Hip Replacement Surgery Guide — R.K. Hospital Bhopal

Overview

Hip replacement surgery (hip arthroplasty) involves removing the damaged ball-and-socket joint of the hip and replacing it with artificial components made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. The procedure eliminates pain, restores range of motion, and allows patients to return to daily activities. At R.K. Hospital & Research Centre, our orthopaedic team performs both total hip replacement — where both the femoral head and the acetabulum are replaced — and hemiarthroplasty (partial replacement) for specific fracture cases. Led by surgeons with decades of experience and supported by modern operation theatres and a dedicated physiotherapy unit, we deliver reliable outcomes for patients suffering from hip arthritis, fractures, and avascular necrosis.

Who Needs Hip Replacement Surgery?

• •Patients with severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of the hip causing chronic pain and restricted movement
• •Elderly patients with a displaced fracture of the femoral neck (hip fracture) where fixation is not feasible
• •Individuals with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head where the bone has collapsed due to loss of blood supply
• •Patients with hip pain that limits everyday activities — walking, bending to put on shoes, or getting in and out of a car
• •Anyone who has not found relief from conservative measures including medications, walking aids, and physiotherapy

How to Prepare

1. 1Undergo pre-operative evaluation including blood tests, ECG, chest X-ray, and hip X-rays or MRI for surgical planning
2. 2Discuss all current medications with the surgeon; blood thinners and certain supplements may need to be paused before surgery
3. 3Practice upper body and core strengthening exercises pre-operatively to improve post-surgical mobility with a walker
4. 4Set up your home recovery area on the ground floor if possible; arrange a raised toilet seat and remove loose rugs to prevent falls
5. 5Donate blood in advance if autologous transfusion is planned, or ensure compatible blood units are available

What Happens During the Procedure

1. 1The procedure is performed under spinal or general anaesthesia depending on the patient's overall health
2. 2An incision is made on the side or back of the hip to access the joint capsule
3. 3The damaged femoral head (ball) is removed and the acetabulum (socket) is prepared by removing remaining cartilage
4. 4A metal or ceramic cup is fixed into the acetabulum using cement or press-fit technique, with a liner placed inside
5. 5A metal stem is inserted into the femur and a ceramic or metal ball is attached to the top of the stem
6. 6The new ball is placed into the new socket, the joint is tested for stability and range of motion, and the incision is closed

Recovery & Aftercare

• ✓Mobilisation begins within 24 hours — you will stand and take a few steps with a walker under physiotherapy supervision
• ✓Hospital stay is typically 5–7 days with daily physiotherapy focusing on hip exercises, gait training, and stair practice
• ✓Follow hip precautions strictly for 6–12 weeks: avoid crossing legs, bending hip beyond 90 degrees, and twisting the leg inward
• ✓Use a walker for 4–6 weeks, then transition to a cane as strength improves; most patients walk independently by 8–12 weeks
• ✓Avoid sitting on low chairs or sofas; use a raised toilet seat for the first 6 weeks to protect the new joint
• ✓Full recovery including return to normal activities and light exercise takes approximately 3–6 months

Risks & Considerations

Like any medical procedure, there are some risks. Your doctor will discuss these in detail during consultation.

• ⚠Dislocation of the new hip joint — reduced by following hip precautions and using the correct surgical approach
• ⚠Deep vein thrombosis (blood clots) — prevented with blood thinners, compression stockings, and early walking
• ⚠Infection at the surgical site or around the implant — minimised with prophylactic antibiotics and strict sterile technique
• ⚠Leg length difference — carefully measured and minimised during surgery but small differences can occasionally occur
• ⚠Implant wear or loosening over 15–25 years, which may require revision surgery in younger, more active patients

Cost in Bhopal

Frequently Asked Questions