When do I need hip replacement surgery?

When you have severe pain affecting sleep and daily activities, or when conservative treatments fail to control the symptoms of hip arthritis or joint degeneration.

What is the recovery period after hip replacement?

Most patients walk with assistance within 1-2 days and return to most daily activities within 6-12 weeks with a physiotherapy program.

How long does an artificial hip joint last?

Modern hip implants typically last 15-25 years or more, depending on the patient's age, activity level, and the type of implant used.

How long does hip replacement surgery take?

Usually 60-90 minutes, followed by recovery time before transfer. Total hospital stay 2-3 days.

What is the difference between anterior and posterior hip replacement?

Anterior approach goes between muscles without cutting them — faster recovery, lower dislocation risk. Posterior is wider and technically easier but requires cutting some muscles.

When can I walk without a cane?

Most patients stop using a cane within 4-6 weeks. Anterior approach may allow even faster recovery.

Which movements are forbidden after hip surgery?

During the first 6-12 weeks: no bending the hip more than 90°, no crossing legs, no upper-body twisting with feet planted, no deep bending. See our hip recovery guide.

How long does the implant last?

Modern ceramic and high-grade polyethylene implants are designed to last 20-25 years or more.

Hip Replacement Surgery in Riyadh: Complete Guide

Hip replacement is one of the most successful surgical procedures and most life-changing for patients. It restores walking ability and natural movement after years of pain. This complete guide from Dr. Hazim Sakalla covers everything.

What is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement replaces a worn or fractured joint with an artificial one consisting of a ball and socket made of ceramic or metal with high-grade polyethylene. Performed at Dr. Hazim Sakalla's clinic at SMC Hospital in King Fahd District, Riyadh.

When Do You Need Hip Replacement?

Chronic hip pain radiating to thigh, buttock, or groin.
Hip stiffness making it hard to dress shoes and socks.
Difficulty walking or climbing stairs.
Night pain.
Painkiller dependence.
Femoral neck fracture in elderly.
Advanced hip osteoarthritis.
Avascular necrosis of femoral head.
Rheumatoid arthritis with hip damage.

Types of Hip Replacement

1. Total Hip Replacement (THR)

Complete replacement — most common, excellent long-term results.

2. Hemiarthroplasty

Replaces only the ball, keeping the natural socket. Often for elderly with hip fractures.

3. Anterior Approach

Modern technique — access through muscles without cutting. Advantages: faster recovery, less pain, lower dislocation risk, fewer post-op restrictions.

4. Posterior Approach

Traditional, most used historically. Requires cutting some muscles but technically easier.

5. Revision Surgery

For patients with prior replacement needing change due to wear, infection, or loosening.

Pre-Op Assessment

Clinical examination (range, leg length)
X-rays
MRI (avascular necrosis, soft tissue)
CT for complex cases
Blood tests
ECG and lung function for seniors

Procedure Steps

Anesthesia
10-15 cm incision (anterior or posterior)
Access through muscles
Remove worn femoral head
Prepare socket in pelvis
Fix implant (socket then ball)
Verify joint stability
Layered closure

Recovery

Full recovery 3-6 months. See our complete hip recovery guide.

Forbidden Movements (Very Important)

Do not bend hip more than 90°
Never cross legs
Use pillow between legs while sleeping
No upper-body twisting with planted feet
Avoid deep bending
Avoid low chairs and toilets

Anterior approach reduces or eliminates most restrictions.

Hip Fracture in Elderly: An Emergency

Femoral neck fracture in seniors (60+) is a serious injury. 20% first-year mortality without prompt surgery. Surgery within 48 hours is essential. See bone health and fracture prevention for seniors.

Why Choose Dr. Hazim Sakalla?

PhD in Orthopedic Surgery, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University
25+ years experience
Master of both anterior and posterior approaches
Latest techniques at SMC Hospital
One-year personal follow-up
Multi-lingual care (Arabic, English, Russian)

Book Your Consultation

If you suffer from chronic hip pain or had a fracture, book with Dr. Hazim Sakalla at SMC Healthcare in Riyadh via WhatsApp +966 56 122 5544.

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#hip-replacement#hip-surgery#riyadh#smc-hospital#hip-fracture

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