C
Clarity News Hub

Where is the incision for hip replacement?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 19, 2026

Location of Incision

Anterior hip replacement surgery uses an incision at the front of the hip. This incision typically starts at the top of the pelvic bone (iliac crest) and extends down toward the top of the thigh. Less commonly, the incision is made horizontally.

Where do they cut you for hip replacement surgery?

A cut will be made in one of three places -- on the back of the hip (over the buttock), on the front of the hip (near the groin), or on the side of the hip. Your surgeon will explain which approach will be used. In most cases, the cut will be 3 to 6 inches (7.5 to 15 centimeters) long.

How big is the incision for total hip replacement?

With traditional hip replacement, surgeons cut a six to 12-inch incision along the thigh, cutting through the muscle and tendon, to reach the hip joint, causing more blood loss.

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.

What is the newest procedure for hip replacement?

The latest advanced technology, a percutaneously-assisted “SUPERPATH™” approach, involves sparing the surrounding muscles and tendons when performing total hip replacement surgery. This technique builds a traditional hip implant in-place without cutting any muscles or tendons.

18 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.

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.

How do you poop after hip surgery?

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and eat foods high in fiber, such as fruits and vegetables, to prevent constipation. Use a stool softener while taking pain medication. Take a laxative if you do not have a bowel movement within two to three days. Notify your doctor if you don't have results after taking the laxative.

How many days after hip replacement can you walk?

3 to 6 Weeks After Hip Replacement Surgery

You'll likely be able to walk without a walker or crutches.

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 far should you be walking 4 weeks after hip replacement?

During weeks 3-5, walking endurance usually increases if you have been consistent with your home program. Weeks 4-5: Ambulation distances up to 1 mile (2-3 city blocks), resting as needed. Weeks 5-6: Ambulation distances of 1-2 miles; able to meet shopping needs once released to driving.

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.

How far into the femur does a hip replacement go?

Once you've been anaesthetised, the surgeon makes a cut (incision) of up to 30cm over the side of your hip. The upper part of your thigh bone (femur) is removed and the natural socket for the head of your femur is hollowed out.

How long does a total hip operation take?

The surgeon makes a cut (incision) into the hip, removes the damaged hip joint and replaces it with an artificial joint or implant. The surgery usually takes around 1 to 2 hours to complete.

What are the 2 types of hip replacement surgery?

There are two major surgical approach methods for performing a total hip replacement:

  • the posterior approach (more common)
  • the anterior approach (sometimes called the "mini-anterior approach" or "muscle-sparing hip replacement")

Are screws used in hip replacement surgery?

The cementless implantation of hip replacement cups may be performed with and without the additional use of acetabular screws. If the surgeon uses screws or not depends on variable factors. In general, the use of screws is intended to increase the primary stability of the cup.

Can you go home same day after hip replacement?

Same-day surgeries, also called outpatient surgery, are when a patient safely leaves the hospital to recover at home the same day as the surgery. About one-third to one-half of my patients with a knee or hip replacement surgeries can go home the same day as their procedures.

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.

What you Cannot do after a hip replacement?

Hip replacement patients are given a long list of things not to do—do not bend the hips or knees further than 90 degrees, do not cross the legs, do not lift the leg to put on socks, and much more. These movement restrictions protect the new hip from dislocation.

How do you sleep after a hip replacement?

Sleeping after hip surgery

  1. Sleep on your back with a pillow between your knees. Avoid crossing your surgical leg across the middle of your body.
  2. Sleep on your non-operative side with pillows between your legs. Avoid bending your knees.

When is the best time for a hip replacement?

What Are the Signs You Need a Hip Replacement?

  1. Pain medication and physical therapy don't work. ...
  2. Hip pain affects your day-to-day activities and mood. ...
  3. Your hip hurts when you're resting. ...
  4. You know your hip is causing your pain. ...
  5. Your hip joint is damaged. ...
  6. You have severe arthritis in your hip.

Do you have to sleep on your back after hip replacement?

The best position to sleep in after total hip replacement is on your back with a pillow between your legs. You can also sleep on your non-operative side with two pillows lined between your legs. When you're sleeping on your back, make sure you don't cross your ankles or legs.

What should I be doing 1 week after hip replacement?

One or two weeks after surgery you'll probably be able to:

  • Move about your home more easily.
  • Walk short distances, to your mailbox, around the block, or perhaps even further.
  • Prepare your own meals. One to 2 weeks after surgery you may be able to stand at the kitchen counter without a walking aid. ...
  • Take showers.

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.

Where is hip pain felt?

The hip connects the torso to the leg, and hip-related pain may not be felt directly at the hip. Instead, pain may be felt in the groin, down the thigh, inner knee, buttock or lower back. Conversely, lower back problems may cause pain to radiate to the hip.