Total hip replacement removes damaged cartilage and bone from the hip's ball-and-socket joint and replaces them with artificial components. The goal is less arthritic pain, better function, and a stable plan for getting back to daily life.
Total hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, replaces the damaged ball and socket of the hip with implants. It is most often considered when hip arthritis causes pain, stiffness, sleep disruption, and loss of function despite nonsurgical care.
Hip replacement is not only an X-ray decision. The right timing depends on symptoms, function, imaging, health status, goals, and whether other treatments still make sense.
Hip arthritis can overlap with spine, tendon, and nerve symptoms. Exam and imaging help confirm the primary pain generator.
Anterior, posterior, and other approaches can all be appropriate. The right choice depends on anatomy, safety, and surgeon judgment.
Many patients can recover at home after surgery, but discharge timing depends on medical risk, support, mobility, and pain control.
Symptoms, exam, and X-rays are reviewed together.
Nonoperative care and surgical timing are discussed honestly.
Approach, implant, anesthesia, and discharge plan are coordinated.
The plan is built around safe walking, pain control, and home support.
Total hip replacement is usually considered when hip arthritis or another destructive hip condition causes pain and loss of function despite reasonable nonsurgical care. Common signals include groin pain, stiffness, night pain, difficulty walking distance, trouble with stairs, and problems putting on shoes or socks.
The decision should connect symptoms, exam findings, and imaging. If the X-ray is mild or the pain pattern suggests the spine, tendon, or another source, the surgeon may recommend more evaluation before surgery.
Anterior, posterior, and other approaches can work well. The right choice depends on anatomy, diagnosis, surgeon experience, and safety.
Implant position, soft-tissue tension, leg length, and offset are planned to support a stable hip and comfortable walking mechanics.
Many selected patients recover at home the same day, while others benefit from a different plan based on medical or mobility factors.
It may be time to discuss surgery when hip pain limits daily life, sleep, walking, or activities despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment.
No. The anterior approach can be a good option for selected patients, but the safest approach is the one that fits the patient and surgeon's plan.
Early walking begins quickly for many patients, while strength, endurance, and confidence continue improving over weeks and months.
Coverage depends on the plan and medical necessity. TJS verifies coverage before scheduling surgery.
Procedure pages help patients understand the option. Scheduling helps turn that into a visit with the right TJS specialist, office, and appointment type based on symptoms, imaging, prior treatment, and recovery goals.
This page was reviewed by Total Joint Specialists clinical leadership on May 11, 2026. It is reviewed at least annually and whenever major clinical guidance, source references, or practice facts change.
The content is educational, cites orthopedic society or peer-reviewed sources where relevant, and is not a substitute for an evaluation with an orthopedic surgeon who has reviewed your individual case.
Patient education references used for this page: AAOS Total Hip Replacement, AAHKS Total Hip Replacement, and Johns Hopkins Hip Replacement Surgery.
A TJS hip replacement specialist can review your symptoms and imaging and explain your best options.
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