Total Hip Replacement (THR)
Hip Replacement Surgery
Restoring comfort and mobility through careful surgical planning
Hip replacement surgery is performed to relieve pain and restore movement in a hip joint damaged by arthritis, injury, or other degenerative conditions. When hip pain and stiffness significantly affect daily activities and quality of life, hip replacement can be an effective and reliable treatment option.
What is a hip replacement?
A hip replacement (also known as total hip arthroplasty) involves replacing the damaged ball-and-socket joint of the hip with a precision-engineered implant.
As cartilage wears away, joint surfaces rub together, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of movement. Hip replacement removes these damaged surfaces and restores smooth joint motion and stability.
The aim is not only pain relief, but improved function; allowing walking, sitting, climbing stairs, and returning to valued activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Surgical approach
Several surgical approaches to the hip are well established, including anterior, anterolateral, and posterior techniques. Each approach has advantages in different clinical situations.
Dr Lynskey is trained in all major hip replacement approaches. He performs anterior or posterior approaches depending on the individual patient, with the choice tailored to anatomy, pathology, and surgical goals.
The anterior approach is used in appropriate candidates, while the posterior approach is utilised in others, including more complex and revision procedures where it provides excellent exposure and flexibility.
The choice of approach is individualised and discussed in detail during consultation.
Personalised surgical planning
Every patient’s hip anatomy, mobility, and activity goals are different. Surgical planning is tailored to these individual factors, whether the priority is returning to recreational sport, long-distance walking, or comfortable daily movement.
Advanced robotic-assisted planning may be used before surgery to map hip anatomy and assess implant sizing, alignment, and functional movement. During surgery, robotic guidance can assist with accurate implant positioning, leg length balance, and joint stability, supporting a more natural-feeling hip and predictable recovery.
The procedure
Hip replacement surgery follows a structured and carefully planned sequence:
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Imaging is used to assess hip anatomy and plan implant size, alignment, and positioning.
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The worn cartilage and bone are carefully removed from the femoral head and acetabulum.
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A titanium cup is placed into the pelvic socket, with a durable polyethylene or ceramic liner to allow smooth motion. A femoral stem and ball are then implanted into the thigh bone.
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Leg length, joint tension, and range of motion are assessed to minimise the risk of impingement or instability.
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A muscle-sparing technique is used. Muscles are carefully separated rather than cut, and key soft tissues are restored at the end of surgery before the wound is closed.
Recovery and rehabilitation
Recovery after hip replacement is guided by function rather than fixed timelines. The focus is on restoring strength, balance, and confidence in the new joint.
Rehabilitation is coordinated with your physiotherapist and GP and tailored to your lifestyle and goals.
Typical recovery milestones:
1-2 weeks: Walking, physiotherapy support
6 weeks: Improved movement and reduced pain
3 months: Return to most daily activities
6-12 months: Continued strengthening and optimal comfort
Recovery varies between individuals.
Key points to remember
Hip replacement aims to restore function and confidence, not just reduce pain
Surgical planning is tailored to individual anatomy and goals
The posterior approach offers reliable stability and proven long-term outcomes
Rehabilitation is an essential part of recovery and is individually tailored
Frequently asked questions
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Hip replacement is usually considered when hip pain and stiffness significantly affect daily life and do not improve with non-operative treatments such as physiotherapy, activity modification, or medication. Suitability is assessed during consultation based on symptoms, imaging, and goals.
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Hip replacement is most commonly performed for osteoarthritis. It may also be recommended for inflammatory arthritis, avascular necrosis, fractures, or other degenerative conditions affecting the hip joint.
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Modern hip replacement implants are designed to be durable and long-lasting. Many function well for 20 years or more, depending on factors such as implant positioning, bone quality, activity level, and overall health.
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The anterior approach is an alternative technique that accesses the hip joint from the front. It may offer some differences in early recovery in selected patients; however, outcomes depend on careful patient selection and surgical technique. It is not suitable for all patients, and the choice of approach is individualised and discussed during consultation.
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The posterior approach provides excellent visualisation of the hip joint, allows accurate implant positioning, and enables reliable soft-tissue balancing. When performed carefully, it has a low risk of complications and strong long-term outcome data. The choice of approach is individualised.
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Robotic-assisted surgery allows detailed pre-operative planning and real-time guidance during surgery. This can improve accuracy and consistency of implant positioning. Surgical judgement remains central, with technology used as a supportive tool.
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Most patients stay 1–3 nights, depending on mobility, pain control, and home support. Some patients may be suitable for earlier discharge with appropriate physiotherapy and follow-up.
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Most patients begin walking with physiotherapy support on the day of surgery or the following day. Walking aids are used initially and gradually reduced as strength and confidence improve.
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You can usually return to driving once you can safely perform an emergency stop, are off strong pain medication, and feel confident controlling the vehicle.
As a guide:
Right hip: around 4–6 weeks
Left hip (automatic car): around 2–3 weeks
Always confirm with your surgeon and insurer.
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This depends on the type of work you do:
Desk-based roles: often 2–6 weeks
Manual or physically demanding work: 8–12 weeks or longer
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Low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming, and golf are usually encouraged once recovery allows. Higher-impact activities are assessed individually.
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Hip replacement treats arthritis in the affected joint only. It does not prevent arthritis from developing in other joints, but it can significantly improve comfort, mobility, and quality of life.
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Hip replacement is a commonly performed and generally safe procedure, but all surgery carries some risks. These include infection, blood clots, dislocation, fracture, and leg length differences. These risks and how they are minimised are discussed during consultation.
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Delaying surgery is reasonable if symptoms are manageable. However, worsening pain, stiffness, or loss of function can affect mobility, fitness, and quality of life. Timing is a shared decision based on symptoms, imaging, and personal goals.
