Hip replacement surgery in Lucknow: a complete patient guide

Help centre

Frequently asked questions about hip replacement surgery in Lucknow

Candidacy, cost, recovery, and what to expect after surgery.

• How do I know I need hip replacement and not just physiotherapy?

  The clearest signal is when hip pain significantly affects your daily life and conservative treatments including physiotherapy, medication, and injections have failed to provide adequate relief after 3 to 6 months. A weight-bearing X-ray confirming advanced joint space narrowing or bone-on-bone contact is the key imaging indicator. Dr. R.P. Singh at Medinity Hospital, Lucknow, will review your X-rays and clinical history before recommending any surgical path.

• Can hip replacement be avoided?

  In early and moderate stages of hip arthritis or AVN, yes. Stem cell or PRP injections, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, activity modification, and weight management can delay the need for surgery by months or years. However, when cartilage is gone and the X-ray shows bone-on-bone contact, no conservative treatment can regenerate cartilage. At that point, surgery offers the only reliable path to pain relief and restored function.

• What is AVN and why is it common in younger patients in India?

  Avascular necrosis (AVN) occurs when blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, causing the bone tissue to die and the ball to eventually collapse. In India, AVN is more prevalent than in Western populations due to higher rates of corticosteroid use for conditions including tuberculosis, skin disorders, and asthma, and alcohol-related causes. It typically affects patients aged 30 to 55. Early stages (1 to 2) can sometimes be treated with core decompression. Stages 3 and 4 typically require hip replacement.

• Which implant is best for hip replacement?

  There is no single best implant. The right choice depends on your age. For patients under 55, particularly AVN patients, ceramic-on-ceramic implants are preferred because of their 30 to 35 year lifespan. For patients aged 45 to 65, ceramic-on-polyethylene gives excellent long-term results. For patients over 65 with lower activity levels, metal-on-polyethylene is reliable and cost-effective. Dr. R.P. Singh will recommend the appropriate implant after assessing your age, bone quality, and activity goals.

• Can both hips be replaced at the same time?

  Bilateral simultaneous hip replacement is possible in carefully selected patients with good general health and significant disease in both hips. However, most surgeons including Dr. R.P. Singh prefer staged surgery, replacing one hip and waiting 6 to 12 weeks before operating on the second. Staged surgery reduces anaesthetic risk, allows rehabilitation of the first hip before the second, and gives a more predictable recovery on each side.

• Is hip replacement surgery safe after age 70?

  Yes. Age alone is not a contraindication. Published studies consistently show that patients in their 70s, 80s, and even 90s report 90 to 95% satisfaction rates equivalent to younger patients. The key pre-operative considerations are cardiovascular health, diabetes control, and bone quality, not age itself. Delaying surgery in the elderly often leads to deconditioning, muscle weakness, and falls, which carry their own significant risks.

• Can diabetics undergo hip replacement surgery?

  Yes, but diabetes should be well-controlled before surgery. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of wound infection, impairs healing, and reduces immune response. Patients with HbA1c above 8 are generally advised to optimise their diabetes management before surgery. Dr. R.P. Singh works with the patient's physician to ensure blood glucose is well-controlled in the pre-operative period. This significantly reduces surgical risk.

• Can I travel by air after hip replacement?

  Dr. R.P. Singh generally clears patients for air travel at 4 weeks after surgery. When flying, wearing compression stockings throughout the flight is essential to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). During longer flights, perform ankle pump exercises regularly and walk briefly when the flight allows. For travel within 4 weeks, discuss specifically with your surgeon.

• Is hip replacement covered by insurance in India?

  Yes. Most major cashless health insurance policies in India cover hip replacement surgery as it is a recognised procedure for osteoarthritis, AVN, and fracture. Pre-authorisation from your insurer is required before admission. Medinity Hospital works with major insurance providers. Call +91 94540 99331 to confirm whether your insurer is a network provider before booking.

• What foods help recovery after hip replacement?

  Protein-rich foods support muscle and tissue repair: eggs, dal, paneer, chicken, fish, and legumes. Calcium and vitamin D support bone health: dairy, ragi, leafy greens, and sunlight exposure. Iron-rich foods help recover from surgical blood loss: spinach, lentils, and dates. Avoid excessive salt and processed foods, which increase inflammation. Your physiotherapist and Dr. R.P. Singh's team will provide specific nutrition guidance based on your recovery progress.

• When can I use stairs after hip replacement?

  Most patients at Medinity Hospital can manage stairs with a handrail by the end of week 1. The technique matters: always go up with your good (unoperated) leg first, and come down with your operated leg first. Use the handrail and your walking stick together. Stair climbing without a railing becomes comfortable for most patients by week 3 to 4.

• Will airport security scanners detect my hip implant?

  Yes. The metal components of a hip replacement will trigger metal detectors at airports. Most orthopaedic surgeons provide a medical implant card or letter confirming you have a joint replacement. Carry this with you when travelling. Full body scanners used in modern airports are safe with orthopaedic implants and do not affect the implant in any way.

• How long will I need physiotherapy?

  Formal physiotherapy at Medinity Hospital typically continues for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery with sessions 2 to 3 times per week. Home exercise programmes continue for 3 to 6 months. The physiotherapy team works directly with Dr. R.P. Singh, and progress is reviewed at each follow-up appointment. The physiotherapy programme is critical for regaining full strength and range of motion.

• Is it normal to have good days and bad days during recovery?

  Completely normal. Hip replacement recovery is not a straight upward line. Most patients experience periods of improvement followed by days where the hip feels more sore or fatigued, especially after a more active day than usual. This is part of normal soft tissue healing and does not indicate a problem. The overall trajectory over weeks and months is consistently upward.

• What is the difference between total hip replacement and hemiarthroplasty?

  Total hip replacement (THR) replaces both the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket). Hemiarthroplasty replaces only the femoral head, leaving the socket intact. Hemiarthroplasty is typically used in elderly patients with a hip fracture where rapid mobility restoration is the priority. For arthritis and AVN, total hip replacement gives superior long-term outcomes and is the standard procedure at Medinity Hospital.

• How soon can I return to work after hip replacement?

  Desk job: 2 to 4 weeks. Standing or light-duty work: 4 to 6 weeks. Heavy manual work: 8 to 12 weeks minimum. Dr. R.P. Singh will advise based on your specific job requirements and your recovery at each follow-up appointment.

• What exercises are safe after hip replacement?

  Safe exercises include walking on flat ground, stationary cycling with a high seat and low resistance (from week 4), and swimming (once the wound has healed at 4 to 6 weeks). High-impact activities including running, jumping, and contact sports are not recommended. The goal is consistent low-impact activity that maintains muscle strength and joint health without putting excessive load on the implant.

• Can I sit cross-legged or use an Indian toilet after hip replacement?

  Deep squatting and sitting cross-legged are not recommended after hip replacement as these positions can risk dislocation of the new joint. A raised toilet seat or western-style commode should be used, especially in the first 3 to 6 months. Many hip precautions are relaxed after 6 to 12 months with Dr. R.P. Singh's specific clearance, but Indian-style squatting is generally discouraged long-term to protect the implant.

• How do I know my recovery is going well?

  Positive recovery signs include: pain reducing week over week, walking distance increasing, being able to manage stairs comfortably by week 3 to 4, no fever or wound discharge, and swelling gradually reducing. Contact Medinity Hospital if you develop: sudden increase in pain, redness or warmth around the wound, fever above 38 degrees, or the leg feels unstable. These may indicate infection or dislocation and need prompt assessment.

• Can hip replacement be done using minimally invasive or robotic technique?

  Minimally invasive approaches use smaller incisions and aim to work between muscles rather than cutting through them, reducing tissue trauma and potentially shortening early recovery. Robotic assistance helps optimize implant positioning and leg length alignment during surgery. Dr. R.P. Singh will discuss the planned surgical approach at your consultation based on your specific anatomy, condition, and the type of implant being used.