If you or someone close to you is facing hip replacement surgery, it’s natural to feel a little anxious. Understanding what actually happens during a hip operation can help make the process feel less daunting. Here’s a straightforward explanation of the procedure, what to expect during surgery, and what recovery typically looks like.

What Is a Hip Replacement?
A hip replacement—also known as a total hip arthroplasty—is a surgical procedure in which a damaged or worn-out hip joint is replaced with an artificial implant. This operation is often recommended to relieve chronic arthritis pain or to repair significant joint damage following injury. Most patients experience a major improvement in mobility and a reduction in pain after recovery.

Step-by-Step: What Happens During the Operation?

1. Preparation and Anaesthesia
Before the surgery begins, the patient’s vital signs are checked. Anaesthesia is then administered—this may be either general anaesthetic, which puts the patient fully to sleep, or spinal anaesthetic, which numbs the lower body while the patient remains awake. The choice depends on the patient’s health and medical history, and the recommendation of the surgical team.

2. Making the Incision
The surgeon makes a cut (incision) over the hip area to access the joint. The incision can be made from the side, back, or front of the hip, depending on the surgical approach and the surgeon’s preference.

3. Removing Damaged Tissue
The surgeon carefully removes the damaged femoral head (the ball of the hip joint). The socket in the pelvis (the acetabulum) is cleaned and reshaped to prepare it for the artificial components.

4. Implanting the New Joint
A metal socket is implanted into the pelvic bone. A smooth liner, often made of plastic, ceramic or metal, is then placed inside this socket to allow smooth movement. A metal stem is inserted into the top of the thigh bone (femur). A ball made of ceramic or metal is attached to the top of this stem, forming the new “ball” part of the joint.

5. Reattachment and Closing the Incision
Once the new components are in place, the surgeon ensures they fit and move correctly. Muscles and tendons are reattached, and the incision is closed using stitches, staples or surgical glue.

Advanced Surgical Techniques
Some hospitals now offer robot-assisted hip replacement, which can increase accuracy and precision. These systems help guide the surgeon’s tools during the procedure, potentially improving outcomes and speeding up recovery.

What Happens After Surgery?
After the operation, the patient is moved to a recovery area for monitoring. Once the anaesthetic wears off, pain management and physiotherapy begin quite quickly. Patients are often encouraged to stand or walk (with help) within a day of surgery. Hospital stays typically last 1 to 2 days, though same-day discharge is becoming more common. Physical therapy plays a key role in regaining strength and movement. Most people return to everyday activities within 6 to 12 weeks. Full recovery, including high-impact activities or sports, may take several months.