
Hip replacement surgery replaces a damaged or diseased hip joint with an artificial implant, and is performed by Dr. Juilee Mhatre Nair for patients whose hip pain and function have not improved with conservative treatment. This page explains who it suits, the different types of procedure, and what recovery involves.
What hip replacement surgery is
Hip replacement (hip arthroplasty) involves replacing the damaged parts of the hip joint — the femoral head (ball) and, in a total replacement, the acetabulum (socket) — with artificial components. It is generally recommended for severe hip arthritis, certain fractures, avascular necrosis, or hip deformity that has not responded to non-surgical treatment. There are a few different types of procedure, and which one applies to you depends on your specific condition, age and bone quality.
Who this suits
Hip replacement is considered for patients with advanced /osteoarthritis/ of the hip, hip damage from /avascular-necrosis/, certain hip fractures (especially in older adults where the ball of the joint is affected), or rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hip. It is not the first option offered — conservative treatment is generally tried first unless trauma makes surgery urgently necessary.
Types of hip replacement
- Total hip replacement — both the ball and socket are replaced with artificial components; the most common approach for advanced arthritis.
- Partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty) — only the femoral head is replaced while the socket remains intact; typically used for certain hip fractures, particularly in older patients whose socket is not damaged by arthritis.
- Hip resurfacing — the femoral head is capped with a smooth metal covering rather than fully replaced, generally reserved for younger, active patients with strong bone density, and preserves more of the natural bone.
Symptoms and indications
Pain in the hip or groin that persists at rest, stiffness that limits walking or putting on shoes, a noticeable limp, or reduced hip range of motion that has not improved with physiotherapy are common reasons hip replacement is discussed. Sudden, severe hip or groin pain with inability to bear weight after a fall needs urgent assessment, as it may indicate a fracture.
Non-surgical management first
Conservative measures — weight management, targeted physiotherapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medication, and sometimes injections — are the starting point for hip arthritis and are covered in more detail on the /hip-care-and-injury-recovery/ page. Hip replacement becomes the appropriate discussion once these measures no longer adequately manage pain and function, or when trauma requires prompt surgical treatment.
The surgical option and what it involves
The procedure is performed under general or spinal/epidural anaesthesia. An incision is made using an anterior, posterior, or lateral approach depending on the surgeon's assessment and your anatomy, the damaged femoral head is removed, the acetabulum is prepared if a total replacement is being performed, and the artificial components are then fitted and aligned before the incision is closed. Different implant materials — metal-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-ceramic, or ceramic-on-polyethylene — offer different wear characteristics, and Dr. Juilee Mhatre Nair will explain which is most appropriate for your case.
What precision-assisted planning changes
Where imaging-based or robotic-assisted planning is used for hip replacement, it functions as a planning and alignment aid — helping map your anatomy in advance and check implant positioning against that plan. It does not change the fundamental surgery, and your surgeon remains fully in control of every step. As with knee replacement, this technology is designed to support precision, not to guarantee a particular result.
Choosing between hip replacement approaches
The surgical approach used to reach the hip joint — anterior, posterior, or lateral — affects which muscles are moved aside during surgery and can influence early recovery and precautions. Similarly, the choice between total replacement, partial replacement, and resurfacing depends on the underlying diagnosis, your bone density, and your activity goals rather than personal preference alone. Dr. Juilee Mhatre Nair will explain the reasoning behind the specific approach and implant recommended for your hip, including why alternatives may be less suitable for your particular situation, so the decision is one you understand rather than simply follow.
Recovery phases
Recovery typically starts with an early hospital phase focused on pain management and early mobilisation, often with a walker or crutches within a day or two of surgery. This is followed by a structured physiotherapy phase to rebuild strength and range of motion, and then a longer period of gradually resuming daily activities while avoiding high-impact stress on the new joint. Your surgeon and physiotherapy team will tailor this to your specific procedure and recovery pace.
Risks, discussed honestly
Hip replacement carries risks including infection, blood clots, dislocation of the artificial joint (particularly in the early recovery period), implant loosening or wear over time, leg length differences, and a small risk of nerve injury. These are discussed individually with you, along with steps taken to reduce them, before you decide on surgery.
What influences the cost
Hip replacement cost depends on the type of procedure and implant materials chosen, the hospital setting and length of stay, the rehabilitation plan required afterward, and your insurance or cashless coverage. We do not publish a fixed figure — call or WhatsApp the clinic for a personalised estimate once your case has been reviewed.
Life with a hip replacement
Most patients return to normal daily activities and low-impact exercise after recovering from hip replacement, though high-impact sports or activities that place repeated stress on the joint are usually discouraged to protect the implant over the long term. Routine follow-up with your surgeon allows any wear or loosening to be picked up early, well before it becomes symptomatic.
What a consultation involves
A consultation includes a review of your hip pain history, a physical examination of joint movement and strength, and assessment of your X-rays or MRI. Dr. Juilee Mhatre Nair consults at /spine-and-knee-clinic-kharghar/ and at New Era Hospital via /spine-and-knee-specialist-vashi/. Read more about her focus areas on the /dr-juilee-mhatre-nair/ page.
Frequently asked questions
Total hip replacement removes and replaces both the ball (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum) with artificial components. Hip resurfacing instead caps the femoral head with a smooth metal covering rather than removing it entirely, and is generally considered for younger, more active patients with strong bone density. Dr. Juilee Mhatre Nair will assess your bone quality, age, and activity level to determine which approach suits you.
Implant longevity depends on the materials used, your activity level, bone quality, and how well the implant was positioned. Modern implants are generally designed for long-term use, but your surgeon will discuss what is realistic for your specific implant choice and lifestyle rather than quoting a fixed number that applies to everyone.
Hip replacement is generally considered after conservative treatments — physiotherapy, weight management, medication, and sometimes injections — have not adequately controlled pain and function. It is also used for certain hip fractures where fixation is not appropriate. Dr. Juilee Mhatre Nair will review your imaging and try to establish whether your case has genuinely reached the point where surgery is the more sensible option.
Common combinations include metal-on-polyethylene, ceramic-on-ceramic, and ceramic-on-polyethylene, each with different wear characteristics. The right choice depends on your age, activity level, and bone quality rather than a single "best" option for everyone. Your surgeon will explain the reasoning behind the specific implant recommended for your case.
Cost depends on the type of implant and materials used, the surgical approach, the hospital setting and length of stay, and the rehabilitation plan afterward, along with your insurance or cashless coverage. We do not publish a fixed figure on this page — call or WhatsApp NAIR Spine & Knee Clinic for a personalised estimate once your case has been assessed.
Talk to a spine and joint specialist
Share your symptoms, reports or scans and our team will help you book a consultation with Dr. Vishnu Vikraman Nair or Dr. Juilee Mhatre Nair at the Navi Mumbai location most convenient for you.
