A hip replacement removes your damaged hip joint and installs an artificial one

A hip replacement is surgery in which a surgeon removes the ball-and-socket joint at the top of your thighbone and replaces it with artificial parts made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. The surgeon removes the damaged ball (femoral head) and the worn socket (acetabulum) in your pelvis, then fits new components into place. The goal is to reduce pain, restore movement, and let you walk and move without the grinding or stiffness that comes from a damaged joint.

Most people have a hip replacement because arthritis—usually osteoarthritis—has worn away the smooth cartilage that lets the joint move freely. Some have it after a hip fracture, or because the joint never developed properly. The surgery takes about one to two hours, and you will spend one to three days in the hospital afterward, though recovery at home takes several weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • Hip replacement removes your damaged joint and replaces it with artificial parts, usually because arthritis has worn the cartilage away.
  • The surgery takes one to two hours, and most people stay in the hospital for one to three days before going home to recover.
  • Physical therapy starts within days of surgery and continues for weeks; following the therapist's instructions is what determines how well your hip works afterward.
  • Most artificial hips last 15 to 20 years, though newer materials are lasting longer in some patients.
  • Serious complications like infection or blood clots are uncommon but possible; your surgeon will explain the specific risks for your situation.

Why surgeons recommend hip replacement

Your doctor will usually suggest hip replacement only after other treatments have stopped working. Those might include anti-inflammatory medications, injections into the joint, physical therapy, or using a cane or walker to take weight off the hip. If pain keeps you from walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping through the night, and imaging shows the joint is significantly damaged, replacement becomes the next step.

The decision is yours, not automatic. Some people live with pain and limitation rather than have surgery. Others reach a point where the pain and loss of movement affect their daily life enough that surgery makes sense. Your surgeon will discuss whether your age, overall health, and bone quality make you a good candidate. People in their 50s, 60s, 70s, and beyond all have hip replacements successfully.

What the surgeon does during the operation

The surgeon makes an incision near your hip—usually on the side or front of the joint, depending on the approach they use. There are several surgical approaches; your surgeon will choose based on your anatomy and their training. Through the incision, they dislocate the hip joint, remove the damaged ball and socket, and prepare the bone surfaces to receive the new parts.

The artificial hip has several components: a stem that goes into the thighbone, a ball that replaces the femoral head, a cup that replaces the socket, and sometimes a liner inside the cup. The surgeon cements some parts into place or uses a press-fit technique where the parts are shaped to grip the bone tightly. Once everything is positioned correctly, they close the incision with stitches or staples.

Hospital stay and the first days after surgery

You will wake up in a recovery room with a bandage on your hip and likely a drain tube to prevent fluid buildup. Pain medication and antibiotics will be given through an IV. A nurse will help you get up and walk—usually within hours of surgery—using a walker or crutches. This early movement prevents blood clots and helps your muscles start working again.

Before you leave the hospital, a physical therapist will teach you exercises to do at home and show you how to use your walker or crutches safely. You will receive instructions on how to care for your incision, what activities to avoid, and when to call your surgeon if something does not feel right. Most people go home after one to three days, though some stay longer depending on their age and overall health.

Physical therapy and the recovery timeline

Physical therapy is the most important part of your recovery. A therapist will visit your home or you will go to a clinic several times a week for the first few weeks. They will guide you through exercises that restore strength and movement to your hip—things like walking, gentle stretching, and controlled leg lifts. How well you follow these exercises directly affects how much movement and strength you regain.

Most people can walk without a walker or crutches within two to six weeks. Returning to normal activities like driving, climbing stairs, and light housework usually takes six to eight weeks. More demanding activities—like running, jumping, or heavy lifting—may take three to six months or longer. Your surgeon and therapist will tell you when each activity is safe.

How long an artificial hip lasts

Most artificial hips function well for 15 to 20 years. Some last longer, especially newer designs made from advanced materials. Over time, the artificial joint can wear down or the bone around it can loosen, which might eventually require a second surgery called a revision. Younger patients are more likely to need a revision at some point because they have more years ahead of them for wear to accumulate.

You can extend the life of your hip by avoiding high-impact activities like running and jumping, maintaining a healthy weight, and doing the exercises your therapist recommends. Your surgeon will tell you which activities are safe for your specific hip design. Regular follow-up appointments let your surgeon monitor how your hip is holding up over time.

Possible complications and what to watch for

Serious complications are uncommon, but they can happen. Infection is one of the most serious; it can occur in the weeks after surgery or, rarely, years later. Blood clots can form in your leg veins, which is why you may be given blood-thinning medication or compression stockings. Dislocation—where the ball slips out of the socket—can occur if you move your hip in certain ways during the first weeks of recovery, which is why your surgeon gives you specific movement restrictions.

Less serious problems include temporary swelling, bruising, and muscle weakness. Some people feel a clicking or popping sensation in the hip, which is usually harmless. Call your surgeon right away if you develop severe pain, fever, redness or warmth around the incision, sudden swelling, or difficulty bearing weight. These could signal a problem that needs prompt attention.

Restrictions and precautions in the first weeks

For the first six weeks or so, you will need to avoid certain movements to prevent dislocation. These typically include bending your hip more than 90 degrees (so no bending at the waist to pick things up), crossing your legs, or rotating your leg inward. Your surgeon will give you a list of movements to avoid and explain why each one matters for your specific hip design.

You will also need to use assistive devices—a walker, crutches, or cane—for as long as your surgeon recommends. Do not rush to stop using them; using them correctly protects your new hip while your muscles are still weak. Your home may need temporary changes, like a raised toilet seat, a shower chair, or grab bars, to help you move safely without bending your hip too far.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I be able to walk normally after a hip replacement?

Most people walk normally without a limp within a few months. Some notice a slight difference in how the hip feels compared to before, but the goal is for you to walk, climb stairs, and move without pain. How well you recover depends partly on how much damage the joint had before surgery and how faithfully you do physical therapy.

Can I have both hips replaced at the same time?

Some surgeons will replace both hips in one surgery if both are severely damaged and you are healthy enough. Others prefer to do them separately, a few months apart, so you can recover from one before having the other done. Your surgeon will discuss which approach makes sense for you.

What activities should I avoid permanently after hip replacement?

High-impact activities like running, jumping, and contact sports are generally not recommended because they can wear out the artificial hip faster. Walking, swimming, cycling, golf, and low-impact exercise are usually fine. Your surgeon will give you a specific list based on your hip design and your age.

How will I know if my artificial hip is failing?

Signs include increasing pain in the hip, a feeling of instability or the hip giving way, clicking or grinding sensations that get worse, and swelling. Some people notice pain that gradually returns years after surgery. Regular check-ups with your surgeon, including X-rays, can catch problems early, sometimes before you feel symptoms.

Do I need to tell doctors and dentists that I have an artificial hip?

Yes. Tell your dentist because some dental work can release bacteria into your bloodstream, which could theoretically infect your artificial hip, especially in the first two years after surgery. Your dentist may recommend antibiotics before certain procedures. Tell any doctor performing surgery or a procedure, as they need to know about your hip for safety reasons.