What is private hip replacement surgery?

Hip replacement surgery (also called total hip arthroplasty or THA) swaps out a worn‑out hip joint for smooth artificial parts so it can move with less pain and better function.

Think of your hip like a ball‑and‑socket hinge:

The ball is the top of your thigh bone (femoral head).
The socket is part of your pelvis (acetabulum).
Cartilage is the slippery coating that lets the joint glide.

When cartilage wears out (most often from osteoarthritis, but also rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or old injuries), the bone surfaces can start to rub and grind. This can cause groin pain, stiffness, limping, and trouble walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping.

What a hip replacement actually replaces

In a standard total hip replacement, the surgeon replaces:

The socket with a smooth artificial cup (metal shell with a liner—often plastic, sometimes ceramic).
The ball with a new ball (metal or ceramic) attached to a stem that fits into the thigh bone.

The goal is a joint that’s stable, smooth, and durable, so you can walk and move more comfortably.

Common “types” of hip replacement

Unilateral hip replacement

A hip replacement done on one hip (left or right).

Bilateral hip replacement

Hip replacements done on both hips. This can be:

Simultaneous bilateral: both hips done during the same operation (one anaesthetic).
Staged bilateral: two separate surgeries spaced apart (often safer/easier recovery for many people).

Whether bilateral is appropriate depends on age, fitness, blood-loss risk, heart/lung health, home support, and surgeon preference.

Robot‑assisted hip replacement

Robot-assisted hip replacement uses computer guidance (and in some centres, a robotic arm) to help the surgeon plan and position the components more precisely—especially the cup position in the pelvis.

Important: the surgeon is still in control the entire time. “Robot-assisted” typically means:

a pre-op plan based on imaging (sometimes CT)
real-time guidance during surgery to improve accuracy and consistency

It can be helpful for certain anatomies, complex cases, or surgeons/centres that use robotics routinely. It’s a tool—not a guarantee of a better outcome—and rehab still matters.

Revision hip replacement

A revision hip replacement is surgery to fix or replace an existing hip replacement that has failed or is causing problems.

Instead of replacing your natural joint, revision surgery replaces some or all of the artificial parts due to issues like:

loosening
wear of the liner
repeated dislocations/instability
infection
fracture around the implant
leg length or mechanical problems

Revisions are usually more complex than first-time hip replacements because there may be bone loss, scar tissue, or infection concerns.

How hip replacement is different from hip resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is a different operation that keeps more of your natural bone.

Hip resurfacing

Instead of removing the whole femoral head and inserting a stem, the surgeon:

reshapes the femoral head and caps it with a smooth metal covering
places a matching metal cup in the socket

Key difference

Bone preservation: Resurfacing keeps more of the thigh bone (no long stem), which can matter for younger patients.
Patient selection is stricter: It’s usually considered for younger, larger-boned, very active patients, and is less suitable with osteoporosis, certain shapes of bone, or smaller femoral heads.
Implant type: Many resurfacing systems are metal-on-metal, which can carry specific risks (metal ion issues) and requires careful follow-up. Modern total hips can be ceramic/plastic or ceramic/ceramic, with different wear profiles.
Revision pathway: If resurfacing fails, it can often be revised to a total hip replacement—but it’s still a revision surgery.

In short: total hip replacement is the most common, broadly suitable solution for severe hip arthritis; hip resurfacing is a more niche option for carefully selected candidates.

Check out this article for a comprehensive overview on the different types of Hip Replacement surgery (i.e. anterior, posterior, lateral, robotic, etc).

Private hip replacement cost

In Canada, private hip replacement surgery generally ranges from $21,000 - $40,000+. But costs vary by province: Alberta cost, Ontario cost.

Comparatively, in the United States, you can expect to pay US$20,000 - $60,000 (CA$27,000 - $81,000).

This estimate includes surgeon fees, hospital or surgical centre charges, anaesthesia, the hip implant itself, and immediate post-surgical care.

Costs may vary if you require additional medical services, special implants, or extended hospital stays.

What’s included

Most quotes for private hip replacement surgery cover:

Surgeon and anaesthesiologist fees
Hospital or clinic facility fees
Hip implant hardware
Nursing and immediate post-op care
Initial physiotherapy/rehabilitation support (varies by clinic)

What’s usually not included:

Travel and accommodation (if surgery is out-of-province)
Long-term physiotherapy after returning home
Medications for pain management once discharge

Insurance and financing options

Private health insurance: Some plans may cover part of the costs, such as hospital fees or implants. It’s important to check your policy directly.‍
Financing plans: Many clinics offer monthly payment options to help spread out the cost. Learn more about your financing options here.
Medical Expense Tax Credit (METC): This is a non-refundable credit that reduces your taxes when you pay out-of-pocket for eligible medical expenses. Learn more about how to claim METC for private surgeries.

Click here to browse private surgical providers

Hip replacement surgery steps

A straightforward primary hip replacement commonly takes about one to two hours, although complex anatomy, bilateral surgery or additional procedures can take longer. Total time at the centre also includes check-in, anaesthesia, recovery and discharge preparation.

1. Check-in and confirmation

You meet the team, confirm the hip and procedure, review allergies and medicines, and complete safety checks. The surgeon marks the operative side.

2. Anaesthesia and pain control

Hip replacement may use spinal anaesthesia with sedation or general anaesthesia. Several types of pain medication may be combined. Ask how the plan affects nausea, blood pressure, early movement and fall precautions.

3. Positioning and sterile preparation

Your position depends on the surgical approach. The hip and leg are cleaned and draped. Antibiotics are usually given before the incision.

4. Surgical exposure

The surgeon makes an incision and reaches the joint using the planned anterior, posterior, lateral or anterolateral approach. Muscles and tendons are protected or repaired as required.

5. Removing the damaged joint surfaces

The damaged femoral head is removed. The socket is prepared to accept the cup. The femur is shaped to accept the stem.

6. Trial components and checks

Trial parts help the surgeon assess size, stability, movement, offset and leg length. Imaging, navigation or robotic assistance may be used, depending on the program.

7. Implant placement

The final cup, liner, stem and ball are inserted. Components may be secured with bone cement, bone ingrowth or a combination.

8. Final checks and closure

The surgeon confirms stability, movement, component position and bleeding control. The incision is closed in layers and covered with a dressing.

9. Recovery and early movement

The team monitors pain, nausea, circulation and breathing. Many programs encourage standing and walking with assistance on the day of surgery or the next morning.

10. Discharge planning

Before leaving, you should receive instructions for pain control, blood-clot prevention, incision care, movement precautions, walking aids, physiotherapy, follow-up and warning signs. You will need transportation and may require help at home.

Expert Surgeon Insight

Emmanuel Illical MD, FRCSC: What do you need to know about total hip replacement surgery consultation?

Consultation for total hip replacement involves a thorough review and discussion of your hip symptoms, including, but not limited to:

onset, location, duration, severity and characteristics of your hip pain
aggravating and relieving factors of your hip pain
non-operative modalities already attempted (e.g. oral/topical medications, injections, walking aids, physiotherapy)
whether there is associated pain in other joints often present in patients with hip arthritis (e.g. back and/or “sciatic” pain, referred pain to the thigh, knee pain)
how your symptoms are affecting your quality of life

An in-depth review of the following will also help determine if you are a candidate for total hip replacement in a private facility:

past medical and surgical history
medications and allergies
social history (smoking status, alcohol and/or substance use, occupation)

This is important, as private surgical facilities provide similar, and often more efficient, surgical resources to hospital settings, but do not encompass the entire medical resources of a hospital.

After a detailed history, a physical examination will assess aspects important to your hip pain such as:

height, weight, and BMI
gait
hip mobility / range of motion
leg length discrepancy
knee and lumbar spine examination

After history and physical, your surgeon will review all your diagnostic imaging

usually includes an AP pelvis x-ray as well as dedicated anterior and lateral x-ray views of both hips.
your surgeon will show and explain your xrays to you
depending on your symptoms and history, other diagnostic imaging can also be ordered and reviewed (e.g knee and/or spine).

The final part of the consultation is a discussion of treatment options. From a surgical perspective, your surgeon will explain:

principles and goals of total hip replacement
approaches of total hip replacement (i.e. anterior, lateral, posterior) and their advantages and disadvantages
medical and surgical risks of total hip replacement
expected recovery and outcome
follow up after hip replacement surgery
logistics of proceeding with total hip replacement at a private facility

Dr. Illical provides sees patients interested in pursuing total hip replacement, either in person (Calgary or Vancouver) or virtually. Please visit his profile page for more information.

BROWSE SURGEONS

Medical infographic showing how total hip replacement works, including an arthritic hip, implant components, surgical steps, and the hip after replacement.

What can I expect from the hip replacement surgery recovery process?

The clinic will provide you with an extensive hip replacement surgery recovery plan that includes physiotherapy, pain management, and further monitoring. The recovery process varies from patient to patient. Your recovery might look quite different, so please seek further guidance from your surgeon.

Please take post-operative care seriously. The more diligently this process is followed, the better the outcome tends to be.

Some private clinics offer virtual follow-up appointments, while others coordinate with local providers in your home province. For an in-depth look into recovery, read our Recovery Guide here.

In general, here is what you can expect:

Week 1:

Pain, discomfort, emotion, more pain, stiffness, frustration. Week 1 is not fun.
Goals: Pain management, swelling reduction, initial basic movement, preventing blood clots.
Activities:
- Clinic recovery for 1-3 days.
- Assisted walking, ankle pumps, breathing exercises, and physical therapy within first day.
- Practicing simple movements (in and out of bed, using bathroom) without assistance.
- Pain medication management and wound care (it will be advantageous to have a friend, family member, or caretaker support you for both in the first few days).
- Sitting: avoid sitting for long periods. And only use firm, straight backed chairs with armrests (avoid soft and reclined seats), keep hips higher than knees, avoid crossing legs and twisting motions.

Weeks 2-4:

The next 3 weeks are still characterized by significant discomfort, swelling, frustration, and emotional highs and lows.
Goals: Settling into your new routines, applying yourself to daily exercises, building up your walking, and resuming some normal daily activities.
Activities:
- Wound care, possibly removing stitches.
- Walk regularly with assistive devices, ideally transitioning from a walker to a cane. Building up to normal walking patterns without a limp.
- Daily exercises and physio focused on a developing range of motion and simple strength building exercises.
- Sitting: you may sit for longer periods, but continue using firm, straight backed chairs with raised seats and armrests.

Weeks 5-12:

These weeks are challenging, but rewarding. Focus and diligence on exercises will likely pay off, and you'll likely be able to walk again unassisted, be able to drive, and return to work if your job is not physically demanding.
Goals: Achieve 90° hip flexion and 25° abduction, increasing physical therapy, walk longer distances unassisted, resume most normal activities.
Activities:
- More challenging physical therapy in order to improve range of motion and build strength.
- Daily exercises. Possibly low impact activities like swimming (only if cleared by healthcare team).
- Walking longer distances—transitioning from the use of walking aids around week 6-8.

Weeks 13-52:

The worst of the pain and swelling usually subsides after 12 weeks, but you'll need to stay on top of physical therapy and listen carefully to your body in the year post operation (and beyond).
Goals: Regain full or near-full range of motion, recover your lost strength and stamina, and slowly return to normal activity levels.
Activities:
- Physical therapy may continue the entire first year post operation, gradually bringing you back to your activity levels pre-surgery.
- Daily exercises are no longer essential once you achieve normal range of motion and strength, but routine exercise is encouraged to keep muscles strong to protect the artificial joint.
- You will be able to return to low impact sports like golf, tennis, swimming, or cycling. For anything high impact, please consult your surgeon and physio.

Even after 1 - 2 years, there are precautions you will need to take to protect your new hip. Read Lifetime Precautions After Hip Replacement for more information.

When can I drive?

Usually around 4 - 6 weeks, but this varies. Driving depends on which hip was replaced, surgical approach, strength, reaction time and medicine use. You must be able to enter and exit the vehicle, control it safely and perform an emergency stop. Obtain clearance from the surgical team and insurer.

What is Surgency?

As a family doctor in the public system, I believe transparency is a form of care. I created Surgency to help my patients struggling on long waitlists who wanted to understand all their options for timely medical attention.

Surgency is a free resource designed to empower and educate—helping you understand private pathways and find accredited surgeons within Canada. I hope Surgency brings you clarity.

Dr. Sean Haffey

Why do people choose to have hip replacement surgery done privately?

Shorter wait times

The number one reason people consider private hip replacement is time. Hip replacements have some of the longest wait times in Canada—some will wait 2+ years. Given the median age for hip replacements is 65 in Canada, this amount of time is significant.

Instead of waiting months or years for surgery, private clinics often offer surgery within weeks. For many, this means less pain and a quicker return to daily life.

Choice and control

Going private generally gives you a sense of control, which can be reassuring during a difficult time. When you go private, you can:

Choose your hip replacement surgeon based on experience and credentials.
Select the clinic location (often out-of-province).
Plan surgery around your own schedule.

Peace of mind

Waiting in pain takes an emotional toll. With private care, patients often appreciate the clarity of knowing who will perform their surgery, when it’ll happen, and what the upfront costs will be. This certainty can ease anxiety and help families plan for recovery.

Preventing further decline

Function and quality of life: Reduces months of severe pain, limited walking, dependence on aids, and opioid use.
Joint and overall health: Prolonged immobility can worsen muscle loss, balance, weight, and cardiovascular health; earlier surgery can help avoid deconditioning.
Surgical complexity: Advanced deformity, contractures, or bone loss from waiting can make later surgery longer and riskier, with tougher rehab.
Mental load: Shortens time living with uncertainty, restricted activities, and sleep disturbance.

Choosing a surgeon or clinic

Choosing your surgeon is one of the benefits of going the private route. Here’s what to consider and the key questions to bring to your hip replacement consultation.

What to look for

Experience and volume
- Ask how many total hip replacements/arthroplasties (THR/THA) they perform each year, primary vs revision, and their approach mix (anterior/posterior/lateral). Higher volume often correlates with smoother care and lower complication rates.
Credentials and training
- Confirm licensure with the provincial college (e.g., CPSO in Ontario, CPSBC in BC, CPSA in Alberta).
- Look for FRCSC-certified orthopaedic surgeons, ideally with adult reconstruction (hip/knee arthroplasty) fellowship training.
Outcomes and safety
- Ask for infection rates, dislocation rates, venous blood clot rates, leg length discrepancy revisions, and readmissions. Request outcomes specific to your approach and implant choice.
Surgical approach and implants
- Understand their preferred approach (direct anterior vs posterior vs lateral) and why for you.
- Discuss bearing surfaces and fixation: cementless vs cemented, ceramic vs metal head, polyethylene liner, stem/cup choices, dual-mobility options for instability risk.
Imaging and planning
- Pre-op templating, assessment of leg length/offset, spinopelvic balance, and the plan to minimize length differences and impingement.‍
Facility accreditation‍
- Make sure the clinic is accredited by national bodies such as Accreditation Canada or the Canadian Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgical Facilities (CAAASF).‍
Rehab integration‍
- Access to hip‑savvy physiotherapy, clear phased protocol, and communication with your local therapist if you’re traveling.

Questions to ask during your hip replacement consultation

Surgeon and surgery plan

How many primary THAs do you perform yearly? What are your infection, dislocation, clot, and revision rates in the last 12–24 months?
Which approach do you recommend for me and why? What are the trade-offs (pain, precautions, dislocation risk)?
What implants do you plan to use (stem/cup brand), fixation (cemented vs cementless), and bearing surface? Expected longevity and data supporting them?
How do you plan leg length and offset? What is your rate of clinically significant length difference requiring correction?
What anesthesia do you recommend (spinal vs general) and your pain-control plan (nerve blocks, multimodal meds)?
Is this same-day discharge or overnight? In a hospital or ambulatory surgery center?

Recovery and aftercare

What’s my timeline to: walk unaided, drive, return to desk vs manual work, low-impact sports?
Hip precautions: Will I have movement restrictions? For how long?
Physiotherapy: Home exercises vs formal PT—how often and for how long? Do you provide a written protocol?
DVT prevention: What blood thinner do you use, and for how long?
What red flags should prompt me to call or go to the ER (fever, calf pain, worsening shortness of breath, wound drainage)?
Who is my post-op contact (direct phone/email) and typical response time? How many follow-ups are included and when?

Costs and logistics

What exactly is included in my quote (surgeon, anesthesiologist, facility fees, implants, imaging, walker/canes, meds given on-site, follow-ups)?
What could add cost (extra nights, advanced implants like dual mobility, custom components, unexpected imaging, blood transfusion, complications/re-operations)?
If complications occur, how are they managed and billed? Do you have a revision/transfer policy with a hospital partner?
If I’m traveling from another province, which follow-ups can be virtual? Will I receive the operative note, implant stickers, and rehab plan for my local care team/insurer?

‍

If you're currently interested in private surgical pathways within Canada, you can click here for a list of providers.

BROWSE SURGEONS

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if a hip replacement is right for me?

Hip replacement may be worth discussing when expected improvement in pain and function outweighs surgical risk, recovery demands and the limitations of an artificial joint. The decision should be based on symptoms, examination, X-rays, goals and health—not imaging alone.

Signs surgery may be appropriate

Hip or groin pain occurs most days or at night.
Pain and stiffness limit walking, stairs, work, sleep, caregiving or exercise.
X-rays show advanced joint damage that matches the symptoms.
Appropriate non-surgical care no longer provides acceptable relief.
Movement is becoming restricted or the leg feels shorter.
You understand the rehabilitation commitment and realistic outcomes.
Your health can be optimized enough for surgery.

When non-surgical care may still be reasonable

Symptoms are mild or manageable.
Function and sleep remain acceptable.
Physiotherapy, activity modification, walking aids, medication or an injection still helps.
Pain appears to come mainly from the back, nerves, tendons or another source.
Medical risks currently outweigh expected benefit.
You prefer continued non-surgical care after discussing trade-offs.

Factors that affect the result

Preoperative strength, movement and walking ability.
Severity and cause of joint damage.
Bone quality, anatomy and previous surgery.
Diabetes, circulation, heart or lung disease and other health conditions.
Nicotine use and body weight.
Mental health, sleep and pain coping.
Ability to participate in rehabilitation and arrange support.

When to seek assessment sooner

Seek timely medical assessment for rapidly worsening mobility, repeated falls, inability to bear weight, a hot swollen joint, fever, major loss of movement or new neurologic or circulation changes. Sudden severe pain after an injury requires assessment for fracture or another urgent problem.

Do I need a referral?

Yes and no—you can reach out to any of the private surgeons listed on Surgency without a referral. Their intake teams are happy to answer questions, explain what they treat, share pricing ranges, and walk you through next steps.

However, to book a formal consultation with the surgeon, you'll typically need a referral from your family doctor or nurse practitioner. Don't have one? Many of the clinics can help coordinate a virtual GP appointment to get the referral paperwork sorted. All surgeons listed on Surgency offer virtual initial consultations, so you don't need to travel until you and the surgeon have agreed on a plan.

Before your consultation, expect the clinic to request relevant medical records and recent diagnostic imaging (X-ray, MRI, CT, ultrasound, lab work, etc.). Having these ready speeds up the process and lets the surgeon give you specific guidance on your very first call.

Click here for a list of surgical providers

How do I prepare for hip replacement surgery?

Your surgeon’s instructions come first. Preparation should reduce complications, improve strength and make early recovery safer.

Health optimization

Stop nicotine

Nicotine can increase infection, wound and bone-healing risks. Ask how long you should be nicotine-free before and after surgery and what support is available.

Manage medical conditions

Work with your care team to optimize diabetes, blood pressure, anaemia, sleep apnea, heart or lung disease, nutrition and other conditions. Bring a CPAP machine if instructed.

Review medicines and supplements

Provide a complete list of prescriptions, non-prescription medicines, cannabis products and supplements. Follow specific instructions for blood thinners, diabetes medicines, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal products. Do not stop prescribed medicine without guidance.

Address infection risks

Report skin wounds, urinary symptoms, dental infection, fever or another infection. Surgery may need to be delayed until an infection has been treated.

Prehabilitation

If approved, practise:

Hip and lower-body strengthening within comfort.
Safe walking with a walker or crutches.
Sit-to-stand and stair techniques.
Getting into and out of bed and a vehicle.
Regular low-impact cardiovascular activity.

Prehabilitation cannot reverse advanced arthritis, but better strength and familiarity with equipment may make early recovery easier.

Prepare your home

Remove loose rugs, cords and clutter.
Install or borrow a shower chair and safety equipment if recommended.
Place frequently used items between waist and shoulder height.
Arrange a firm chair with arms and a suitable sleeping area.
Consider a raised toilet seat if advised.
Prepare easy meals and prescribed equipment.
Make a plan for pets, laundry, shopping and stairs.

Practise daily tasks

Practise getting into bed, a chair and a vehicle using the recommended technique. Learn how to dress, shower and use the toilet safely with limited hip movement.

Plan support, travel and work

Arrange an adult escort after surgery.
Ask whether someone should stay with you during the first days.
Discuss realistic time away from desk work and physical work.
Confirm where physiotherapy will occur.
If travelling, ask how long to remain near the centre and when flying is safe.
Identify who will manage prescriptions, dressings and urgent concerns at home.

Surgery-day preparation

Follow fasting and medication instructions exactly.
Shower with an antiseptic wash if instructed.
Do not shave the surgical area unless told to do so.
Bring photo identification, medication list, walking aid and requested records.
Wear loose clothing and leave valuables at home.

How much does Surgency cost?

Surgency is free for patients, funded for by surgeons.

Surgeons—who meet our listing criteria—pay a flat fee to list on the Surgency platform. To maintain objectivity, there are no commissions, referral fees, nor any ranking or recommending one surgeon over another.

Surgency is patient-first. Our goal is to make the process of finding a private surgeon as simple as possible. You choose who to contact. Learn more in our Advertising Policy.

What are the risks involved with hip replacement surgery?

This is generalized information. Your personal risk depends on age, health, anatomy, bone and soft-tissue quality, previous surgery, implant plan and rehabilitation. Ask the surgeon to explain individual risks and alternatives.

Common and usually temporary

Pain, swelling and bruising.
Sleep disruption and fatigue.
Nausea, constipation or drowsiness from anaesthesia or medicine.
Temporary numbness around the incision.
Muscle weakness and a limp during early recovery.
A temporary feeling that the legs are different lengths.

Less common

Infection: A superficial infection may respond to treatment; a deep infection around the implant can require further surgery and prolonged antibiotics.
Blood clot: Deep vein thrombosis can travel to the lungs as a pulmonary embolism.
Dislocation or instability: The artificial ball can come out of the socket, particularly early in recovery or in higher-risk anatomy.
Fracture: The femur or pelvis can fracture during or after surgery, with higher risk in weak bone.
Leg-length or offset difference: A shoe lift or, rarely, further surgery may be needed.
Nerve injury: Numbness, weakness or pain can occur from injury or irritation to nearby nerves.
Wound problem or hematoma: Additional treatment or drainage may be required.
Heterotopic ossification: Extra bone can form around the hip and limit movement.

Uncommon but important

Blood-vessel injury or major bleeding.
Heart attack, stroke, lung or anaesthetic complication.
Deep infection requiring implant removal or staged revision.
Persistent pain or limp despite stable implants.
Implant wear, loosening, migration or breakage over time.
Adverse reaction to implant debris or metal components.
Periprosthetic fracture after a fall.
Need for unplanned admission, repeat surgery or revision replacement.

Implant lifespan and future revision

Many modern hip replacements function for 15–20 years or longer, but no implant lasts forever. Age, activity, weight, component position, infection, fracture and other factors affect longevity. Younger patients have more years in which wear or loosening can occur and may be more likely to need revision later.

How you can lower risk

Stop nicotine for the recommended period.
Optimize diabetes, nutrition and other conditions.
Follow medicine, fasting and infection-screening instructions.
Use the blood-clot prevention plan.
Protect the incision and report warning signs promptly.
Follow movement precautions and use walking aids until gait is safe.
Complete rehabilitation without advancing too quickly.
Reduce fall risk and attend follow-up.

What are the risks of delaying or not pursuing surgery?

The effects of waiting depend on pain, mobility, joint damage, strength, general health and whether non-surgical treatment remains effective. Not every arthritic hip worsens quickly, and replacement is not automatically urgent. This is general information, seek guidance from your doctor or surgeon for your unique circumstances.

Possible effects of delaying when symptoms are severe

Progressive pain and disability: Walking, stairs, sleep, work and self-care may become harder.
Loss of strength and endurance: Reduced activity can weaken the hip muscles and overall conditioning.
Increasing stiffness: Contracture and loss of movement may make rehabilitation more difficult.
Falls: Pain, weakness or altered gait may increase fall risk.
Effects of inactivity: Weight, cardiovascular health, diabetes, mood and independence may worsen.
Medication harms: Prolonged reliance on anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids carries risk.
More complex later surgery: Severe deformity or bone loss can require a more complex plan, although this does not happen to everyone.

When watchful waiting may be reasonable

Symptoms are stable and manageable.
Walking, sleep and daily function remain acceptable.
Non-surgical treatment provides meaningful relief.
There is no major progressive deformity or loss of movement.
Medical risk needs optimization.
You prefer continued non-surgical care after discussing trade-offs.

When not to delay assessment

Seek a timely orthopaedic opinion for:

Rapid loss of walking ability or independence.
Repeated falls or near-falls.
Significant night pain despite appropriate treatment.
Worsening stiffness, leg shortening or loss of function.
Persistent disabling symptoms despite optimized non-surgical care.

Seek urgent care for a hot swollen joint with fever, inability to bear weight after injury, a cold or pale foot, new major weakness or numbness, chest pain or shortness of breath.

What is the difference between partial and full hip replacement surgery? Which one should I get?

Partial hip replacement only replaces the femoral head, leaving the natural hip socket intact. It is less invasive and leaves more natural bone, cartilage, and ligaments intact. Can risk cartilage breakdown from the artificial ball moving against the natural socket. Only suitable for certain patients with specific hip fractures.

Full hip replacement is more common, and involves replacing the femoral head and socket with prosthetic parts. It's a more extensive procedure and removes more bone, cartilage, and ligaments; but tends to avoid future complications from natural socket wear. Suitable for patients with severe osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or joint damage.

Most patients will be recommended total hip replacement due to better long term outcomes. Your surgeon will advise which surgery makes sense for you.

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