Total Hip Replacement in China
What the operation involves, who it suits, how long you stay, and how rehabilitation is arranged before you fly home.
What the operation involves, who it suits, how long you stay, and how rehabilitation is arranged before you fly home.
In a total hip replacement, the damaged ball and socket of the hip joint are removed and replaced with a prosthetic implant. It is offered when pain and loss of function are no longer controlled by conservative treatment: physiotherapy, weight management, analgesia and activity modification.
The common indications are advanced osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis of the femoral head, some fractures of the femoral neck in older patients, and inflammatory arthritis affecting the joint.
X-rays, sometimes CT, blood tests and a review of your medication and general health.
The surgeon selects the implant type and size from the imaging, and confirms the approach.
Typically 1.5 to 2.5 hours under spinal or general anaesthesia, followed by a short monitored stay.
Mobilisation with a physiotherapist usually starts within a day or two, with a walking aid for several weeks.
Hospital stay is commonly three to seven days. Most surgeons want to see you walking and to check the wound before discharge. Flying afterwards is usually possible within one to two weeks, but this is a clinical decision based on swelling, wound healing and your general condition. Plan for at least three weeks in the country if you want supervised rehabilitation before travelling.
As with any major operation: infection, blood clots, bleeding, anaesthetic risk, dislocation of the new joint, leg-length difference and, over the longer term, loosening or wear of the implant. Some patients need revision surgery years later. Your surgeon should discuss your individual risk factors, particularly smoking, diabetes and body weight, before you consent.
Send your X-rays and a short history. A medical assistant will arrange a surgeon review and a written quotation before you commit to travel.
Request a consultation About the hospitalOther orthopedic procedures at the same hospital.