When arthritis, avascular necrosis or injury has worn out the entire hip joint both the ball and the socket a total hip replacement rebuilds it, easing deep hip pain and restoring the movement you've slowly lost. PMG Hospital is an NABH-certified total hip replacement hospital in Ahmedabad caring for patients across Gujarat, and the surgery is performed by total hip replacement doctor in Ahmedabad, Dr. Hiren Patel. This page explains what total hip replacement (THR) involves, how it differs from a partial replacement, the implant choices you'll face, and what recovery and cost realistically look like so the decision feels informed, not rushed.
What Is Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty) replaces both parts of the worn hip joint: the femoral head (the "ball") and the acetabulum (the "socket"). The damaged femoral head is removed and a metal stem is set into the thigh bone, topped with a metal or ceramic ball; the worn socket is cleared and fitted with a cup. Together they recreate a smooth, stable, gliding joint. It's the most commonly performed hip replacement and, when the whole joint is affected, the most reliable route back to a pain-free, active life.
Total vs Partial Hip Replacement - What's the Difference?
The difference comes down to how much of the joint is replaced.
| Total Hip Replacement (THR) | Partial Hip Replacement (PHR) | |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Both the ball and the socket | Only the ball (femoral head) |
| Components | Stem + ball, plus a cup in the socket | Stem + ball; the natural socket is kept |
| Best for | Arthritis, AVN or damage affecting the whole joint | Certain femoral-head fractures where the socket is healthy |
The right choice depends on the extent of damage, your age, activity level and overall health all weighed carefully before your surgeon recommends the most suitable procedure.
Who Needs a Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement is usually considered for people with severe hip pain and stiffness that make daily activities very hard, once medicines, physiotherapy and injections no longer help. The conditions that typically lead to this stage are osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (a particularly common cause in India, often in younger adults), hip fractures, and other joint diseases. The decision follows an evaluation with an orthopedic surgeon, who weighs the severity of your symptoms, your general health, and your ability to recover with post-surgery rehabilitation. Surgery is recommended only when it's genuinely the best path forward.
The Total Hip Replacement Procedure, Step by Step
- Anaesthesia - general (asleep) or regional (numbing the lower body), depending on what suits you.
- Incision - the surgeon reaches the joint through an incision at the side or back of the hip.
- Resection - the damaged femoral head is removed, a metal stem is set into the femur, and the socket is cleared of damaged cartilage and reshaped for the cup.
- Implantation - a metal or ceramic ball is fixed to the stem, and a metal, ceramic or plastic cup is placed into the socket.
- Closure - the incision is closed with sutures or staples and covered with a sterile dressing.
- Recovery - you're monitored and begin physiotherapy to rebuild strength and mobility, usually starting early.
Choosing Your Implant (Bearing Surfaces)
Hip implants differ mainly in their "bearing surface" , the ball-and-cup material combination that determines wear and durability. The right one is matched to your age, activity level and any specific concerns.
| Bearing type | What it is | Often chosen for |
|---|---|---|
| Metal-on-polyethylene | Metal ball on a (highly cross-linked) plastic cup | The most common, well-established, good-value option |
| Ceramic-on-polyethylene | Ceramic ball on a plastic cup | Lower wear; often younger, more active patients |
| Ceramic-on-ceramic | Ceramic ball and ceramic cup | Excellent wear resistance; metal-sensitivity concerns |
Metal-on-metal bearings are now rarely used because of concerns about metal-ion release. Dr. Hiren Patel guides each patient through the choice based on their age, activity and health.
Can Both Hips Be Replaced at the Same Time?
If both hips are badly affected, they can be replaced together but this is less common than doing one at a time, and suitability depends on your fitness.
| Simultaneous bilateral | Staged (sequential) | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Both hips in one operation | Each hip separately, months apart |
| Trade-off | Longer operation; higher risk of blood loss, infection, clots | Easier rehabilitation between surgeries |
| Recovery | More demanding early on | More manageable one hip at a time |
| Suitability | Only for carefully selected, fit patients | The more common, lower-risk path for many |
Which is appropriate for you is decided after a careful assessment of your age, overall health, fitness and the extent of hip damage.
How Long Does a Total Hip Replacement Last?
On average, a total hip replacement lasts 15 to 20 years or more, and advances in surgical technique and implant materials mean many people enjoy a functional, pain-free hip for two decades or longer. Longevity depends on your age, activity level, the implant used and the underlying condition. Over time, excessive wear, implant loosening or bone loss can occasionally require revision surgery. Regular follow-up and sticking to your post-operative and rehabilitation guidance help you get the most from your new hip.
Recovery After Total Hip Replacement
Recovery from a total hip replacement is often comparatively smooth. Most patients stay in hospital for a few days, start walking with a walker or assistive device early, and build strength through a guided physiotherapy programme. Light daily activities usually return over the first weeks, driving around six weeks once cleared, and fuller recovery within roughly six months even in more severe cases. For the first several weeks, simple hip precautions (avoiding deep bending past 90 degrees, not crossing the legs, using an elevated seat) protect the new joint; your surgeon will confirm which apply to your surgical approach. Recovery is individual, and patients travelling from Mahesana, Rajkot, Visnagar, Kadi or overseas have it coordinated with this in mind.
What Total Hip Replacement Costs in Ahmedabad
Across reputed private hospitals in Ahmedabad, total hip replacement generally ranges from about ₹2–4.5 lakh, depending on the implant (bearing type), the surgical technique and the length of hospital stay. This usually covers the surgeon's fee, hospital stay, anaesthesia, pre-surgery consultations and post-surgery physiotherapy, and most cases are covered under mediclaim and health insurance. These are general market ranges for a clear, itemised estimate for your case, please consult our team.
Meet Dr. Hiren Patel - Total Hip Replacement Specialist in Ahmedabad
In a total hip replacement, two choices shape the result for years: the bearing surface and how well the components are positioned. Dr. Hiren Patel brings more than 14 years and 14,000+ surgeries to those decisions, across total, partial and revision hip replacement including hips affected by avascular necrosis. Trained at B.J. Medical College, Ahmedabad, with fellowships across four countries, matches the implant to your age and activity rather than applying a single default, and will give a straight second opinion if you're still deciding.
Why Patients Across Gujarat Choose PMG Hospital
A total hip replacement asks a few real questions which implant, one hip or both, when to operate and PMG's value is in answering them honestly rather than quickly. Patients across Gujarat find an experienced hip surgeon leading the case directly, quality implants chosen for the individual, NABH-certified standards throughout, and a recovery plan (with follow-up) built for how they actually live. Non-surgical options are weighed first; surgery is recommended only when it's clearly the right step.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is total hip replacement?
Total hip replacement (total hip arthroplasty) replaces both the ball (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum) of a worn hip joint with artificial components - a stem and ball in the femur and a cup in the socket. It relieves deep hip pain and restores movement, and is the most commonly performed hip replacement for a hip damaged throughout.
Total or partial hip replacement - which do I need?
Total hip replacement replaces both the ball and socket and suits arthritis, avascular necrosis or damage affecting the whole joint. Partial replacement replaces only the ball, usually for certain femoral-head fractures where the socket is still healthy. Your surgeon decides based on the extent of damage, your age, activity level and health.
Who is a candidate for total hip replacement?
Typically someone with severe hip pain and stiffness limiting daily life, who hasn't found lasting relief from medication, physiotherapy or injections. Osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, rheumatoid or post-traumatic arthritis and hip fractures commonly lead to this stage. An evaluation weighs symptom severity, general health and ability to recover before surgery is recommended.
Which hip implant is best?
There's no single best implant - it depends on your age, activity level and any concerns. Metal-on-polyethylene is the most common and well-established; ceramic-on-polyethylene offers lower wear and often suits younger, active patients; ceramic-on-ceramic gives excellent wear resistance and is an option for metal-sensitivity concerns. Your surgeon matches it to you.
Can both hips be replaced at the same time?
Yes - bilateral hip replacement does both hips in one operation, but it's less common than doing them one at a time. It means a longer operation and a higher risk of blood loss, infection and clots, so it suits only carefully selected, fit patients. Many patients have a staged approach months apart for easier recovery.
How long does a total hip replacement last?
On average, a total hip replacement lasts 15 to 20 years or more, and many people enjoy a pain-free hip for two decades or longer. Longevity depends on age, activity level, implant type and the underlying condition. Wear, loosening or bone loss can occasionally require revision. Regular follow-up helps maximise its lifespan.
How long is recovery after total hip replacement?
Most patients stay in hospital a few days, start walking with an aid early, resume light daily activities over the first weeks, and drive again around six weeks once cleared. Fuller recovery usually comes within about six months. Simple hip precautions protect the new joint early on, and recovery is individual.
How much does total hip replacement cost in Ahmedabad?
Total hip replacement in Ahmedabad generally ranges from about ₹2–4.5 lakh, depending on the implant (bearing type), surgical technique and hospital stay. The estimate usually includes surgeon's fee, stay, anaesthesia, consultations and physiotherapy, and most cases are covered by mediclaim. Please consult us for an exact estimate for your case.
Talk to Our Orthopedic Team
If hip pain is limiting your day - or you've been told you need a total hip replacement - you're welcome to bring your reports and X-rays for an honest assessment or a second opinion, and to leave with a clear plan. Call or WhatsApp +91 96627 70141, email pmghospital.ahm@gmail.com, or visit PMG Hospital at 3rd Floor, Athena Avenue, B/H Jaguar Showroom, near Eulogia Inn Hotel, Gota, S G Highway, Ahmedabad.