Hip Replacement

Using this guide What's covered

Here you’ll find the answers to many of your questions about hip replacement. Learn about prostheses, how the surgery works, what it may cost, what your recovery may be like, and more.

To see how the surgery is done, view our procedure animation below. For personal insights, see our patient experience videos in which HCF members talk frankly about their preparation, surgery and recovery.

Cost Indicator

Discover the typical out-pocket costs HCF members can expect to pay for this procedure, and learn how your choice of doctor and hospital impact that cost. 

 

 

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learn about anterior hip replacement

There are various surgical approaches to hip replacement. This short animation shows the anterior approach. Talk to your surgeon about what's right for you. 

 

learn about posterior hip replacement

This short animation shows the posterior approach. 

The Basics

Overview

Hip replacement is a standard procedure for osteoarthritis of the hip that hasn’t responded to non-surgical measures. It may also be performed on patients who've fractured a hip after a fall, for example (people with osteoporosis are at particular risk). 

Other less common conditions that may lead to hip replacement include rheumatoid arthritis and avascular necrosis (hip bone tissue loss due to reduced blood supply). 

Over 44,000 hip replacements are carried out in Australia every year. Internationally, over 90% of patients are satisfied with the result. After recovery, most patients have better mobility and function, as well as good relief from pain.

Signs you need a new hip

Hip replacement is normally recommended after other treatments have been tried for osteoarthritis. Your doctor may recommend hip replacement because your:  

  • pain isn't controlled by medication
  • pain limits your activities
  • pain disturbs your sleep
  • hip has become unstable

The details

Considering surgery

Treatments to consider before opting for surgery

Non-surgical options that may delay the need for hip replacement. 
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Results vs risks of surgery

The benefits and potential complications of hip replacement.
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Choosing a specialist

How to find a surgeon who specialises in your procedure.
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Preparation

Questions for your surgeon and anaesthetist

What you should be asking before going ahead with surgery. 
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Preparing for surgery

Pre-operative tests and planning ahead for your recovery.
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Your anaesthestic options

The types of anaesthetic you may be offered.
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Your surgery

Going to hospital

What to expect on the day of your procedure. 
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Hip replacement prostheses

How hip prostheses work, and the different approaches to surgery. 
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Your procedure

What happens in the operating theatre.  
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recovery and aftercare

After surgery

Your hospital aftercare: pain relief, physio and more. 
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Exercise and monitoring

Explore your rehab options to decide what's right for you. 
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Caring for your hip

Practical advice on living with your new hip.
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Patient experiences

HCF members who've had hip replacement surgery talk about their preparation, hospital stay and recovery.

 

View videos

Living with osteoarthritis

A large number of hip replacements are due to osteoarthritis. These short videos provide personal insights into managing the condition. 

 

View videos

SECOND OPINION SERVICE

Eligible HCF members can get a free, confidential second opinion on their health condition from a certified, practising medical specialist based in Australia. 

 

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Give us feedback

Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know what you liked or what we can do to improve it. We'd love to hear from you.

To provide feedback, email us at wellbeing@hcf.com.au

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Important information

Information is provided by HCF in good faith for the convenience of members. It is not an endorsement or recommendation of any form of treatment nor is it a substitute for medical advice, and you should rely on the advice of your treating doctors in relation to all matters concerning your health. Every effort has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information, however HCF takes no responsibility for any injury, loss, damage or other consequences of the use of this information.