What is Total Hip Replacement Surgery?
Total hip replacement surgery (total hip arthroplasty) replaces a damaged hip joint with an artificial implant, called a prosthesis. The artificial hip consists of several components that work together to mimic the natural joint:
- Femoral Stem: Inserted into the thigh bone.
- Femoral Head: The ball component that fits into the socket.
- Acetabular Cup: The socket component in the pelvis.
- Liner: A smooth surface that allows the ball to move easily within the socket.
Understanding Hip Joint Surgery in Singapore: When Is It Needed?
You may be advised to consider hip joint surgery when your hip joint is so damaged that everyday activities become difficult and painful, and other treatments such as medication, physiotherapy, or walking aids no longer work. This can help restore your mobility, relieve pain, and improve your quality of life.
Here are the most common situations where you might need hip joint surgery:
- Osteoarthritis: When the cartilage that cushions your hip joint wears away, causing painful bone‑on‑bone contact.
- Hip Fractures: If the break is severe or cannot heal properly on its own.
- Cartilage Damage: Either from injury or degeneration, which reduces the joint’s smooth movement.
- Avascular Necrosis: When poor blood supply to the hip bone causes the bone tissue to die.
- Inflammatory Joint Conditions: This includes rheumatoid arthritis, which can destroy joint structures over time.
Difference Between Total Hip Replacement and Partial Hip Replacement in Singapore
Your surgeon may recommend either a total hip replacement or a partial hip replacement. It depends on the extent of joint damage, your age, activity level, and overall health.
Total Hip Replacement vs Partial Hip Replacement
Total Hip Replacement
What It Involves
A total hip replacement surgery replaces both the ball (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum) of your hip joint.
When It’s Recommended
For patients with:
- Advanced arthritis or severe joint degeneration
- Damage affecting both the ball and socket of the joint
- Younger patient with hip fracture
Benefits
A total hip replacement surgery provides long‑term relief and restores full joint function when the entire hip is compromised.
Partial Hip Replacement
What It Involves
A partial hip replacement surgery replaces only the ball portion of your hip joint.
When It’s Recommended
A partial hip replacement surgery is often recommended for certain hip fractures, especially in older lower physical demand adults, where the socket remains healthy and intact.
Considerations
A partial hip replacement surgery is not suitable for patients with arthritis or damage extending to the socket.
Who Needs Hip Replacement in Singapore?
Most people who have hip replacement surgery in Singapore are between 50 and 80 years old, but age is not the only deciding factor. In some cases, younger adults may require hip joint replacement surgery if other treatments have failed.
Common Signs That You May Need Hip Joint Surgery
- Ongoing pain in your groin or along the side of your hip.
- Stiffness that makes everyday tasks, like tying your shoes or cutting your toenails, harder than they should be.
- One leg feeling shorter than the other.
- A limp or a noticeable change in the way you walk.
How Does Hip Replacement Surgery Help You?
By replacing the damaged parts of your hip joint with an artificial implant, hip replacement surgery can help you:
- Relieve ongoing hip pain.
- Improve mobility and joint function.
- Correct differences in leg length that may result from joint damage.
- Walk more steadily and confidently on flat ground.
- Move more easily when climbing stairs or walking on slopes.
- Return to low‑impact activities such as gentle cycling or swimming as advised by your care team.
- Sit, stand, and get in and out of a car or chair with less difficulty.
Your hip replacement surgeon will advise you on what activities you can do based on your condition and stage of recovery.
How Is the New Hip Built?
The hip joint works like a ball and socket. The ball is the rounded top of your thigh bone (femoral head), and the socket is a cup‑shaped area in your pelvis made of cartilage and bone. When this joint becomes badly damaged, it may be replaced with an artificial implant, known as a prosthesis.
The prosthesis can be fixed in place in 2 main ways:
- Cemented: Attached to the bone using a special medical‑grade cement, which provides a quicker initial bond.
- Uncemented: Designed with a textured surface that allows your bone to grow into it over time for a secure fit.
Your hip replacement surgeon will recommend the most appropriate method based on factors such as your age, bone quality, and overall health.
Regardless of the fixation method, your new hip joint will have the same key parts:
- Metal Socket: Replaces the damaged hip socket.
- Metal Stem: Inserted into your thigh bone to provide stability.
- Ceramic or Metal Ball: Replaces the natural femoral head.
- Liner: Fits inside the socket to allow smooth movement between the ball and socket.
How Hip Replacement Surgery Restores Mobility and Comfort
Hip replacement surgery is designed to help you move more easily and live with less discomfort. By replacing the damaged parts of your hip with an artificial joint, hip replacement can make everyday activities more manageable and enjoyable again.
After recovery and rehabilitation, you may find it easier to:
- Walk longer distances without significant discomfort.
- Climb stairs or navigate slopes with greater confidence.
- Sit, stand, and get in and out of a car or chair more comfortably.
- Enjoy low‑impact activities, such as gentle cycling or swimming, as advised by your care team.
- Take part in daily routines without the same limitations caused by hip pain.
Total hip replacement is considered the operation of the century owing to its incredible success in improving mobility and quality of life for patients with hip arthritis. . Your hip replacement surgeon will guide you on what to expect during your recovery and help you make the most out of your new hip.
Navigating Post-Op Recovery After Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Recovering from hip replacement surgery is a gradual process, and every person’s journey is different. Your recovery plan will be tailored to your condition, the type of procedure performed, and your overall health. While timelines can vary, here’s what you can expect:
First Few Days: Soon after hip replacement surgery, you’ll begin gentle exercises with the help of a physiotherapist to encourage healing and reduce stiffness.
After a Few Weeks: You may use walking aids, such as crutches or a walker, to help you move safely while your new hip adjusts. Light daily activities can usually be resumed, as advised by your care team.
As strength and flexibility improve, you’ll gradually increase your activity level. Your physiotherapy programme will focus on rebuilding muscle and improving balance.
After a Few Months: Many people return to most of their regular routines after hip replacement surgery, though you should discuss higher‑impact activities with your surgeon before resuming them.
Practical Tips for Recovering After Hip Replacement Surgery
Follow your physiotherapy plan to restore strength and movement in your hip.
Arrange your home in advance to avoid bending or reaching unnecessarily. E.g. Place everyday items within easy reach.
Use supportive seating to keep your hip in a safe position.
Get help from friends or family for errands and transportation.
Attend all follow‑up appointments so your care team can monitor your healing.
Your hip replacement surgery team will guide you every step of the way, helping you regain mobility and return to your daily activities safely. By pacing your recovery and following your doctor’s advice, you can get back to an active life again.
What You Should Know About the Post-Operative Period
Recovering from hip replacement surgery takes time, and you’ll need to ease back into your usual activities. How long that takes will depend on surgical approach,, your overall health, and your progress during rehab.
In the first few weeks, you’ll likely need to avoid:
- Reaching for items high on a shelf or low on the floor.
- Lifting anything heavy.
- Walking long distances without support.
- Going up and down stairs too often.
- Standing for long periods or bending deeply at the hip.
- Showering or bathing without some extra help.
Preparing for Your Return Home
A little preparation can make life much easier when you get home:
- Arrange your space so everyday items are at a comfortable height.
- Make and freeze some meals so you won’t have to cook right away.
- Set up a comfortable chair that’s easy to get in and out of.
- Arrange transport for your physiotherapy sessions and follow‑up visits.
- Ask a friend or family member to help out with errands and daily tasks for the first week or two.
Hip Replacement Surgery Cost in Singapore
According to benchmarks set by the Ministry of Health (MOH) Singapore, the cost of a hip replacement surgery can range from $42,857 to $55,244 (inclusive of GST). This is based on several factors:
- Type of Implant Material: Common options include medical‑grade metals like titanium or cobalt‑chromium alloys, sometimes combined with ceramic or high‑grade plastics.
- Type of Procedure: Total or partial hip replacement, as well as whether technology like robotic‑assisted surgery is used.
- Hospital Charges: Room type, length of stay, and facility fees.
- Professional Fees: Surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist’s fees, and other specialist costs.
You may be able to offset part of your total hip replacement surgery cost using MediSave, MediShield Life, Integrated Shield Plans, or private health insurance, depending on your coverage. Your healthcare provider can give you a personalised estimate based on your condition and treatment plan.
Your actual hip replacement surgery cost will depend on your individual treatment plan and choice of hospital or clinic.
The Importance of Consulting a Hip Specialist in Singapore for Your Replacement Options
A hip specialist will have the expertise to assess your condition thoroughly, explain all available treatment options, and recommend the most suitable procedure for you. This is important because:
1
You’ll get an accurate diagnosis
As they’ll identify the exact cause of your hip pain and whether hip replacement surgery is truly necessary.
2
Your treatment will be tailored to you
Taking into account your age, lifestyle, activity level, and the extent of joint damage.
3
You’ll understand your options
Including non-operative options.
4
You’ll be guided on surgical techniques and implant choices
So you know what to expect during surgery and recovery.
5
Your care will be coordinated from start to finish
From the first consultation through rehabilitation and follow‑up appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip fractures, avascular necrosis, severe cartilage damage, and certain hip deformities.
Through thorough planning and use of modern technology.
Medical checks, imaging, blood tests, and health review.
Severity of pain, mobility limits, joint damage, age, health, and response to other treatments.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, hip fractures, avascular necrosis, and severe joint damage.
Typically, the hip replacement surgery cost can be offset by MediSave, MediShield Life, IPs, and public hospital subsidies.
Surgeons with specialist accreditation by the Singapore Medical Council.
Posterior, lateral, and minimally invasive direct anterior are the main hip replacement surgery approaches.
The cost of hip replacement surgery in Singapore is higher with ceramic femoral head or with robotic assisted surgery.
A hip specialist diagnoses hip problems, recommends treatments, manages pain, and guides patients through rehab.
