Hip Replacement Surgery In Singapore

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 may be performed using conventional instruments, computer-assisted navigation or robotic-assisted technology. Robotic assistance may help the surgeon create a patient-specific plan and receive guidance when preparing the hip joint and positioning the implant components.

The robotic system does not perform the operation independently. The orthopaedic surgeon remains responsible for the surgical plan, clinical decisions and performance of the procedure.

Robotic-assisted total hip replacement combines computer-guided precision with established surgical techniques, such as the direct anterior (muscle-sparing) approach. While the robotic system assists with planning and alignment, all surgical decisions and actions remain under the complete control of the operating surgeon.

Pre-operatively, the surgical team will advise on necessary evaluation tests and fasting instructions. Below is an overview of the typical step-by-step procedure:

Step 1: Pre-Operative Imaging and 3D Planning

Depending on the robotic system utilised, pre-operative imaging (such as a CT scan) may be obtained to create a detailed three-dimensional model of the hip joint. The surgeon uses this model to evaluate the joint’s anatomy and plan the precise size, orientation, and placement of the prosthetic components, taking into account individual leg length and hip alignment.

Step 2: Administering Anaesthesia

Before surgery begins, general anaesthesia (placing the patient into a deep sleep) or regional spinal anaesthesia (numbing the lower body) is administered. The choice of anaesthesia depends on overall patient health, medical evaluation, and surgeon recommendation.

Step 3: Accessing the Hip Joint via the Direct Anterior Approach

A small incision (typically 3 to 4 inches) is made at the front of the hip. Through this incision, the surgeon carefully moves muscles and soft tissues aside without detaching them from the bone. This muscle-sparing technique is designed to provide clear access to the joint while preserving surrounding tissue integrity.

Step 4: Anatomical Registration and System Assessment

Once the joint is accessible, the patient’s anatomy is registered with the robotic system. This aligns the digital 3D plan with the actual joint structure encountered in real time, allowing the surgeon to review the plan and make intraoperative adjustments based on live findings.

Step 5: Preparing the Joint and Excising Damaged Tissue

The damaged femoral head (ball) and diseased cartilage within the acetabulum (socket) are carefully removed. Robotic guidance assists the surgeon in preparing the bone according to the pre-planned boundaries, helping maintain alignment and orientation.

Step 6: Positioning and Securing the Prosthetic Components

The artificial components—including the socket (acetabular cup), liner, femoral stem, and ball—are inserted. These implants are secured using bone cement or a press-fit technique that encourages natural bone growth into the prosthesis over time. Robotic feedback assists the surgeon in checking component alignment, range of motion, and leg length equality.

Step 7: Repositioning Tissues and Closing the Incision

Once component placement and joint stability are verified, the muscles and soft tissues are returned to their natural positions. The incision is closed using sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied. Post-operative care involves close monitoring followed by a structured rehabilitation plan to support mobility and recovery.

Hip replacement is designed to relieve hip pain caused by osteoarthritis. Some of these benefits may include:

• Pain relief from hip pain
• Better hip movement and flexibility
• Improved walking
• Return to sport

Following successful rehabilitation, many patients report being able to walk greater distances with improved comfort and carry out daily work or leisure activities with reduced reliance on pain relief. For retired individuals, improved mobility may support a return to active retirement and low-impact travel.

How Robotic Assistance May Support Hip Replacement

Robotic-assisted technology may support the surgeon during the planning and performance of total hip replacement. Potential advantages may include:

• A patient-specific plan based on the anatomy of the hip
• Guidance for acetabular cup positioning and orientation
• Support for selecting planned implant sizes
• Intraoperative information about hip mechanics
• Assistance when assessing leg length and implant offset
• The ability to review or adjust the plan during surgery
• Greater consistency between the pre-operative plan and surgical execution

These potential benefits do not guarantee a particular clinical result. Outcomes also depend on the severity of the hip condition, bone quality, implant selection, surgical approach, general health and participation in rehabilitation.

Learn more about robotic-assisted joint replacement in Singapore.

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)

Risks and Limitations of Robotic assistance

Robotic assistance does not remove the recognised risks of hip replacement surgery. These may include infection, blood clots, bleeding, nerve or blood vessel injury, stiffness, hip dislocation, leg-length difference, implant loosening and the possible need for revision surgery.

Additional considerations may include:

• The need for specialised pre-operative imaging
• Availability of the robotic platform and trained surgical team
• Technology or equipment-related limitations
• Additional planning and operating-room setup
• Possible differences in imaging, procedural or hospital costs

Your surgeon will explain whether the potential benefits and limitations are relevant to your condition.