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Hip Replacement Surgery In Singapore
Hip replacement surgery may be considered when severe hip arthritis or joint damage causes persistent pain, stiffness and reduced mobility despite non-surgical treatments. An orthopaedic surgeon will assess your symptoms, hip condition, overall health and lifestyle needs to determine whether surgery is suitable and recommend the most appropriate treatment approach to help restore movement and improve quality of life.
Dr Kau Chung Yuan (许医生)
MBBS (S’PORE)
MRCS (Ireland)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCSEd (Ortho)
What is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty, involves replacing the damaged cartilage and bone in the hip with metal implants and high-grade plastic components. This surgery helps relieve pain and restore function in patients with difficulty walking.
Hip osteoarthritis is the most common condition that requires a hip replacement. It is an effective and safe procedure that has helped many patients regain mobility and independence.
Hip replacement surgery can be performed using different surgical techniques depending on the patient’s condition, anatomy and the surgeon’s assessment. The goal of surgery is to relieve pain, restore mobility and improve quality of life.
When is Hip Replacement Surgery needed?
Patients who suffer from hip osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis may be suitable candidates for hip replacement surgery. The damaged cartilage in their hip can cause pain and difficulty moving, which will require surgical intervention.
Other symptoms include:
- Groin pain, thigh or infrequently buttock pain
- Pain with walking and climbing stairs
- Hip stiffness
- Difficulty with foot care, wearing socks and shoes
- Difficulty wearing pants and trousers
- Difficulty getting in and out of a car
- Inability to squat
Once all non-surgical treatment options have been exhausted, your doctor may recommend a hip replacement. Your doctor will first examine your hip to check for stiffness, loss of motion, and stability. X-rays of the hip will be needed to evaluate the degree of damage.
MRI scans may be requested if your condition is at an early stage of the disease. A bone mineral density scan is useful for assessing osteoporosis. Once the tests are completed, your doctor will discuss your options for the hip implant and surgical approach.
During your consultation, your surgeon will assess factors such as joint damage, hip anatomy, bone quality, previous medical history and lifestyle needs to determine the most suitable treatment approach.
Types of Hip Replacement Surgery
Depending on several factors, such as the extent of damage to the hip joint, your doctor may recommend different types of hip replacement surgery.
Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement involves removing the damaged femoral head (ball) and acetabulum (socket) and replacing them with a prosthesis. This surgery is used to relieve pain and restore function in patients with severe hip joint damage.
Technology-Assisted Hip replacement
Some hip replacement procedures may use computer-assisted technology to support surgical planning and implant positioning. However, the suitability of these technologies depends on each patient’s condition and the surgeon’s assessment.
Total Hip Replacement (Direct Anterior Approach)
The direct anterior approach is a minimally invasive technique for total hip replacement. The hip specialist accesses the hip joint from the front, working between muscles without detaching them. This approach often results in less pain and a faster recovery compared to the traditional method.
Direct Anterior Approach Clarification
The direct anterior approach describes how the surgeon accesses the hip joint. The recommended approach depends on factors such as your anatomy, diagnosis, implant requirements and your surgeon’s assessment. These are separate aspects of surgery and may be considered together when appropriate for the patient.
Partial Hip Replacement
Unlike a total hip replacement, this surgical procedure will only remove and replace the femoral head (ball) with an implant. This surgery is suitable for older patients with femur neck fractures.
What Happens During Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery involves removing damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with artificial components to reduce pain and restore mobility. The procedure involves several key stages, from assessment and preparation to implant placement and rehabilitation.
Step 1: Consultation and Assessment
Before surgery, your surgeon will assess your symptoms, medical history and the condition of your hip joint. Imaging tests such as X-rays may be used to evaluate the extent of damage and determine the most suitable treatment approach.
Step 2: Preparing for Surgery
Before the procedure, you may undergo medical assessments to ensure you are fit for surgery. Your healthcare team will also provide guidance on medications, anaesthesia, rehabilitation and preparing your home for recovery.
Step 3: Removing the Damaged Hip Joint
During surgery, the damaged femoral head (ball) and worn cartilage within the hip socket are removed. The surgeon prepares the joint surfaces to allow the artificial components to be securely placed.
Step 4: Implant Placement
The surgeon inserts the artificial hip components, including the acetabular cup, liner, femoral stem and ball. These implants are positioned to restore hip stability, movement and function.
Step 5: Recovery and Rehabilitation
After surgery, patients begin moving with guidance from their healthcare team and start physiotherapy to rebuild strength and mobility. Recovery progress varies depending on factors such as overall health, activity level and commitment to rehabilitation.
Benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip replacement surgery aims to relieve pain caused by hip joint damage and improve mobility. Potential benefits may include:
- Reduced hip pain
- Improved movement and flexibility
- Better ability to perform daily activities
- Improve independence and quality of life
Following successful rehabilitation, many patients can return to walking comfortably and resume low-impact activities with improved confidence.
Risks of Hip Replacement Surgery
As with any surgery, a hip replacement surgery also has its risks. Although uncommon, it is possible to experience:
- Infection of the hip
- Damage to nerves and blood vessels around the hip
- Bleeding
- Stiffness
- Blood clots
- Hip dislocation
- Leg length discrepancy (unequal leg length)
Dr Kau Chung Yuan has experience in robotic-assisted partial knee, total knee and total hip replacement surgery. He has performed robotic-assisted joint replacement procedures since 2018.
Learn more about Dr Kau Chung Yuan’s orthopaedic training and subspecialty experience on the surgeon profile page.
Pre-Surgery
How do you prepare for a Hip Replacement?
Recovery after a hip replacement surgery can be improved with proper preparations. If you are overweight, keeping in shape before surgery can strengthen your body to move around in crutches more easily.
Before surgery, your doctor may recommend additional imaging tests to assess your hip joint and assist with surgical planning. The required tests will depend on your condition and treatment approach. These assessments help your surgeon evaluate the condition of your hip joint and plan the most appropriate surgical approach.
The required tests, surgical approach and implant plan will be discussed during the pre-operative assessment.
Patients may also meet with their physiotherapist to discuss rehabilitation exercises post-surgery so that they are more familiar with them.
After a hip replacement surgery, mobility may be reduced for a couple of weeks, and patients will require some form of walking aid. To make this transition easier, patients are recommended to prepare their homes so they can move around easily and safely.
Some home preparations include:
- Setting up a space where you can reach your daily necessities without climbing stairs
- Installing a shower chair
- Installing a raised toilet seat
- Fixing safety bars in the shower
- Removing hazards such as rugs and clutter
Post-Surgery and Recovery
What is Recovery Like After a Hip Replacement Surgery?
Patients will be able to stand and take steps within 24 hours after surgery. Most patients can be comfortably discharged 1 to 2 days after surgery. You will need a walking aid for the first 4-6 weeks as your hip gets progressively stronger.
With consistent physical therapy, patients can return to normal mobility within three months, and mobility will continue to improve afterwards. High-impact activities may not be recommended during recovery, but low-impact exercises like swimming and walking can strengthen the joint.
Recovery after hip replacement surgery varies depending on your age, overall health, surgical approach and rehabilitation progress. Most patients gradually regain mobility through physiotherapy and guided exercises.
Recovery progress depends on factors such as age, general health, muscle strength, surgical complexity and participation in rehabilitation.
For more information, read the recovery timeline after hip replacement surgery.
What is the Cost of a Hip Replacement in Singapore?
According to MOH’s fee guideline, a total hip replacement surgery costs an average of $40,000 at a private hospital. This fee is calculated before deducting your personal insurance plans (Integrated Shield Plans, Medishield Life) and MediSave payouts. The maximum MediSave payout you can obtain for a total hip replacement surgery is $4,650.
Dr Kau is on the panel for most major local insurers. Talk to our team and your insurance agent to understand the out-of-pocket fees required for a hip replacement surgery.
The cost of hip replacement surgery may vary depending on the hospital, implant choice, surgical complexity and individual treatment requirements.
Patients should request an itemised estimate and confirm their Integrated Shield Plan, MediShield Life, MediSave and pre-authorisation coverage before surgery.
Dr. Kau Chung Yuan
MBBS (S’pore)
MRCS (Ireland)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCSEd (Ortho)
Dr Kau (许医生) is a Fellowship trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with a subspecialty interest in Hip and Knee surgery and has been in practice for more than 15 years.
He is experienced in trauma and fracture management, sports injuries, and joint replacement surgery.
- Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons Edinburgh, Orthopaedics (FRCS, Edin) 2014
- Master of Medicine (Orthopaedics), Singapore (MMed) 2013
- Member of the Royal College of Surgeons Ireland (MRCS, Ire) 2009
- Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery (MBBS, Singapore) 2004
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does a hip replacement last?
Modern hip replacement implants are designed to provide long-term function and may last 15 to 20 years or more depending on factors such as implant type, activity level, bone quality and overall health.
Who is suitable for hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery may be recommended for patients with severe hip damage caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or fractures. Your surgeon will assess your symptoms, joint condition and overall health to determine whether surgery is suitable.
How painful is hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is performed under anaesthesia, so you will not feel pain during the procedure. After surgery, some discomfort is expected, but pain is usually managed with medication and improves as you progress through rehabilitation.
How long does recovery take after hip replacement?
Most patients begin walking with assistance soon after surgery. Recovery varies between individuals, but many patients gradually return to normal daily activities within a few months with proper physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
What activities can I do after hip replacement?
After recovery, many patients can return to low-impact activities such as walking, swimming and cycling. Your surgeon will advise when it is safe to resume specific activities based on your recovery progress.
What is the difference between total and partial hip replacement?
Total hip replacement involves replacing both the damaged femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket). Partial hip replacement only replaces the femoral head and is commonly considered for certain types of hip fractures.
When should I consider hip replacement surgery?
You may consider hip replacement surgery when persistent hip pain, stiffness or reduced mobility affects your daily activities and does not improve with non-surgical treatments such as medication, physiotherapy or lifestyle adjustments.