeon will give you specific guidance based on your age, health, and the type of implant used.

Risks and complications

Serious complications are uncommon. Infection occurs in fewer than 1 percent of cases. Blood clots in the leg (deep vein thrombosis) happen in 1 to 2 percent of patients, which is why you may receive blood-thinning medication or compression stockings. Dislocation—where the ball slips out of the socket—is rare (under 1 percent) if you follow movement precautions in the first weeks.

More common minor issues include temporary swelling, stiffness, and muscle weakness. Some people experience a slight limp for several weeks or feel a clicking sensation in the hip, which usually resolves. Nerve or blood vessel injury is rare but possible. Discuss your personal risk factors—age, weight, other medical conditions—with your surgeon before the procedure.

Preparing your home and getting help

Before surgery, arrange for someone to stay with you for at least the first week or two. You'll need help with cooking, bathing, and household tasks. Make your bedroom and bathroom accessible: place frequently used items at waist height, install grab bars in the bathroom, and remove tripping hazards like throw rugs. A shower chair and handheld showerhead make bathing easier while your mobility is limited.

Stock your freezer with straightforward meals, arrange for groceries to be delivered, and set up a recovery space on the main floor if climbing stairs is difficult. Ask your surgeon when you can drive; most people wait four to six weeks and until they're off narcotic pain medication. Plan for time off work—desk jobs may resume in four to six weeks, but jobs requiring standing or physical activity take longer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the artificial hip last?

Most modern hip implants last 15 to 20 years or longer. Younger patients may eventually need a second surgery to replace a worn implant, while older patients often have the same implant for life. The lifespan depends on your activity level, weight, and the type of implant used.

Can I have sex after hip replacement?

Yes, but wait until you're comfortable moving and have clearance from your surgeon, usually around six weeks. Avoid positions that bend your hip more than 90 degrees or cross your legs. Talk to your surgeon about what's safe for your specific situation.

Will I need a second hip replacement?

Not necessarily. Many people have only one hip replaced. If your other hip becomes damaged later, you can have it replaced in a separate surgery. Some people choose to have both hips done at once, though this requires a longer recovery.

What if I fall after hip replacement?

Falls are a real concern in the first weeks, which is why using assistive devices and removing tripping hazards is important. If you fall, don't panic—most falls don't damage the implant. Seek medical attention if you have severe pain, swelling, or can't move the leg normally.

Can I go through airport security with a hip implant?

Yes. Metal implants will trigger metal detectors, but airport security is familiar with this. Bring your implant card (given by your surgeon) to show security. You can also request a pat-down instead of going through the detector.