This guide explains what the operation involves, how long recovery takes and what your family can expect. It comes from Dr Imran Salim Malik, orthopedic and trauma surgeon at Omar Hospital & Cardiac Centre, Lahore.
What is a hip replacement?
In a hip replacement, the worn or damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one. The aim is to ease pain and help you move again. Most people who need it have severe arthritis, an old injury or long-term wear.
Who may need a hip replacement?
For a worn or arthritic hip, surgery may be worth considering when pain gets in the way of daily life and other treatments have not helped. A broken hip is different and is treated as an emergency. Common signs of a worn hip:
- Hip pain that does not go away, even at rest
- Trouble standing, walking or climbing stairs
- A stiff hip that limits movement
- Daily life is still hard despite medicines and physiotherapy
Dr Malik checks each patient's X-ray, health and daily life before advising surgery. He recommends a hip replacement only when it is likely to help.
Already been told you need an operation? A second opinion is your right. Bring your reports and Dr Malik will go through your options with you, including non-surgical ones.
Fall or suspected broken bone? Go to the nearest emergency department now, or call Rescue 1122, if the person cannot stand or put weight on the leg, a limb looks bent or a bone is showing, a hand or foot is cold, pale or numb, there is heavy bleeding, or they hit their head. An older person who cannot walk after a fall may have a broken hip and needs to go to hospital now. Do not move someone who may have hurt their neck or back.
A broken hip usually needs an operation soon, done as an emergency rather than planned. Once your parent is safe, call +92 300 4890692 to ask whether Dr Malik can take over their care at Omar Hospital. Dr Malik can arrange care in the emergency department: WhatsApp the X-ray, the patient’s medical history and any medical conditions to the same number. If you cannot reach us, go to the nearest emergency department.
What happens during the operation?
The surgeon removes the damaged ball and socket of the hip and fits an artificial joint that moves smoothly. Modern techniques and good care after surgery help many people walk better and with less pain.
Recovery timeline: what to expect
Everyone heals at their own pace. This is a general guide:
1. Days 1–7: first steps with help
Many patients start walking with help on the day of surgery or the next day. Pain and swelling are controlled with medicines. Simple exercises start straight away.
2. Weeks 2–6: walking more easily
Many people need less strong pain medicine and walk more comfortably at home. Physiotherapy (guided exercises) helps build strength and movement.
3. Weeks 6–12: back to daily tasks
Many patients can return to daily activities, including light housework. Gentle exercises may be added as you improve.
4. Months 3–6: getting stronger
The hip grows stronger and steadier, so you can slowly do more.
5. Up to 1 year: full recovery
Within a year, most people have a hip that works close to normal, with little discomfort. Confidence in walking grows as the area heals.
Is hip pain stopping your mother or father from walking? WhatsApp their hip X-ray to +92 300 4890692 and book a consultation. Clinic, Monday–Saturday: Omar Hospital & Cardiac Centre, Johar Town, 7–9 PM.
When can you get back to normal life?
Many people manage on their own again within 6 to 12 weeks. Full healing and strength can take up to a year. Doing your exercises and following the doctor's advice helps you recover well.
What affects recovery?
Recovery time depends on:
- Age and general health
- How fit and active you were before surgery
- Doing your physiotherapy regularly
- Other health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease
Stop smoking and all tobacco, including naswar and chewing tobacco. It slows bone and wound healing.
Pain, walking and daily life after surgery
Some pain and stiffness are normal in the first weeks. Most people use a walker or walking stick at first, then slowly walk on their own.
Standing, sitting and sleeping get easier over time. Dr Malik and your physiotherapist will show you how to move safely without straining the new hip.
Keeping the new hip safe in the early weeks
These rules protect the new hip from slipping out of place. Which ones apply, and for how long, depends on how your operation is done. Dr Malik will tell you.
- Avoid low seats, squatting and sitting cross-legged on the floor.
- Use a raised toilet seat or a commode.
- Pray seated on a chair at first.
- Dr Malik will tell you whether and when it is safe to sit on the floor, squat or pray in the usual way again.
Hospital stay and care at home
In hospital, the focus is on getting you moving early and preventing problems. At home, keep doing your exercises and follow the care instructions. Please come to every follow-up visit.
Before your parent comes home, the family should arrange:
- Someone at home to help, especially in the first few weeks.
- Help with the toilet, bathing and stairs until walking is steady.
- A firm, higher chair and a bed that is not too low.
- Physiotherapy after discharge. Keep doing the exercises every day.
- You may be given blood-thinning medicine to take at home for some weeks. Take it exactly as prescribed.
Is hip replacement safe? The risks
Hip replacement is a well-established operation, but like any surgery it has risks. Possible problems include infection, a blood clot in the leg and stiffness. Others are the new ball slipping out of its socket (dislocation), one leg feeling slightly longer, and nerve injury.
These problems are uncommon with careful surgery and good after-care. Over many years, some new hips wear out or loosen and need a second operation. Dr Malik explains each risk, and how it is lowered, before you decide.
How well does hip replacement work?
For most people, a hip replacement eases pain and makes walking easier. Most return to their everyday activities. In large national joint registries, about 9 in 10 total hip replacements are still working 15 years later.
When to call the doctor after surgery
Call the clinic the same day if you notice:
- More pain or swelling around the hip
- Fever, or a wound that is red, hot, swollen or leaking (signs of infection)
- Trouble moving the leg
- Pain or swelling in the calf, or warmth or redness in the leg (signs of a blood clot)
Dr Malik's patients: call or WhatsApp +92 300 4890692. If you cannot reach the clinic, go to the nearest emergency department.
Go to the nearest emergency department now or call Rescue 1122 if you have:
- chest pain or sudden breathlessness
- sudden severe hip pain, a leg that looks shorter or turned, or you cannot stand on it. The new hip may have slipped out of place (dislocated).
About Dr Imran Salim Malik, orthopedic and trauma surgeon
Dr Malik is a consultant orthopedic and trauma surgeon in Lahore, with more than 20 years of experience in orthopedic surgery. He treats hip and knee problems, including total hip and knee replacement, and uses smaller-cut surgery where it suits the patient. If you need a hip replacement, Dr Malik performs it himself.
At your visit, Dr Malik explains what is wrong, your options and the risks, in Urdu or English. Fees are explained before any treatment starts.
Questions families often ask
Sources: Evans JT, et al. How long does a hip replacement last? A systematic review and meta-analysis of case series and national registry reports. The Lancet, 2019.
Questions families ask
Is hip replacement safe for someone over 65?
Many older people have hip replacements. Overall health matters more than age alone. Before surgery, tests check your parent's heart, blood pressure, sugar and other conditions. Dr Malik explains the options, risks and costs, including not operating.
How much does it cost?
The consultation fee depends on the hospital you visit. We tell you the exact fee on WhatsApp before you book, so there are no surprises. A follow-up visit within 5 days of your first consultation is free to go through your reports and scans.
The cost of surgery depends on the operation, the implant, the room and the nights in hospital. It is explained to you before you decide.
How long is the hospital stay?
It depends on how you recover and on your general health. Dr Malik will tell you how long you are likely to stay.
Will a walker be needed?
Yes, at first. Most patients use a walker or walking stick for safety. This is temporary, and you need it less as you get stronger.
When will the wound heal?
The skin wound (cut) usually heals in 2 to 4 weeks. Healing inside continues for several months.
When does physiotherapy start?
Usually within 24 hours of surgery, while you are still in hospital.
How much pain is normal?
Mild to moderate pain, stiffness and soreness are normal in the first weeks. They slowly ease with medicine and physiotherapy.
How long does a new hip last?
In large national joint registries, about 9 in 10 total hip replacements are still working after 15 years, and nearly 6 in 10 after 25 years. How long yours lasts depends on activity, weight and general health.
When can I drive again?
Usually after about 8 weeks, and only when Dr Malik agrees. You should be off strong painkillers and able to press the brake hard without pain. Ask him first, especially after a right-hip operation.
Will the new hip feel natural?
It may feel different at first. Most people get used to it and move comfortably in daily life, although an artificial joint does not feel exactly like your own.
From the clinics of Dr Imran Salim Malik, orthopaedic and trauma surgeon. MBBS (Allama Iqbal Medical College) · MS (Trauma & Orthopaedics) · PMDC Reg. 39646-P. Every patient is different: Dr Malik will tell you what applies to you.
