Hip Replacement: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Sumiran Racherla, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Hip Replacement?
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who operates on bones and joints, performs a hip replacement. Your primary care doctor usually starts the process by referring you to this surgeon for an evaluation. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
Hip replacement, also called hip arthroplasty, is surgery to replace all or part of the hip joint with a man-made joint. The man-made joint is called a prosthesis.
Why a doctor might recommend it
The most common reason to have this surgery is to relieve arthritis. Doctors may suggest surgery when hip pain has not gotten better with other treatments. Most of the time, hip replacement is done in people age 60 and older, but many people who have it are younger.
How to prepare
- Tell your surgeon about all the medicines, supplements, and herbs you take, even ones you bought without a prescription.
- Your surgeon may ask you to stop medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot. Do not stop any medicine unless your surgeon tells you to.
- Ask your surgeon which medicines you should still take on the day of surgery.
- If you smoke, you need to stop, because smoking slows wound and bone healing.
- You may be asked not to eat or drink for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.
- Plan for someone to be with you at home for 1 to 2 weeks after you leave the hospital or rehab center.
What happens during it
You will have general anesthesia, which means you will be asleep and unable to feel pain, or regional anesthesia, which numbs you below the waist. The surgeon removes the head of your thigh bone. The surgeon also cleans out the hip socket and removes damaged or arthritic bone. The new socket goes in first, followed by a liner. Next, the surgeon inserts the metal stem into your thigh bone and places the new ball. The new parts are secured, sometimes with a special cement. The surgery takes about 1 to 3 hours.
Recovery
You will stay in the hospital for 1 to 3 days, and you will be asked to start walking as soon as the first day after surgery. Most people do not need a walker or crutches after 2 to 4 weeks. Check with your surgeon about when to stop using them. Be careful not to dislocate your new hip, especially in the first few months.
Risks and side effects
Some people have problems with infection, loosening, or dislocation of the new hip joint. Dislocation means the ball comes out of the socket. Over time, the artificial hip can loosen, which can happen after as long as 15 to 20 years. Blood clots in the leg veins or pelvis are one of the most common complications of hip replacement. Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have bleeding that will not stop, trouble breathing, chest pain or discomfort lasting for two minutes or more, or fainting. Contact your surgeon if you have pain in your calf, or swelling in one leg that is red and warmer than the other leg. Also contact your surgeon if you have redness or increasing pain around your incision, drainage from it, or a fever greater than 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C).
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon performs a hip replacement. Your surgeon or a physical therapist will give you exercises to do at home.
Common questions
How long does a hip replacement last?
With appropriate activity changes, hip replacements can last for many years. You should check with your surgeon from time to time to be sure your hip is in good condition.
What activities can I do after a hip replacement?
You should be able to do low impact activities, such as hiking, gardening, swimming, playing tennis, and golfing. You will need to avoid some sports, such as downhill skiing or contact sports like football and soccer.
Is there an age limit for a hip replacement?
No, there are no absolute age or weight restrictions for total hip replacement.
Do I need antibiotics before dental work after a hip replacement?
You should talk to your surgeon about whether you need preventive antibiotics.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance.
Sources
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - OrthoInfo - Total Hip Replacement
- MedlinePlus - Hip joint replacement
- MedlinePlus - Hip replacement - discharge
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
