Orthopaedics
Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery replaces a damaged hip joint with an artificial implant to relieve pain and restore mobility in patients with severe hip arthritis or joint damage.
Ready to talk?
Book a hip replacement surgery consultation with Dr. Nirmal Patil, MS (Ortho) in Pimpri-Chinchwad.
How It's Performed
Under anesthesia, the damaged femoral head and hip socket (acetabulum) are removed and replaced with prosthetic components designed to recreate natural hip movement.
What happens, step by step
- Pre-operative assessment: examination, pelvis X-rays, blood tests and anaesthesia fitness check.
- Anaesthesia: usually spinal or general, with regional pain control.
- Preparing the joint: the damaged ball of the thigh bone is removed and the socket in the pelvis is reshaped.
- Implant placement: a socket component and a stem with a new ball are fixed, and stability and leg length are checked.
- Closure and early mobilisation: patients are typically helped to stand and walk within a day or two.
Conditions Treated
- — Osteoarthritis of the hip
- — Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
- — Hip fractures in selected patients
- — Rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hip
Benefits
- — Significant pain relief
- — Improved mobility and walking ability
- — Correction of limb-length discrepancy or deformity in suitable cases
Who May Need This Treatment
- — Groin, thigh or buttock pain that limits walking, stairs, sleep or work despite non-surgical care
- — Advanced hip arthritis or avascular necrosis with joint collapse on imaging
- — Difficulty putting on shoes and socks or getting in and out of a car
- — Selected hip fractures in older adults where replacement is safer than fixation
Recovery
Recovery involves early mobilization with walking aids, a structured physiotherapy programme, and a gradual return to normal activities over several weeks to months.
| When | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Day 1-3 | Standing and walking with support; hospital physiotherapy |
| Weeks 2-6 | Walker to stick; hip precautions followed as advised |
| Weeks 6-12 | Most daily activities; driving when cleared |
| Months 3-6 | Strength and gait keep improving; low-impact exercise |
Typical recovery timeline — individual recovery varies
Is This Right For You?
Not every patient with osteoarthritis of the hip or a related condition needs hip replacement surgery. Dr. Nirmal Patil, MS (Ortho) reviews your symptoms, clinical examination, and imaging to confirm whether this is the right approach for you, or whether conservative treatment is more appropriate.
Alternatives to Consider First
Weight control, low-impact exercise, a walking stick, medication and, in selected patients, injections are tried first. Replacement is considered when pain limits daily life despite these measures.
Risks & Considerations
Risks include infection, blood clots, dislocation, differences in leg length, nerve or blood vessel injury, and implant loosening or wear over time. Surgeons take specific steps to lower these and discuss them beforehand.
Questions to Ask at Your Consultation
- — Is my hip damage advanced enough for replacement?
- — Which approach and implant do you recommend for me?
- — What movement precautions apply in the first weeks?
Hip Replacement Surgery in Wakad, Pune
Dr. Nirmal Patil, MS (Ortho) has 16 years of experience in spine and orthopaedic care and consults at Precision Ortho Spine & Rehab Clinic, Vishnu Dev Nagar, Wakad, Pune. Patients travel from Wakad, Hinjewadi, Baner, Pimple Saudagar, Punawale, Ravet and across Pimpri-Chinchwad. Every recommendation begins with a proper examination and imaging review, and you are given a clear explanation of your options, including non-surgical ones, before any decision is made.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who needs hip replacement surgery?
It is typically considered for patients with severe hip pain and disability from arthritis or joint damage that has not responded to conservative treatments such as medication and physiotherapy.
How long does hip replacement surgery take?
Surgical time varies by case complexity and surgical approach; your surgeon can give you an estimate specific to your situation during consultation.
When can I walk after hip replacement?
Many patients begin walking with support soon after surgery, with weight-bearing and mobility increasing gradually under physiotherapy guidance.
How long do hip implants last?
Modern hip implants are designed to last many years, though longevity depends on factors like activity level, weight, and overall health.
Is minimally invasive hip replacement available?
Certain minimally invasive approaches may be appropriate for some patients — whether this applies to you depends on your specific condition and anatomy, which your surgeon will assess.
How long does an artificial hip last?
Modern implants commonly last 15 to 20 years or longer, depending on age, weight, activity and implant type.
How soon can I climb stairs after hip replacement?
Most patients manage stairs with support within a few weeks, becoming comfortable by around six to twelve weeks.
Is hip replacement suitable for older adults?
Age alone is not a barrier; overall health and fitness matter more. Many patients in their seventies and eighties benefit greatly.
Discuss your case with Dr. Nirmal Patil, MS (Ortho)
Every case is different. Book a consultation to review your symptoms and imaging.