Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Treatment
Treatment
Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Hip replacement surgery (also known as hip arthroplasty) is a procedure where the damaged or worn-out parts of the hip joint are replaced with artificial implants. These implants restore smoother movement, reduce pain, and help patients return to walking and daily activities with greater comfort.
The procedure is most often recommended for people with advanced hip arthritis, significant joint degeneration, or hip fractures that greatly limit mobility and quality of life.
Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Types of Hip Replacement Surgery
There are two main types of hip replacement surgery:
Total Hip Replacement (THR)
In a total hip replacement, both parts of the hip joint are replaced:
- The femoral head (ball of the thigh bone)
- The acetabulum (socket in the pelvis)
This is the most common type of hip replacement, typically recommended for:
- Severe osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis
- Avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the hip bone)
- Serious joint deformity or extensive damage
The artificial joint is designed to mimic the smooth, pain-free movement of a natural hip.
Partial Hip Replacement (Hemiarthroplasty)
In a partial hip replacement, only the femoral head is replaced. This procedure is often used to treat hip fractures, especially in older adults who do not have arthritis in the socket.
Benefits include:
- Shorter surgical time
- Faster recovery for suitable patients
- Less stress on the body
However, it is generally not used for arthritis-related pain.
Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Who May Need Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement may be considered when pain and stiffness interfere with daily activities and conservative treatments are no longer effective.
You may be a candidate if you experience:
- Persistent hip pain that affects walking, sleeping, or sitting
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion, especially after rest
- Difficulty with daily activities like climbing stairs, using chairs, or getting in/out of cars
- Pain that doesn’t improve with medication, physiotherapy, or joint injections
- X-rays showing advanced arthritis, narrowing of joint space, or bone damage
Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore
How Is Hip Replacement Surgery Performed?
Hip replacement surgery usually takes 1.5 to 2 hours and is done under spinal or general anaesthesia.
Typical steps include:
You will be asleep and pain-free during the procedure.
A cut is made along the hip to access the joint.
The femoral head is removed, and the hip socket is prepared.
A prosthetic stem and ball are inserted into the thigh bone, paired with a new socket liner in the pelvis.
The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a dressing is applied.
Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Recovery Timeline After Hip Replacement
Recovery is gradual and depends on your age, health, and rehabilitation commitment.
Hospital Stay
- 2 to 4 days, on average
- Walking with support usually begins within 24 hours
- Early physiotherapy is started in hospital
Walking & Mobility
- Walking aids (walker or crutches) needed for 2–3 weeks
- Many patients walk independently by 4–6 weeks
Return to Work
- Desk-based jobs: 2–4 weeks
- Physically demanding jobs: 6–12 weeks
Exercise & Daily Activities
- Light activity: 4–6 weeks
- More strenuous activity/sports: 3–6 months
Full Recovery
- Most patients resume normal routines in 8–12 weeks
- Full improvement continues for up to 6 months
Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore
Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery in Singapore
According to the Ministry of Health (MOH) fee benchmarks, the average cost of a hip replacement in a private hospital is around SGD $47,875.
The actual cost may vary depending on:
- Severity of the condition and complexity of surgery
- Type of implant used
- Choice of ward class
- Length of hospital stay
With Integrated Shield Plans or Medisave, a significant portion of the cost may be covered.