Hip Replacement: What To Expect Before, During, and After Surgery

If chronic hip pain is interfering with your ability to walk, sleep, or enjoy everyday activities, a hip replacement may be the solution that helps you regain your independence and mobility. At Southern California Orthopedic Institute (SCOI), we specialize in advanced hip replacement surgery options designed to help you return to the life you love, with less pain and more confidence.

This page will walk you through everything you need to know about hip replacement, including who may benefit from surgery, how it works, and what to expect from recovery.

What Is Hip Replacement?

Hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one made of metal, ceramic, or plastic components. The goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life, especially when nonsurgical treatments, such as medication, injections, or physical therapy, are no longer effective.

There are two primary types of hip replacement procedures:

Total Hip Replacement

A total hip replacement, or total hip arthroplasty, involves replacing both the ball (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint. This is the most common type of hip replacement surgery, especially for patients with severe arthritis or joint degeneration.

Partial Hip Replacement

In a partial procedure, only the ball of the hip joint is replaced. This is less common and typically used to treat specific fractures in older adults rather than arthritis.

At SCOI, our experienced orthopedic surgeons perform both total hip replacement surgery and partial replacements, depending on each patient’s unique needs.

Who May Be a Candidate for Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery may be appropriate for individuals who:

• Experience persistent or severe hip pain that interferes with daily activities
• Have difficulty walking, standing, or climbing stairs
• Find that pain disrupts sleep or limits mobility
• Have not found relief through conservative treatments
• Have significant joint damage from arthritis, injury, or wear-and-tear aging

If you identify with these symptoms, your orthopedic specialist will evaluate your condition with a physical exam and imaging studies to determine whether hip replacement is the best next step.

Watch Dr. Jamie Hernandez describe the benefits direct anterior approach hip replacement:

What To Expect During Hip Replacement Surgery

At SCOI, we use the most advanced technologies and techniques to ensure safety, precision, and faster recovery. Depending on your specific case, your surgeon may use traditional, minimally invasive, or robotic-assisted methods, such as Stryker’s MAKOplasty or Smith & Nephew’s CORI system.

During a total hip replacement, the surgeon removes the damaged parts of your hip joint and replaces them with a prosthetic implant. The procedure typically lasts one to two hours and may be performed under general or spinal anesthesia.

Many patients can walk with assistance on the same day as surgery.

Hip Replacement Recovery Time: What To Expect

Recovery is a critical part of your journey toward restored mobility and function. While every patient heals at their own pace, here’s a general timeline for hip replacement recovery time:

• Day of Surgery: Most patients begin walking with help from a physical therapist.
• First 1–2 Weeks: You’ll gradually increase movement at home, with or without assistive devices.
• 4–6 Weeks: Many patients return to basic daily activities such as walking without a cane, driving, or going up stairs.
• 3 Months and Beyond: A full recovery, including a return to low-impact exercise and a more active lifestyle, can take three to six months.

Your recovery will depend on your overall health, the type of procedure, and your commitment to following your care team’s instructions.

Common Questions About Hip Replacement

Will I be able to walk again?
Yes. The goal of hip replacement surgery is to restore your ability to walk with less pain and more stability. Most patients regain mobility much faster than expected.

How long does the new hip last?
Modern implants used in total hip arthroplasty can last 15–20 years or longer, especially when combined with proper care and low-impact activity.

Is hip replacement safe for older adults?
Absolutely. Many patients in their 60s, 70s, and even 80s undergo successful hip replacement and return to living independently.

Why Choose SCOI for Your Hip Replacement?

SCOI is recognized as a leader in orthopedic care, offering:

• Fellowship-trained surgeons who specialize in total hip replacement surgery
• Advanced tools like robotic-assisted technology for precision and quicker recovery
• Compassionate, personalized care tailored to your lifestyle and goals
• A long-standing reputation for excellence and innovation in joint replacement

From the first consultation to your last rehab visit, we’re here to support you every step of the way.

Regain Your Mobility. Reclaim Your Life.

If hip pain is holding you back, hip replacement could be the answer. Let the experts at SCOI help you take the next step toward pain-free living. Book an appointment today.