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Is 2nd hip replacement easier than first?

Author

Mia Kelly

Published Jan 10, 2026

The procedure is technically more difficult than primary hip replacements and the effects on the patient are more significant (longer surgery, more blood loss).

Is the second hip replacement worse than the first?

The procedure is more complex and difficult than the initial hip or knee replacement. Yet, studies show that more than 9 out of 10 people who undergo revision surgery have good to excellent results.

How long does it take to recover from two hip replacements?

You'll likely be able to return to most of your daily activities, including driving, in about 6 weeks. Full recovery may take 1 year or more. It's important to talk to your doctor about how to prepare for this surgery and what the recovery period involves.

How common is it to have two hip replacements?

In people with damage or deterioration in both hip joints that significantly affects daily life, a double hip replacement can help alleviate pain and improve function. But double hip replacements are rare, according to a 2015 report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Can you have hip surgery on both hips at the same time?

Some patients have degenerative problems in both hips and, with their surgeon's guidance, may consider having both hips replaced at the same time. This is called bilateral total hip replacement. It may also be referred to as simultaneous total hip replacement.

20 related questions found

How painful is a hip replacement?

You can expect to experience some discomfort in the hip region itself, as well as groin pain and thigh pain. This is normal as your body adjusts to changes made to joints in that area. There can also be pain in the thigh and knee that is typically associated with a change in the length of your leg.

Is it better to get both hips replaced at the same time?

However, for some patients, a double hip replacement may be recommended, where both hips are painful and badly damaged by arthritis. While less common than a single (unilateral) hip replacement, having both hips replaced at the same time (bilateral), can deliver significant benefits to some patients.

Which method of hip replacement is the best?

The posterior approach to total hip replacement is the most commonly used method and allows the surgeon excellent visibility of the joint, more precise placement of implants and is minimally invasive.

Can you have the same hip replaced twice?

Over time, however, a hip replacement can fail for a variety of reasons. When this occurs, your doctor may recommend that you have a second operation to remove some or all of the parts of the original prosthesis and replace them with new ones. This procedure is called revision total hip replacement.

How long are you on bed rest after a hip replacement?

How do I safely rest and sleep after a hip replacement? Elevate both of your legs when sitting to minimize swelling. When resting or sleeping in bed, lie on your non-operative side for the first four to six weeks following surgery.

Which is more painful knee or hip replacement?

A hip replacement is a much less painful operation. People are on crutches for a while, and then their hips feel normal. But it takes six months to a year to recover from total knee surgery, and even then, the knee just doesn't feel normal.

How long does it take to walk normally after a hip replacement?

Most hip replacement patients are able to walk within the same day or next day of surgery; most can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks of their total hip replacement recovery. Once light activity becomes possible, it's important to incorporate healthy exercise into your recovery program.

How difficult is a second hip replacement?

A second hip replacement surgery will take longer, and it is more complex. Your health may not be the same as it was during your first hip replacement, and you may be less tolerant of long surgeries. Likewise, your health affects how quickly you can recover. Physical fitness can also reduce the risk of complications.

What is the most difficult joint replacement?

Knee replacement is technically more difficult to get right than hip replacement and this is one important reason why some patients have poorer results than others. A surgeon who does a good number of knee replacements will tend to have better results, but this is not the whole story.

What is the fastest way to recover from a hip replacement?

7 practical tips for successful hip replacement recovery

  1. Prepare your home in advance. ...
  2. Plan for some time off work. ...
  3. Balance rest and recovery with gentle exercise. ...
  4. Think about your nutrition to help speed up recovery. ...
  5. Be mindful of your hip when in bed. ...
  6. Think about your holidays and travel plans.

How can I reduce pain during waiting for hip replacement?

Ways to manage your pain while waiting for surgery

  1. Using a heat pad or hot water bottle, or alternatively an ice pad or cold compress.
  2. Using a TENs machine.
  3. Self-massage to stretch and ease tight muscles. Some people found using a foam roller helpful to relieve stiffness and tension.

What is the least invasive hip replacement?

Anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive hip surgery performed to replace the hip joint without cutting through any muscles. It is also referred to as muscle sparing surgery because no muscles are cut enabling a quicker return to normal activity.

What are the disadvantages of hip replacement?

Three Cons of Hip Replacement

  • Possible Infections. Dr. Sutphen: A minimal number of surgery patients (roughly around 1%) can develop an infection around their hip replacement. ...
  • Potential for Change in Leg Length. Dr. ...
  • Possible Mechanical Complications.

What does a loose hip implant feel like?

Thigh or groin pain is the primary symptom of stem loosening in hip replacement, especially during walking. Sometimes, the pain can radiate to the knee. Knee pain, often at the start of activities, can also be a sign of implant loosening.

What is the average hospital stay for a hip replacement?

The typical hospital stay after hip replacement is one night, but some patients stay longer, while others go home on their surgery day.

Why does my hip hurt 2 years after hip replacement?

Pain that never improves after surgery is likely a complication of the surgery itself, such as infection, instability, fracture, or poor implant alignment. Persistent pain can also be a sign of other pathology that may have been missed, including lumbar or sacroiliac joint disease.

How long will I limp after hip surgery?

You will walk without support when you feel you are safe and can walk comfortably without dropping your hip or limping. Some patients can do this within 2 weeks after surgery while others take 6-8 weeks or longer. Continue to use support as needed to minimize limping.

Can you walk the same day after hip replacement?

“Patients are given shorter acting anesthesia that allows them to walk the same day but reduces their pain in the days that follow,” he said. “We needed to work with our nursing, physical therapy, and occupational therapy colleagues to develop 'prehab' educational sessions for patients prior to surgery.

Is it OK to sit in a recliner after hip replacement surgery?

Try to sit in a straight back chair (avoid low sofas, recliners, or zero-gravity chairs) for the first 6 weeks. Do NOT sleep in a recliner. Your hip will get stiff in a flexed position and be harder to straighten out.