Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery replaces damaged parts of the hip joint with artificial components to reduce pain and improve mobility when severe arthritis, a fracture or other joint damage no longer responds adequately to non-surgical treatment. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint: the rounded femoral head moves inside the acetabulum, or hip socket. When the cartilage and bone surfaces become significantly damaged, everyday movements such as walking, climbing stairs, getting in and out of a chair, dressing or sleeping comfortably can become difficult.

Dr. Muthana Sartawi evaluates each patient individually to determine whether continued non-surgical care, total hip replacement or partial hip replacement may be appropriate. The recommendation is based on the diagnosis, symptoms, physical examination, imaging, general health, previous treatment and the patient's mobility goals. The purpose of the consultation is to explain the options clearly and determine whether surgery is likely to offer a meaningful benefit rather than assume that every patient with hip pain needs an operation.

When Is Hip Replacement Recommended?

Hip replacement may be considered when hip pain and stiffness significantly affect daily life and appropriate non-surgical treatments no longer provide enough relief. Because it is a major operation, the decision usually follows a careful assessment of the cause of the symptoms, the amount of joint damage and the impact on function. In some situations, such as certain hip fractures or severe structural damage, replacement may be the most appropriate option earlier in the treatment pathway.

• Severe pain that limits walking, climbing stairs, sleep, dressing or other daily activities, including pain at rest or at night
• Progressive stiffness and loss of hip movement, such as difficulty putting on socks and shoes or getting in and out of a car
• Advanced osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis or other joint damage confirmed by clinical assessment and imaging
• Persistent symptoms despite medication, activity modification, walking aids, injections or physiotherapy when appropriate
• Certain hip fractures, avascular necrosis or other structural problems where replacement may be the most appropriate option

X-rays are usually the first imaging test used to understand how much of the joint is affected, and additional imaging may be requested when it is clinically useful. Not every patient with hip arthritis or persistent hip pain needs surgery. The decision should reflect both the imaging findings and how much the condition affects movement, independence and quality of life.

How Hip Problems Are Evaluated Before Replacement

Before recommending hip replacement, the assessment usually begins with a detailed history of the pain and loss of function. The clinician may ask when symptoms began, where the pain is felt, whether it reaches the groin or thigh, how walking distance has changed, and whether there is difficulty with stairs, sitting, dressing or sleep. Previous injuries, operations, injections, physiotherapy and medication use can also influence the treatment plan.

The physical examination may assess hip movement, strength, walking pattern, leg alignment and whether symptoms appear to come primarily from the hip rather than another source. X-rays help show joint-space loss, deformity, fracture or other structural changes. MRI, CT or laboratory tests may be used for selected questions. The goal is to confirm the diagnosis and make sure the proposed operation matches the actual problem.

Total Hip Replacement

In a total hip replacement, both sides of the damaged joint are replaced. The femoral head, which forms the ball at the top of the thigh bone, is replaced with an artificial ball attached to a stem that sits inside the femur. The acetabulum, or hip socket, is prepared and fitted with a cup and liner. Together, these components create a new articulating surface designed to form a stable, smooth-moving joint that reduces pain and supports mobility.

Implant systems can use combinations of metal alloys, ceramic and highly durable plastic. Components may be fixed to the bone with or without cement depending on factors such as bone quality, anatomy and the surgeon's assessment. Total hip replacement is commonly considered when arthritis or other disease affects both sides of the joint rather than being limited to the femoral head alone.

How Total Hip Replacement Works

The exact surgical plan varies according to the patient, diagnosis, anatomy and implant system. The operation is performed under anesthesia, selected and discussed with the patient beforehand. In general, the procedure includes the following steps:

• The hip joint is exposed through the selected surgical approach, chosen according to the patient's anatomy, diagnosis and surgical plan.
• The damaged femoral head is removed together with the diseased joint surface that needs replacement.
• The acetabulum is prepared and the socket component is positioned to recreate a stable hip articulation.
• A femoral stem and artificial ball component are inserted into the thigh bone, with fixation selected according to the clinical situation.
• Stability, range of motion and component position are checked before the joint is closed.
• The incision is closed and the early recovery plan begins, including pain control, monitoring and the first stages of mobilization.

Pre-operative X-rays and measurements are used to help plan the operation, while final decisions are confirmed during surgery according to the patient's anatomy and stability. After the procedure, the treating team monitors pain, wound condition, circulation and mobility as the patient begins the recovery process.

Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)

Partial hip replacement, also called hemiarthroplasty, replaces the femoral head while leaving the natural acetabulum in place. It is most commonly considered for selected fractures of the femoral neck when the socket surface remains suitable. The operation is therefore used for a different pattern of disease from the widespread arthritis that commonly leads to total hip replacement.

Partial hip replacement is not simply a smaller version of total hip replacement and is not the routine choice for most patients with advanced hip arthritis. The decision between partial and total replacement depends on the type of fracture or joint damage, the condition of the socket, the patient's age and activity level, mobility before the injury, general health and the overall goals of treatment.

Factors That Affect the Treatment Plan

The most appropriate treatment is influenced by more than the appearance of a single X-ray. The diagnosis, amount of joint damage, severity of pain, range of motion, walking ability, previous treatment, bone quality, age, activity goals and general health all contribute to the decision. A patient with advanced osteoarthritis has a different pathway from a patient with a displaced hip fracture, even though both may ultimately be considered for replacement.

Medical conditions, smoking, body weight, current medications, previous surgery and the ability to participate in rehabilitation can also affect planning. The treating team may recommend optimizing health conditions before elective surgery so that the operation and recovery can be approached as safely and predictably as possible.

Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery

Good preparation can make the operation and early recovery more organized. Before surgery, the treating team reviews the patient's general health, medication list, previous medical history and any conditions that may need additional assessment or optimization. Preparation often includes both medical and practical planning.

• A pre-operative medical assessment and blood tests, with review of medications and any instructions about temporary changes before surgery
• Imaging and measurements used to plan implant size, position and the surgical strategy
• Optimization of conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure or anemia, together with smoking cessation when relevant
• Pre-operative exercise or strengthening when appropriate, and weight-management advice when clinically relevant
• Planning for home support, safe movement, removal of trip hazards and the possible use of walking aids after discharge
• A clear explanation of pain control, expected hospital care, wound care, mobility goals and the rehabilitation plan

Patients are encouraged to ask questions before surgery and to understand what will be expected during the first days at home. For some patients, involving a family member or support person in the planning process can make discharge and early rehabilitation easier to manage.

What to Expect After Hip Replacement

Early recovery focuses on safe movement, pain control, prevention of complications and gradual return to daily activity. Many patients begin standing and walking with assistance soon after surgery under the guidance of the nursing and physiotherapy team. The pace of progress varies according to the type of procedure, age, general health, muscle strength, balance, home support and the patient's response during the first hours and days.

The team monitors pain, wound healing, circulation and mobility. Measures such as early movement, compression or blood-thinning medication may be used to reduce the risk of blood clots when appropriate. Before discharge, patients receive guidance on wound care, walking aids, medication, safe transfers and warning signs that require medical attention, such as increasing wound redness or discharge, fever, worsening calf pain or sudden breathing symptoms.

Hip Replacement Recovery

Recovery after hip replacement is gradual rather than a fixed number of days. Rehabilitation may include progressive walking, exercises for strength and movement, guidance on daily activities and scheduled follow-up. Some patients regain independence relatively quickly, while others need more time or temporary use of a walker, crutches or a cane. The appropriate pace should be based on function and safety rather than comparison with another patient.

Depending on the surgical approach and individual case, the patient may receive temporary guidance about specific positions or movements while the tissues heal. Driving, returning to work, travelling and resuming low-impact exercise such as walking, swimming or cycling are introduced progressively. Continuing the prescribed exercise program and attending follow-up appointments are important parts of monitoring recovery and the new joint.

Risks and Factors That Affect Recovery

Hip replacement is a major operation, and the potential risks should be discussed before surgery. The presence of a possible complication does not mean it will occur, but understanding the risks helps patients make an informed decision and recognize symptoms that require prompt review.

• Infection of the wound or the joint
• Blood clots in the legs or lungs
• Dislocation of the new joint, particularly during the early recovery period
• Fracture of the bone during or after surgery
• Nerve or blood-vessel injury
• Leg-length difference or persistent functional imbalance
• Implant wear or loosening over time and the possibility of future revision surgery

Individual risk depends on medical history, bone quality, diagnosis, previous operations, smoking status, body weight and other patient-specific factors. Recovery is also influenced by general fitness, muscle strength, home support and adherence to the rehabilitation plan. Careful assessment, preventive measures and structured follow-up are used to reduce risk, but no operation is completely risk-free and outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Same-Day Joint Replacement Program

Some medically and functionally suitable patients may be considered for a joint replacement pathway with same-day discharge, meaning that they return home on the day of surgery rather than staying in hospital overnight. The aim is not to shorten care unnecessarily, but to combine appropriate patient selection, effective pain control, early mobilization and clear home support when those conditions are met.

Same-day discharge is not guaranteed. Eligibility depends on the criteria determined by Dr. Muthana Sartawi and the treating team, the procedure performed, vital signs, pain control, mobility, ability to use walking aids safely, home support and recovery after the operation. Patients who do not meet the discharge criteria remain under care until it is considered safe for them to leave.

What to Expect During a Hip Replacement Consultation

A hip replacement consultation is intended to determine whether the symptoms and imaging findings justify surgery and, if so, which type of procedure may be appropriate. Patients are usually asked about pain, stiffness, walking distance, sleep, previous treatment, medical conditions and how much the hip problem affects independence. Bringing recent X-rays, other imaging, medication information and previous orthopedic reports can make the assessment more focused.

After reviewing the history, examination and available imaging, the discussion may include continued non-surgical care, additional tests, total or partial replacement, expected recovery, potential risks and practical preparation. The consultation also gives the patient an opportunity to ask questions and understand the alternatives before making a treatment decision.

Hip Replacement Care with Dr. Muthana Sartawi

Hip replacement care with Dr. Muthana Sartawi begins with clinical evaluation and individualized treatment planning. The aim is to determine whether the joint problem can continue to be managed non-surgically or whether replacement has become a reasonable option because pain, stiffness or loss of mobility remains significant despite appropriate treatment.

When surgery is appropriate, the plan includes discussion of the type of replacement, preparation, the expected early recovery and follow-up. When replacement is not the right step, continued conservative care or another treatment pathway can be discussed instead. This patient-focused approach keeps the decision centered on diagnosis, function and expected benefit rather than promotional claims or fixed outcome promises.

Available for Patients From

Consultation options are available for patients from the following countries. Patients travelling for an assessment can contact the team to confirm the current clinic location, appointment options and which medical records or imaging should be prepared before the visit.

UAE (Dubai) · Saudi Arabia · Kuwait · Qatar

Frequently Asked Questions