Considering Hip Arthroplasty? Here’s What To Expect

Living with persistent hip pain can make even simple movements feel like a challenge. Whether you're walking, climbing stairs, exercising or getting a full night's sleep, chronic discomfort can take a toll on your independence and quality of life. If rest, physical therapy, medications or injections are no longer providing relief, you may be wondering if hip replacement is the right next step. Fortunately, hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is one of the most common and successful elective surgeries performed today, helping hundreds of thousands of people return to the activities they enjoy each year.

Modern hip arthroplasty has advanced significantly over the past few decades. Improvements in surgical techniques, implant design and rehabilitation have made recovery more efficient for many patients while extending the lifespan of today's implants. Whether you're just beginning to explore treatment options or preparing to meet with an orthopedic hip specialist, understanding what to expect can help you make an informed decision about your care.

What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery is a type of joint replacement surgery that removes the damaged ball and socket of the hip joint and replaces them with durable implants made of metal, ceramic and medical-grade plastic. The new joint is designed to recreate the natural movement of the hip, helping relieve pain, restore mobility and improve quality of life. Today, hip replacement is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures performed for chronic hip pain.

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where the top of the femur, called the femoral head, fits into the socket of the pelvis. During hip arthroplasty, the damaged femoral head is replaced with a metal stem and ceramic ball, while the worn socket is fitted with a metal cup lined with durable medical-grade plastic. Together, these components function like a healthy hip joint, allowing the ball to move smoothly within the socket and restoring comfortable, stable movement.

While nonsurgical treatments may help relieve symptoms for a time, they cannot repair damaged cartilage. Once cartilage is lost, it doesn't grow back, shifting the focus from managing pain to determining whether surgery is the right next step.

When Is Hip Replacement Necessary?

There isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to when hip replacement is necessary. Instead, orthopedic surgeons look for a combination of joint damage, persistent symptoms and reduced quality of life such as the inability to bear weight and reduced range of motion. While every patient is different, hip joint replacement surgery is commonly recommended for patients with conditions including:

• Advanced osteoarthritis – Severe cartilage loss or bone-on-bone arthritis that causes chronic pain and limits movement.
• Rheumatoid arthritis or another inflammatory joint disease – Ongoing inflammation that damages the hip joint over time.
• Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis) – Reduced blood flow causes bone tissue within the hip to collapse.
• Hip fracture – A severe fracture that cannot be effectively repaired and requires joint replacement.

A diagnosis alone doesn't determine whether you'll need surgery. Hip replacement is typically considered when pain makes everyday activities more difficult and conservative treatments are no longer providing meaningful relief. At that point, an orthopedic surgeon can review your symptoms, imaging results and overall health to determine whether surgery is the right option.

How Long Is Recovery After Hip Replacement?

Most patients return home the same day after hip replacement surgery, with full recovery typically taking six to eight weeks. While your incision will generally heal within about six weeks, regaining strength and confidence take time as your body continues to recover. Your recovery plan will be tailored to your individual needs and may evolve as you regain mobility and return to everyday activities.

Surgery is only the beginning of your recovery. The progress you make in the weeks that follow can have just as much impact on your outcome as the procedure itself, making your recovery plan an important factor to consider when choosing an orthopedic surgeon in Des Moines. At DMOS, orthopedic surgeons support patients throughout recovery and can coordinate with physical therapists when additional rehabilitation is needed. Our providers share the common goal of helping patients return to everyday movements, from climbing stairs and getting out of bed to enjoying time with family.

How Long Does A Hip Replacement Last?

Modern hip replacement implants typically last 20 years or more, and for many patients, they may last a lifetime. Advances in implant materials and surgical techniques have dramatically improved the durability of an orthopedic hip implant, changing what patients can realistically expect from surgery. Rather than planning for another procedure in 15 to 20 years, many people undergoing hip replacement today have a reasonable chance of their implant lasting for the rest of their life.

That shift is largely due to improvements in the implants themselves. Earlier generations of implants often wore down over time, particularly the plastic liner within the hip socket. Today's implants commonly pair ceramic bearing surfaces with highly cross-linked polyethylene, a medical-grade plastic shown to reduce wear by up to 95% compared to older materials. Those advancements are reflected in the latest research. A 2026 study published in The Lancet analyzed nearly 1.9 million hip arthroplasty procedures across 18 countries and found that modern implants had a 92% survival rate after 30 years. While factors such as age, body weight and overall joint health can still influence long-term outcomes, today's implants are designed to provide decades of reliable function for the vast majority of patients.

Are Hip Arthroplasty Revision Surgeries Common?

While arthroplasty revision surgeries still happen, they're less common than they once were. More importantly, the reasons for revision have changed. Today, revision surgery is more commonly performed to treat complications such as:

• Dislocation – The ball comes out of the socket, most often during the first few months after surgery.
• Infection – A serious but uncommon complication that can occur at any time after surgery and may require removal of the implant.
• Periprosthetic fracture – A fall or other trauma breaks the bone surrounding the implant, particularly in older adults with osteoporosis.

These aren't failures caused by normal wear over time. They're different problems with different treatment approaches, and many are preventable. As Orthopedic Hip and Knee Surgeon Dr. Alexander Volkmar explains, "The era of 'your plastic wore out and your bone dissolved' is largely over."

Patients Across Des Moines Trust DMOS Orthopedic Hip Surgeons

Hip replacement is a decision that deserves thoughtful guidance every step of the way. As one of Iowa's leading orthopedic practices, DMOS's board-certified and board-eligible orthopedic surgeons in Des Moines specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hip conditions, providing comprehensive care from the initial consultation through recovery. Whether a patient is a candidate for an anterior approach hip replacement or bilateral hip arthroplasty, treatment is personalized to help achieve the best possible outcome.

Have Questions About Joint Replacement Surgery? DMOS Has Answers

Chronic hip pain can make it difficult to enjoy the moments that matter most, but lasting relief is possible. Whether you're just beginning to explore treatment options or you're ready to speak with an orthopedic hip specialist, the team at DMOS is here to help you understand your options and move forward with confidence. Schedule an appointment to learn whether hip replacement is the right next step for you.

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