Total 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 Total Hip Replacement?
An orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who operates on bones and joints, performs a total hip replacement. Your primary care doctor often refers 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
Total hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, replaces the damaged bone and cartilage of the hip with man-made parts. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint.
Why a doctor might recommend it
The most common reason to have this surgery is to relieve arthritis. You may consider surgery if medicines, changes in daily activities, and walking supports do not help enough. People who benefit often have hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending. Most of the time, hip joint replacement is done in people age 60 and older, but many people who have it are younger. There are no absolute age or weight restrictions for total hip replacements.
How to prepare
- Tell your surgeon about every medicine you take, including supplements and herbs you bought without a prescription.
- Your surgeon or primary care doctor will advise you which medicines to stop and which to keep taking before surgery.
- You may be asked to stop medicines that make it harder for your blood to clot.
- Ask your surgeon which medicines to take on the day of surgery.
- If you smoke, you need to stop, because smoking slows wound and bone healing.
- You will be asked not to drink or eat anything for 6 to 12 hours before the procedure.
- You will need someone 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. The surgeon cuts and removes the head of your thigh bone. The surgeon then 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. You will be asked to start moving and 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. You should be able to resume most normal light activities of daily living within 3 to 6 weeks. Be careful not to dislocate your artificial hip, especially in the first few months after surgery.
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.
Risks and side effects
Infection may occur in the wound or deep around the new joint. Blood clots in the leg veins or pelvis are one of the most common complications of hip replacement surgery. Dislocation means the ball comes out of the socket. Over the years, the new hip may wear out or loosen. Call your surgeon about a sudden increase in pain. Call your surgeon about pain in your calf. Call your surgeon about swelling in one leg that is red and warmer than the other leg. Call your surgeon about redness or more pain around your incision. Call your surgeon about drainage from your incision. Call your surgeon about a fever greater than 101 degrees F (38.3 degrees C).
Who performs it
An orthopedic surgeon performs a total hip replacement.
Common questions
What can a total hip replacement do for me?
It can relieve your pain, increase motion, and help you get back to enjoying normal, everyday activities.
What activities are realistic after a total hip replacement?
Realistic activities include walking, swimming, golf, hiking, biking, dancing, and other low-impact sports.
What are the warning signs of a blood clot in the leg after hip replacement?
Pain in your calf and leg that has nothing to do with your incision is a warning sign. So are tenderness or redness of your calf. Another sign is new or growing swelling of your thigh, calf, ankle, or foot. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of these signs.
Why should dental work be finished before a total hip replacement?
Major dental work should be finished first because bacteria can enter your bloodstream during dental procedures.
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.
