Know what to expect from hip replacement
A plain-language guide to total hip replacement and hemiarthroplasty: who it helps, how surgery and recovery go, and what published research says about approaches, implants and robotics.
Where are you right now?
Pick the starting point that fits. Every page links to the rest of the guide.
- 1
I'm considering surgery
Whether it's time, the alternatives, the main choices and what to ask.
- 2
My surgery is scheduled
Getting ready: your home, rides, help, costs and appointment questions.
- 3
I'm recovering
What recovery usually looks like and everyday life. Your care team's discharge instructions tell you when to call them.
Common questions, clear answers
Focused, sourced answers to the questions people ask most before and after surgery.
Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline
What recovery usually looks like from the first day to the first year.
RecoveryHip Precautions: Do You Still Need Them?
What the restrictions are, and what new research says about whether they help.
EvidenceHow Long Does a Hip Replacement Last?
What registries show at 10, 20 and 25 years, and why some hips need revision.
Daily lifeDriving After Hip Replacement: When Is It Safe?
Right hip vs left hip, braking tests, and the checklist before you drive.
EvidenceAnterior vs Posterior Hip Replacement
What randomized trials show about the front and back approaches.
More guides:Preparing for surgeryPain and swellingInfectionReturning to work
Latest news
Research, FDA clearances and policy changes that could matter to patients.
For clinicians and hospital teams
Evidence summaries, manufacturer listings, purchasing questions and every source the site cites.
- Training modules (coming soon)Short, sourced modules with quizzes for clinicians in training and industry teams.
- What the evidence saysImplant lifespan, approaches, precautions, complications and open questions.
- US manufacturersWho makes hip implants, robots and navigation in the US, with sources.
- Value analysisEvidence and questions for value analysis committees.
- ReferencesEvery peer-reviewed and official source, with links.
- ResourcesSupport organizations, guidelines, registries and databases.
- GlossaryPlain-language definitions of the terms you'll hear.