# Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) > Citation bundle for Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty) on The Treatment Registry. > URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/procedures/hip-replacement > Bundle URL: https://thetreatmentregistry.com/api/citations/procedures/hip-replacement - Category: orthopaedic - Average recovery: 42 days - Typical sessions: 1 - Price range (USD international): $8,000–$25,000 ## Description Total hip replacement (arthroplasty) replaces the damaged femoral head and acetabulum with prosthetic components, typically used for end-stage osteoarthritis, post-traumatic arthritis, avascular necrosis, or hip fracture in older patients. Modern implants combine a femoral stem (cemented or uncemented), a femoral head (metal or ceramic), and an acetabular cup with a polyethylene, ceramic, or metal liner. Per UK NJR data, modern implant survivorship at 15 years exceeds 90% for the most-used implant combinations. ## Overview Hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant, and it is one of the most common orthopaedic operations. It can be performed as a total hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty), which replaces both the acetabulum and the femoral head, or as a hemiarthroplasty, which generally replaces only the femoral head. The procedure is most commonly used to treat joint failure caused by osteoarthritis; other indications include rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, traumatic arthritis, protrusio acetabuli, certain hip fractures, benign and malignant bone tumours, and arthritis associated with Paget's disease, ankylosing spondylitis and juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Its aims are pain relief and improvement in hip function, and it is usually considered only after other treatments, such as physical therapy and pain medication, have failed. Approximately 58% of total hip replacements are estimated to last 25 years. Several surgical approaches are used, each defined by its relation to the gluteus medius, including the posterior (Moore), lateral (Hardinge), antero-lateral (Watson-Jones) and anterior (Smith-Petersen) approaches; the literature offers no compelling evidence favouring any particular approach. Dislocation, in which the ball comes out of the socket, is one of the most common complications and occurs mainly in the first three months after surgery, largely because scar formation is incomplete and the soft tissues are still relaxed. ## Peer-reviewed outcome rates - **Complication rate:** 5.00% (range 3.00–8.00%) — from 2 cited sources - **Revision rate:** 5.00% (range 3.00–10.00%) — from 1 cited source - **Mortality rate:** 0.50% (range 0.20–1.00%) — from 1 cited source ## Common risks - Periprosthetic infection - Dislocation - Deep vein thrombosis / pulmonary embolism - Implant loosening (long-term) - Leg-length discrepancy - Nerve injury (sciatic, femoral) ## FAQs ### How long will my hip replacement last? Per UK National Joint Registry data, modern implant survivorship at 15 years exceeds 90% for the most-used implant combinations. Factors affecting longevity include patient age and activity level, body weight, implant choice (bearing surface and fixation type), and surgical technique. ### What surgical approach is best? Posterior, lateral, and anterior approaches all have advocates. Posterior is the most commonly used worldwide and has excellent visualisation; anterior may allow faster return to function and lower dislocation rates but has a steeper learning curve. Surgeon experience with their chosen approach matters more than the approach itself for most patients. ### How long until I can walk normally? Most patients walk with a frame or crutches from day 1, transition to crutches by week 2, and are off crutches by week 4-6. Independent walking without aids typically by week 6-8. Some return to near-normal gait by month 3; complete elimination of any limp may take 6-12 months. ### When can I fly home after hip replacement? Most surgeons recommend at least 14-21 days in-country before flying long-haul, with continued DVT prophylaxis (LMWH, DOAC, or aspirin per protocol). Short-haul flights may be permitted earlier. Cabin DVT risk is elevated for several weeks post-op. ### Will I set off airport security scanners? Modern hip implants typically contain metallic components and may trigger metal detectors. Patients receive an implant passport documenting the implant; some carry a 'medical alert' card. Body scanners are usually less affected. ### What is the difference between cemented and uncemented hip replacement? Cemented hips use polymethylmethacrylate cement to fix the implant to bone; uncemented hips rely on bone in-growth into a porous-coated implant surface. Cemented is generally preferred for older patients and lower bone density; uncemented is generally preferred for younger, more active patients. Hybrid approaches (uncemented cup, cemented stem) are common. ### Can I have hip replacement if I'm under 60? Yes — younger patients are increasingly common candidates as implants have improved. Trade-off: younger patients place more demand on the implant over a longer remaining lifespan, so revision in later decades is more likely. Modern uncemented implants with advanced polyethylene or ceramic bearings are typically chosen for younger patients. ### What complications should I look for after returning home? Sudden severe pain, inability to bear weight, leg shortening, or external rotation may indicate dislocation — immediate medical attention. Wound discharge, fever, or increasing pain suggests possible infection. Calf swelling or shortness of breath may indicate DVT/PE. Any of these warrants emergency assessment. ## Alternative treatments - **Hip resurfacing** — Bone-conserving alternative for younger active male patients; concerns over metal-on-metal wear in some implants. - **Periacetabular osteotomy** — Joint-preserving option for dysplastic young hips before arthritis is established. - **Intra-articular injection** — Symptom relief while planning surgery; limited durability. ## Sources - [National Joint Registry for England, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Isle of Man — Annual Report](https://www.njrcentre.org.uk/njrcentre/Reports-Publications-and-Minutes/Annual-reports) — National Joint Registry (accessed 2026-05-09) - [AAOS — Surgical Management of Osteoarthritis of the Knee Clinical Practice Guideline](https://www.aaos.org/quality/quality-programs/lower-extremity-programs/surgical-management-of-osteoarthritis-of-the-knee/) — American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (accessed 2026-05-09) - [RCoA — Guidelines for the Provision of Anaesthetic Services (GPAS)](https://www.rcoa.ac.uk/standards-of-clinical-practice) — Royal College of Anaesthetists (accessed 2026-05-09) - [NICE NG89 — Venous thromboembolism in over 16s: reducing the risk of hospital-acquired DVT and PE](https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng89) — National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (accessed 2026-05-09)