Hip Replacement in Chandigarh

Walking becomes measured — you count steps to the kitchen. Getting up from a chair requires planning. Sleeping on one side becomes impossible. Hip replacement removes that limitation, and it does it reliably. Over 95% of hip replacements are still functioning well at 15 years.

Conditions we treat

Osteoarthritis — the most common reason. Cartilage wears away over decades until it is gone. Bone rubs on bone. The pain becomes constant.
Avascular necrosis (AVN) — the blood supply to the femoral head is lost, causing the bone to collapse. Common in younger patients, sometimes linked to steroid use or alcohol. Replacement is often needed.
Hip fractures — operated as an emergency. A fractured hip that is not operated within 48 hours carries significantly higher mortality in elderly patients. We operate 24 hours, 7 days.
Rheumatoid arthritis — inflammatory joint disease that destroys cartilage faster than osteoarthritis. Often presents in both hips.
Failed previous hip surgery — loose implants, periprosthetic infection, or implant fracture requiring revision.

Total hip replacement vs partial (hemiarthroplasty)

Total hip replacement (THR) replaces both the femoral head and the acetabular cup. Hemiarthroplasty replaces only the femoral head and is typically used for hip fractures in elderly patients where a faster procedure is preferred. For arthritis and AVN, total replacement gives better long-term results and is the standard recommendation.

Cemented vs uncemented implants

Cemented implants are fixed with bone cement — reliable in older patients with softer bone. Uncemented implants have a porous surface that allows bone to grow into the implant over time — preferred in younger, more active patients with good bone quality. Dr. Malhotra selects the appropriate fixation based on your age, bone density, and activity level.

Recovery timeline

Day 1: Walking with a walker. Hip precautions explained and practised with physiotherapy.
3–5 days: Discharged home. Most patients manage stairs before discharge.
6 weeks: Walking without walker. Driving possible for most patients.
3 months: Return to most daily activities. Low-impact exercise (walking, swimming) encouraged.
6–12 months: Full strength restored. Most patients describe the new hip as feeling completely natural.

Frequently asked questions

Is hip replacement a major surgery?+

Yes, but it is one of the most successful and well-studied operations in orthopaedics. The procedure takes 45–90 minutes under spinal or general anaesthesia. Blood loss is minimal with modern techniques. Most patients are walking on day one and home within 3–5 days. The risk profile is low in healthy patients and well-managed in those with medical comorbidities.

What activities can I do after hip replacement?+

After full recovery (6–12 months), most patients can walk long distances, swim, cycle, play golf, and travel without restriction. High-impact activities like running and jumping are generally not recommended as they accelerate implant wear. Hip precautions (avoiding extreme positions) apply mainly in the first 6 weeks.

How long does a hip implant last?+

Modern hip implants last 20+ years in the majority of patients. Ceramic-on-ceramic and metal-on-polyethylene bearing combinations have excellent long-term wear data. Implant lifespan depends on activity level, body weight, and implant alignment. Correctly placed implants in appropriately selected patients rarely require revision.

Can both hips be replaced at the same time?+

Simultaneous bilateral hip replacement is possible in selected patients but carries higher risk. We generally recommend staging the procedures 6–12 weeks apart. This allows full recovery from the first surgery and reduces anaesthetic and blood loss risk.

Is hip replacement covered under Ayushman Bharat or CGHS?+

Hip replacement is covered under Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY), CGHS, ECHS, and most state government health schemes. Private insurance (Mediclaim, Star Health, etc.) also covers hip replacement. Our team assists with all paperwork and pre-authorisation.