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Patient Information Guide

Patient Guide to Hip Replacement Surgery

Prepared by Dr. Aidin Sadeghilar | Orthopaedic Surgeon 
MBBS, FRACS (Ortho), FAOrthA 
Specialising in Hip & Knee Arthroplasty 

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Understanding Hip
Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) is a procedure where the damaged parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial components (prosthesis). This is typically recommended for: 

  • Osteoarthritis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Hip fractures or post-traumatic arthritis

Goal: Improve mobility, reduce pain, and restore function for a better quality of life.

Pre-Operative Preparation

Proper preparation is essential for a successful surgery and smooth recovery

  • Required Medical Tests
  • Pre-Admission Tests: Blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray (if needed), and medical clearance from your GP or physician.
  • Medications: Some medications (like blood thinners) may need to be stopped. Discuss all medications and supplements with your surgeon.
  • Infections: Any infections (e.g. dental or skin infections) must be treated prior to surgery.
  • Lifestyle Preparation
  • Quit Smoking: Smoking delays healing and increases the risk of complications specifically infection. You highly recommended to fully stop smoking 4 weeks before surgery
  • Weight Management: Reducing weight (if applicable) reduces stress on the new joint and reduces the risk of infection
  • Strengthening Exercises: Gentle exercises under physiotherapy guidance can aid recovery.
  • Logistics
  • Home Preparation: Arrange for a safe environment—remove trip hazards, and plan for someone to help at home.
  • Transportation: You will not be able to drive for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
  • Pre-Operative Skin Preparation and Infection Prevention
  • To reduce the risk of infection, you will need to start pre-operative skin preparation 5 days before your surgery, including the morning of surgery. This involves using a Chlorhexidine wash twice daily (morning and evening) over your whole body from neck to toes, paying particular attention to the surgical area.
  • You may also be given a prescription for nasal Mupirocin ointment, which should be applied inside each nostril three times daily for the same 5-day period, including the day of surgery.
  • It is important to avoid any cuts, scratches, or skin infections before your operation, as these can increase the risk of surgical site infection and may result in your procedure being postponed or cancelled.

The Surgical Procedure

Understanding what happens during your hip replacement surgery

Anaesthesia

You may receive a spinal block with sedation or general anaesthesia.

Surgery Duration

Approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Implant

Your surgeon will use a prosthesis suited to your anatomy and activity level. Your Prosthesis is selected by your surgeon based on highest performing prosthesis in Australian Joint Registry.

Post-Operative Care

What to expect immediately after your surgery

Hospital Stay

Typically 2–3 days (depending of your progress with physiotherapy).

Mobility

You'll begin walking with assistance (walker or crutches) within 24 hours.

Physiotherapy

Starts in hospital and continues after discharge.

Wound Care

The dressing is waterproof; stitches are absorbable. Your dressing will be removed during your first follow-up.

Pain Management

Pain is expected but well-controlled with a combination of:

  • Oral painkillers
  • Anti-inflammatories (if suitable)
  • Ice packs
  • Nerve blocks or local anaesthetic during surgery (may provide early relief)

Recovery Timeline

Your journey from surgery to full recovery

Day 0–2

Hospital Care

Walking with assistance, pain management, initial physiotherapy exercises

Week 1–2

Early Recovery

Improved mobility, regular physiotherapy, wound healing, using walking frame or crutches

Week 3–6

Early Recovery

Improved mobility, regular physiotherapy, wound healing, using walking frame or crutches

Week 6–12

Active Recovery

Driving (with surgeon approval), most daily activities resumed, continued strengthening exercises

3–6 Months

Advanced Strengthening

All daily tasks normal, return to work (desk jobs), continued physiotherapy for strengthening

6–12 Months

Full Recovery

Complete return to most activities, full function restored, occasional monitoring

Possible Complications

While most patients recover well, potential risks include:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots (DVT/PE)
  • Dislocation of the hip joint
  • Leg length discrepancy
  • Nerve or blood vessel injury
  • Prosthesis loosening or wear over time

Reassurance: Most patients recover well with proper care and guidance. Dr. Sadeghilar uses advanced techniques and protocols to minimize these risks.

Activity Precautions After Surgery

Guidelines for safe activities after your hip replacement

  • Avoid twisting or crossing legs for 6–12 weeks
  • Use a raised toilet seat or shower chair if advised
  • Avoid low chairs or sofas initially
  • No driving until cleared by your surgeon (typically 4–6 weeks)
  • No high-impact sports (e.g. running, jumping)

Approved low-impact activities include swimming, walking, cycling, and golf. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Usually after 4–6 weeks, once you have good control of your leg and are off strong pain medication.

Yes, possibly. Inform airport staff—It is very common these days and airport staff are aware. 

Revision (Re-do in 20 years is about 9%, meaning that 91% of the people will not need repeat surgery for their hips. There is a high chance that you may not require revision in your lifetime) 

Yes, after 4–6 weeks. Use a pillow between your knees if needed. 

This varies: 

  • Desk jobs: ~4 weeks 
  • Light manual work: 6–8 weeks 
  • Heavy labour: 3+ months