Hip Replacement: What You Need to Know Before, During, and After Surgery

For many people, the hip isn’t something you give much thought to—until it starts hurting. And when it does, it can turn everything upside down. A stiff, aching hip can make it hard to walk, get in and out of a car, tie your shoes, or sleep through the night. Over time, it starts to wear you down.

At Adam Vital Hospital, we see this every day. People come in frustrated, tired, and just wanting their mobility back. The good news? For the right person, hip replacement can do exactly that.

This isn’t a procedure reserved for the elderly anymore. Increasingly, younger and active adults are also turning to hip replacement when conservative options no longer work. If you’re wondering whether it might be right for you or someone you love, here’s what you should know.

First Things First: What Exactly Is a Hip Replacement?

The hip is one of the largest joints in the body—a ball-and-socket joint where the femur (thigh bone) meets the pelvis. In a healthy hip, cartilage cushions the bones, allowing for smooth and pain-free movement. But over time, or due to injury or disease, that cartilage wears away. That’s when bones begin to grind against each other, causing pain, swelling, and reduced movement.

Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged parts of the joint and replacing them with artificial components. These prosthetic parts are typically made from metal, ceramic, or durable plastic, and they’re designed to replicate the natural movement of your joint.

When Is It Time to Think About Surgery?

It’s not a decision anyone jumps into lightly. And it shouldn’t be. At Adam Vital Hospital, our orthopedic team always explores non-surgical treatments first—things like physical therapy, medications, weight management, or joint injections.

But if you’ve tried all that, and:

The pain keeps you awake at night

You struggle to walk short distances

Everyday tasks like bending, sitting, or standing feel impossible

You’ve started avoiding activities you used to enjoy

…it may be time to consider surgery.

The goal of hip replacement isn’t just to relieve pain—it’s to give you your independence back. For many of our patients, that means being able to travel again, go for long walks, return to golf or swimming, or simply live without relying on painkillers.

What to Expect Before Surgery

Once you and your doctor decide on surgery, we begin preparing you for the best possible outcome. At Adam Vital, that includes:

Comprehensive physical assessment to make sure you're medically fit for surgery

Pre-operative imaging to plan the exact alignment and sizing of your implant

Patient education sessions, where we walk you through the procedure, recovery timeline, and what to expect post-op

Customized prehab: a few weeks of physical therapy before the operation can strengthen the muscles around your hip, which often leads to a smoother recovery

We believe informed patients recover better. We take the time to answer your questions, explain every step, and help you feel confident going into the operating room.

During the Procedure

The surgery itself usually takes 1 to 2 hours. Our orthopedic surgeons at Adam Vital use minimally invasive techniques wherever possible. That means smaller incisions, less muscle damage, and quicker recovery.

During the operation, the surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage and replaces them with prosthetic components. These new parts are precisely positioned to restore your natural joint mechanics and minimize wear over time.

You’ll be under spinal or general anesthesia, depending on your case and your preference, and closely monitored throughout.

The Road to Recovery

You’re not alone in this. From the moment you leave the operating theatre, our rehabilitation team gets to work. You’ll usually be up and walking—yes, walking—the same day or the next morning.

Most patients stay in the hospital for 1–3 days, depending on how quickly they regain mobility. Physical therapy starts immediately, focusing on:

Walking with support (like a walker or cane)

Strengthening muscles around the hip

Regaining full range of motion

Within 4 to 6 weeks, many people are back to their normal routines. By 3 months, most patients report feeling dramatically better than before surgery.

What Makes a Good Outcome?

Successful hip replacement isn’t just about the surgery—it’s about everything surrounding it. At Adam Vital Hospital, we emphasize:

Individualized care: No two patients are the same. We tailor every aspect of your surgery and rehab.

Experienced surgeons: Our orthopedic specialists have performed hundreds of successful joint replacements.

Advanced technology: From 3D imaging to high-precision implants, we use the latest tools for better outcomes.

Post-operative support: You’ll receive regular follow-ups, pain management, and guidance through every phase of healing.

Final Thoughts

If hip pain has been dictating your life—limiting your movement, forcing you to depend on others, or keeping you from things you love—hip replacement might be the solution you’ve been waiting for.

It’s not a quick fix, and it’s not without effort. But for the vast majority of patients, the results are life-changing.

At Adam Vital Hospital in Dubai, we combine skill, experience, and compassion to help you move forward with strength and confidence.

Let’s get you moving again.

Schedule your consultation with our orthopedic team and take the first step toward reclaiming your mobility.