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Key Takeaways
- Total hip replacement replaces the damaged ball and socket of your hip joint with artificial components.
- Surgery may be considered when hip pain and reduced mobility continue to affect daily life despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
- Recovery is gradual and individual. It involves safe mobilisation, physiotherapy, wound care and follow-up with your surgical team.
Has hip pain made it difficult for you to walk, sleep, climb stairs or put on your shoes? Perhaps physiotherapy, medication or changes to your activity have not relieved your symptoms enough, and you are now wondering whether total hip replacement surgery is the next step. It is natural to have questions about the implant, operation, recovery and possible risks.
Total hip replacement is a major decision, but understanding when it may be recommended, what the procedure involves and how recovery usually progresses can help you prepare for a discussion with your orthopaedic specialist.
What is total hip replacement surgery?
Damaged parts of the hip joint are replaced with artificial implant components to reduce pain and improve movement.
Total hip replacement surgery replaces both damaged surfaces of your hip joint: the ball at the top of the thigh bone and the socket in the pelvis. It is also called total hip arthroplasty, or THR/THA.
Your hip is a ball-and-socket joint. In a total hip replacement, the surgeon removes the worn or damaged femoral head, which is the ball, and resurfaces the damaged socket. They then insert artificial components, usually including a stem in the thigh bone, a new ball, a cup in the socket and a smooth liner that allows the joint to move.
This differs from a partial hip replacement, also called hemiarthroplasty. A partial replacement replaces the ball but not the socket, and it is more often considered for selected hip fractures. Your surgeon will explain which operation fits your diagnosis and the condition of your joint.
When is total hip replacement surgery considered?
Total hip replacement may be considered when hip pain, stiffness or reduced movement significantly affects your daily life and non-surgical treatments no longer provide enough relief.
The decision is not based on an X-ray, pain score or age alone. Your orthopaedic surgeon will consider your symptoms, how they affect the activities that matter to you, your examination and imaging findings, overall health, treatment history and goals for recovery.
You may wish to discuss surgery if hip pain makes it difficult to:
- Walk, climb stairs or stand for long periods
- Put on shoes and socks, get in or out of a car, or sleep comfortably
- Continue working, exercising, enjoying hobbies or taking part in social activities
- Move comfortably because of stiffness, reduced range of motion or a limp
Conditions that may lead to total hip replacement
Hip replacement needs and recovery considerations can differ between individuals. Read our guide to female hip replacement to learn about considerations that may be relevant to women.
Before recommending surgery, your clinician may discuss options such as exercise-based physiotherapy, activity changes, pain-relieving medicines, walking aids or injections where appropriate. Total hip replacement may become an option when these treatments are ineffective, unsuitable or do not provide acceptable pain relief and function.
What happens before and during total hip replacement surgery?
Before total hip replacement surgery, your care team checks that you are medically prepared and plans the procedure. Your exact plan will depend on your health, hip condition, anatomy and the type of implant recommended.
Before your operation
You will usually have a pre-operative assessment. This may include a review of your medical history, medicines, allergies and hip X-rays, as well as blood tests, an ECG or other tests if needed.
Tell your care team about all medicines, supplements and health conditions. Some medicines, such as blood thinners or certain diabetes medicines, may need to be adjusted before surgery. Only make changes on your clinician’s advice.
You may also be advised to stop smoking, improve other health conditions and do exercises to prepare for recovery. Planning transport, support at home and physiotherapy can also help after discharge.
During the operation
You will receive anaesthesia so that you do not feel the operation. This may be general anaesthesia, spinal anaesthesia or a combination of both.
Your surgeon makes an incision to reach the hip joint, removes the damaged ball at the top of the thigh bone and prepares the hip socket. They insert an artificial cup and liner into the socket, then place a stem and new ball into the thigh bone. Finally, they check hip movement, stability and leg length before closing the wound.
How should you prepare for total hip replacement surgery?
Before total hip replacement surgery, your surgeon will discuss the procedure, expected outcomes and recovery with you.
Preparing your health, medicines, home layout and support before surgery can make the first weeks of hip replacement recovery safer and less stressful. Your hospital and physiotherapist will give instructions specific to you.
Before surgery, consider the following:
- Confirm which medicines to take, stop or adjust with your healthcare team
- Arrange transport home and support with meals, shopping and daily tasks
- Remove loose rugs, cables and other trip hazards from walking routes
- Keep frequently used items within easy reach
- Ask whether you need equipment such as a walking frame, raised toilet seat or shower chair
- Check how you will manage stairs, bathing and sleeping arrangements
- Follow advice on exercise, nutrition, smoking cessation and fasting before surgery
Bring questions to your pre-operative appointment. Knowing who to contact after discharge can be as important as preparing the physical space at home.
What is recovery like after total hip replacement?
The first few days after surgery
Your clinical team will monitor you after anaesthesia, manage pain and check your wound. You may receive measures to reduce the risk of blood clots.
When medically safe, a physiotherapist will help you get out of bed, stand and walk using a frame, crutches or walking sticks. Before discharge, you will receive advice on wound care, medicines, exercises, walking aids and follow-up appointments.
The first few weeks at home
You will gradually build up your walking distance and everyday activities. Physiotherapy helps improve your walking pattern, hip movement, leg strength, balance and confidence. Swelling, bruising, tiredness and stiffness are common during early recovery.
You may need help with shopping, cooking, bathing or transport at first. Follow your surgical team’s advice on wound care, exercises and any movement precautions.
The following months
Strength, stamina and confidence often continue to improve over the following months. Your team can advise when it is safe to drive, return to work, travel, swim, have sex or restart exercise. Recovery does not follow one fixed timetable, so ask what milestones are realistic for you.
What are the benefits and risks of total hip replacement?
Total hip replacement can reduce severe hip pain and improve daily function, but it is major surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon will explain the likely benefits, possible risks and alternatives in relation to your own health and goals.
Your individual risks may be affected by factors such as smoking, diabetes, body weight, bone quality, previous hip surgery, other medical conditions and the complexity of the operation.
How much does total hip replacement cost in Singapore?
The total bill for a primary total hip replacement can vary depending on the hospital, ward class, complexity of surgery, implant used and length of stay. The following figures are based on Ministry of Health (MOH) transacted bills for 2023 and include GST.
- Private hospital: The typical bill for a primary total hip replacement (TOSP code SB839H) was about $47,875, with a typical range of $42,857 to $55,244.
- Public hospital, subsidised Ward B2: The typical bill was about $8,871, with a typical range of $6,949 to $11,433.
- Public hospital, subsidised Ward C: The typical bill was about $8,946, with a typical range of $6,590 to $11,554.
Public hospital, unsubsidised wards: Bills are generally higher and vary by ward class and hospital. Check the current MOH bill information for Ward B1 and Ward A figures.
These figures are before MediSave withdrawals, MediShield Life claims, private insurance claims and any applicable subsidies. Your final out-of-pocket amount will depend on your eligibility, ward choice, insurance policy, claim limits, deductibles and co-payment requirements.
More complex procedures may have higher bills. Ask your surgeon or hospital for a personalised estimate that includes the operation, implant, anaesthesia, hospital stay and follow-up care.
If you would like help understanding your potential insurance coverage for hip replacement surgery, WhatsApp our Care Team.
Source: MOH transacted bill data, 2023. Actual costs may vary based on case complexity, surgeon, implant choice, and length of stay.
When should you seek urgent help after hip replacement?
Seek urgent medical attention after hip replacement if you have symptoms that may suggest infection, a blood clot, dislocation or another serious complication.
Contact your care team promptly if you develop:
- Fever or feeling significantly unwell
- Increasing redness, heat, swelling, discharge or pain around the wound
- New or worsening calf pain, swelling or tenderness
- A fall followed by severe hip pain or inability to bear weight
- A sudden change in leg position, severe hip pain or inability to move the leg
Seek emergency help for sudden chest pain, shortness of breath or coughing up blood, as these can be signs of a blood clot affecting the lungs.
When should you see an orthopaedic specialist for hip pain in Singapore?
You should see an orthopaedic specialist if hip pain persists, worsens or limits your mobility, sleep, work or independence despite suitable non-surgical care.
Arrange an assessment if you have:
- Groin, thigh or buttock pain that affects walking or sleep
- Hip stiffness that makes it hard to use stairs, get dressed or enter a car
- A reduced walking distance or persistent limp
- Hip pain after a fall or injury
- Symptoms that do not improve with physiotherapy, medication or activity changes
- Known hip osteoarthritis, dysplasia or avascular necrosis that is worsening
An orthopaedic specialist can assess your symptoms, examine your hip, review X-rays and discuss whether non-surgical treatment or total hip replacement surgery in Singapore may be appropriate.
Need help finding the right next step?
If you are considering an orthopaedic review, second opinion or physiotherapy support, Health in Asia can help you compare orthopaedic specialist options in Singapore based on your preferences and indicative consultation fees.
Once you have selected a specialist, our Care Team can check appointment availability and support your booking. You can also speak with our Care Team if you would like to explore a second opinion, orthopaedic consultation or physiotherapy support.
Frequently asked questions
The operation time varies depending on your hip condition, surgical approach, previous surgery and the complexity of the procedure. Your surgical team can explain the expected operating time and the overall time you may spend in theatre and recovery.
Some people with osteoporosis can have total hip replacement. Your surgeon may assess bone quality when planning implant fixation and may recommend treatment to support bone health and reduce fracture risk.
Not necessarily. Robotic assistance may improve implant-positioning accuracy, but it does not guarantee better pain relief, function or long-term results for everyone. Your surgeon can advise whether it is suitable based on your hip condition, anatomy and treatment goals.
Hip replacement longevity varies according to implant type, activity level, body weight, bone quality and other factors. Modern implants are designed for long-term use, but no implant lasts indefinitely and some people may need revision surgery later.
Simultaneous replacement of both hips may be possible for selected people, but it is not suitable for everyone. Your surgeon will consider your overall health, anaesthetic risk, support at home, severity of hip disease and rehabilitation needs before advising on the safest approach.
Yes. Send us what you have. If anything's missing, we'll tell you exactly what to request and how.
Yes, the Care Team will remain your point of contact for follow-up appointments, questions about medication, transitions between specialists, and anything new that comes up.
Yes. This is one of the most common reasons people reach out to us, especially before major surgery or high-risk treatments. We arrange the consultation and prepare the full case file, so the specialist has the complete history in hand and you're not left repeating everything from memory.
That’s a good outcome. It means you can move ahead with more confidence and stop second-guessing the plan.
Disclaimer
This article and its contents are provided for educational and informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice or professional services specific to you or your medical condition. For decisions about your health or treatment, speak with a qualified doctor who knows your situation. An…
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