This guide is by Dr Imran Salim Malik, orthopedic and trauma surgeon at Omar Hospital & Cardiac Centre, Lahore.
WhatsApp your hip X-ray to +92 300 4890692 to book a consultation. Dr Malik will need to examine you before advising on surgery.
What is a total hip replacement?
It replaces a hip joint damaged by arthritis, injury or wear with an artificial one. The aim is less pain and easier movement.
Who needs a hip replacement?
Signs it may be time:
- Hip pain that does not go away, even at rest
- Difficulty standing, walking, or climbing stairs
- Stiffness that limits how you move
- Daily life is still hard, despite medicines and physiotherapy
Dr Malik first checks the hip, the X-rays and your general health. He recommends surgery only if it is likely to help you.
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.
What happens in the operation?
The surgeon removes the damaged parts of the joint and fits artificial parts that move smoothly.
Hip replacement recovery: week by week
Everyone heals at their own pace. This is a general guide.
Week 1: walking with help
Many patients walk with help on the day of surgery or the next day. Medicines control pain and swelling.
Weeks 2–6: walking more easily at home
Most patients need fewer strong painkillers and walk more easily indoors. Physiotherapy builds strength.
Weeks 6–12: back to daily tasks
Many patients are back to daily tasks, including housework.
Months 3–6: stronger and more active
The hip gets stronger and steadier, so you can slowly do more.
Up to 1 year: still getting stronger
Healing and strengthening carry on for up to a year. By then, many patients use the hip comfortably in daily life, but progress is different for everyone.
How long does recovery take?
Many patients manage on their own again within 6 to 12 weeks. Full healing and strength can take up to a year.
Send the hip X-ray, the patient's age and a list of their medicines on WhatsApp to +92 300 4890692. We will reply to book your appointment. Dr Malik will need to examine the hip before advising on surgery.
Clinic, Monday–Saturday: Omar Hospital & Cardiac Centre, Johar Town, 7–9 PM.
What affects recovery?
- Age and general health
- How fit you are before surgery
- Keeping up with physiotherapy
- Other health problems, such as diabetes or heart disease
Is my parent too old for a new hip?
Age alone does not decide. Before surgery, general health is checked, including the heart, blood pressure and blood sugar. Dr Malik then talks it through with your family.
Pain, walking and daily life after surgery
Some pain and stiffness are normal at first. Many patients use a walker or walking stick, then slowly walk on their own.
Dr Malik and your physiotherapist will show you how to sit, stand and sleep safely.
Protect your new hip in the first weeks
- Do not cross your legs or bend the hip sharply.
- Avoid low seats, squatting and sitting cross-legged on the floor.
- Use a raised toilet seat or a commode.
- Pray seated on a chair.
Dr Malik will tell you when it is safe to stop these.
Hospital stay and care at home
Recovery carries on at home, and the family plays a big part. Here is what to plan for:
- In hospital: usually 2 to 4 days. Getting up early helps prevent problems such as blood clots.
- At home: plan for a family member to help with bathing, dressing and the toilet for the first few weeks. Keep up the exercises every day.
- Blood thinners: you may be given blood-thinning medicine (injections or tablets) to take at home for some weeks. Take it exactly as prescribed, for as long as prescribed.
- Tobacco: stop smoking and all tobacco, including naswar and chewing tobacco. It slows bone and wound healing.
- Ask us: whether physiotherapy at home can be arranged, and whether a family member can stay with the patient in hospital.
What are the risks?
Like any operation, hip replacement has risks. These include:
- infection
- blood clots (in the leg veins)
- dislocation (the ball slipping out of the socket)
- legs ending up slightly different in length
- injury to a nerve or blood vessel
- stiffness or pain that does not fully go away
- the need for another operation, for example if the joint wears out or loosens years later
Serious complications are uncommon. Dr Malik will go through your own risks before surgery.
How well does a hip replacement work?
For most patients, a hip replacement eases pain and makes moving easier. In large joint registries, about 9 in 10 total hip replacements are still working after 15 years, and nearly 6 in 10 after 25 years.
When should you call the doctor?
Call or WhatsApp the clinic on +92 300 4890692 the same day if you notice:
- Pain or swelling that is getting worse
- A wound that is red, hot, swollen or leaking
- Trouble moving the leg
- Fever, or anything that feels wrong
Call the same day if the calf is painful or swollen, or the leg is warm and red. This can be a sign of a blood clot. If you cannot reach the clinic, go to the nearest emergency department.
Go to the nearest emergency department now or call Rescue 1122 if there is:
- chest pain or sudden breathlessness
- sudden severe hip pain, a leg that looks shorter or turned, or being unable to stand on it. The hip may have dislocated. Do not try to push the hip back.
About Dr Malik, orthopedic surgeon
Dr Malik is an orthopedic and trauma surgeon who does hip and knee replacement. He has more than 20 years of experience in orthopedic surgery. He uses smaller-cut (minimally invasive) surgery when it suits the patient.
Dr Malik performs every operation himself.
At the consultation, he explains the diagnosis, options and risks in Urdu or English. Fees are explained before any treatment.
To book an appointment, call or WhatsApp +92 300 4890692.
Clinic, Monday–Saturday: Omar Hospital & Cardiac Centre, Johar Town, 7–9 PM.
Questions families often ask
When will the wound heal?
The wound usually heals in 2 to 4 weeks. Deeper healing takes several months.
When does physiotherapy start?
Usually within 24 hours, while you are still in hospital.
When can I drive again?
Usually after about 8 weeks, and only when Dr Malik agrees. It may take longer after a right hip operation.
Does a new hip feel like a natural one?
It may feel different at first. Most patients get used to it and move comfortably, but an artificial hip does not feel exactly like your own.
Sources
Evans JT and others. How long does a hip replacement last? The Lancet, 2019 (national joint registry data).
Questions families ask
How much does a hip replacement 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.
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.
