How Long Is Hip Replacement Surgery? All You Need To Know

Ever wonder how an old hip joint is eventually replaced by new one? Sounds fascinating, right? Many people delay surgery simply because they don’t know what to expect, especially about the time it takes.

“How long does a hip replacement operation take?” — It’s one of the first questions patients pose during an orthopedic consultation. So whether you’re setting up your surgery or you’re just curious how modern medicine accomplishes this, let’s break down the specifics in a manner easily digestible, along with a few details that demystify this process.

Are you prepared to take a journey inside the operating room experience, how long it is, and what you will experience after? Let’s get started.

Hip Replacement Surgery: What You Need to Know

Hip replacement major surgery, also called hip arthroplasty, involves replacing a damaged hip joint with an artificial joint. This artificial joint typically is made from metal, plastic or ceramic and helps replace and improve mobility and decrease pain due to arthritis or wear and tear from other injuries.

It is one of the most successful and frequently done joint operations in the world, having restored the ability to move unfettered to millions.

How Long Does Hip Replacement Surgery Take?

Let’s jump to the first question everyone wants to know: How long does hip replacement surgery really take?

Average Duration:

The operation itself generally lasts from 1.5 to 2 hours. But if you count time for prep before and monitoring after the procedure, plan to spend a total of 3 to 4 hours in the operating theater.

Here’s a simple explanation to help wrap your mind around them:

So while the main procedure may take close to 2 hours, your overall time at the hospital on surgery day will be longer due to necessary steps before and after the operation.

What Can Impact The Duration Of Hip Replacement Surgery?

No two patients are the same, and there are several variables that can affect how long the surgery will last. Here’s what plays a role:

•  Type of Surgery:

Total Hip Replacement (THR) Full replacement of the hip joint — usually around 1.5 – 2 hours.

Partial Hip Replacement: Only the ball portion of the joint gets replaced — which is typically a shorter procedure.

Revision Surgery: If it’s a second or subsequent hip replacement, it can run longer as removing old implants can be more difficult.

• Surgical Technique Used:

“Open” or traditional surgery : It requires larger incisions, the surgery may take a little more time.

Laparoscopic Surgery: Small incisions means small scars, and the amount of time it takes to recover varies depending upon the surgeon’s skill level.

• Patient Factors:

1. Age
2. Body weight
3. Bone quality

Chronic health problems such as diabetes, heart disease or blood pressure troubles

All of these can lead to either a shorter or longer time under anesthesia.

•  Surgeon’s Expertise:

An orthopedic surgeon experienced in joint replacement is more proficient and safer in performing the operation.

Surgical Techniques Influencing Surgery Time 

Other than the procedure, the surgeon’s technique will also determine the length of the Surgery:

Posterior Approach (Most Common):

• Provides better access for the surgeon
• Might take slightly longer due to the exposure needed

Anterior Approach (Minimally Invasive):

• Performed from the front of the hip
• May reduce surgery time and lead to quicker recovery in suitable patients

Lateral Approach (Less Common):

• Preferred in select cases based on the patient’s condition or anatomy
• Depending on the complexity, length of time varies.

Your orthopedic surgeon will talk to you about your options and the safest and most effective approach to help you achieve a positive outcome and long-term joint function.

What Happens Before and After Surgery?

Before Surgery:

You will go to a preoperative area, where you will have your vital signs taken, and you will receive anesthesia (usually spinal or general). Your surgical field will be prepped and then you will be placed correctly.

During Surgery:

The diseased bone and cartilage is taken out by the surgeon and the artificial components are placed. And it’s all done with an accuracy and precision designed to make the best fit and functional performance.

After Surgery:

After the surgery, you’ll be taken to a recovery area where you’ll be watched by nurses until the anesthesia wears off. Depending on how you’re doing, they may get you to a hospital room within a few hours.

Length Of Hospital Stay After Hip Replacement

Although the surgery is short, it typically requires you to remain in the hospital or clinic for two to three days. Some patients can be out of the hospital the day after and with aggressive recovery protocols.

You’ll typically begin physiotherapy within 24 hours of surgery, which will aid you in moving and working to prevent complications such as blood clots.

Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery Time

It’s good to know how long the surgery itself will take — but what about recovery?

• First Week: You will need a walker or crutches. Activity is encouraged to avoid stiffness.
• 4 to 6 Weeks: You’ll get back much of your mobility. The majority of patients are able to perform slight house work.
•  3-6 Months – Full recovery occurs over this time, depending on how well your body heals and how much you stick to the physiotherapy advice.

Tips for Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery

• Follow all instructions from your doctor prior to surgery.
• Organize someone to help at home for a few weeks after you have surgery.
• Organize your living area so as to avoid excessive bending or having to go up and down stairs.
• You have a larger view of post-surgery physiotherapy — it’s the real thing, the gold standard for rapid hip replacement recovery time.

Conclusion: Choose Expertise For Best Results

Hip replacement surgery can be performed in a few hours, but it has a lifetime of consequences. If you’re considering planning your surgery, simply choosing the right surgeon is more important than everything else.

Dr. Yugal Karkhur is an orthopedic and joint replacement specialist in Gurgaon, bringing with him over 14 years of extensive experience in Orthopedics. Dr. Yugal is widely recognized for his expertise in hip and knee replacements, and his personalized attention ensures that advanced techniques are used when performing surgery so that patients achieve optimal results.

If you’ve longed for professional expertise and excellent results, then see Dr. Yugal Karkhur—because he believes that your mobility deserves nothing but the best in care.