Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery
Preparing for hip replacement surgery helps the patient, surgeon and anaesthesia team reduce avoidable delays and plan a safer recovery pathway. Preparation includes confirming the diagnosis, reviewing medical fitness, medicines, investigations, home support, walking aids and realistic recovery expectations.
Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya recommends that hip replacement preparation should be individualised. The plan may differ for hip osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, fracture-related arthritis, inflammatory arthritis, failed previous surgery or revision hip replacement. Patients deciding whether surgery is necessary can read When Is Hip Replacement Needed?.
Confirm the Surgical Plan
Confirm why hip replacement has been recommended and whether the timing is appropriate.
Clarify whether the procedure is primary, robotic-assisted, conventional, complex primary or revision hip replacement.
Discuss the implant plan, bearing surface, fixation, leg-length considerations and expected restrictions after surgery.
Preoperative Medical Assessment
A medical assessment is performed to identify issues that may affect anaesthesia, wound healing, blood clot risk, infection risk, walking and rehabilitation. Diabetes, blood pressure, heart disease, lung disease, kidney function, anaemia, nutrition, previous clots and current medicines should be reviewed before elective surgery.
Common Tests Before Hip Replacement
Blood tests, blood group, kidney function, sugar assessment and ECG are commonly used depending on age and health.
Hip X-rays and pelvic imaging help assess arthritis, avascular necrosis, deformity, bone quality and surgical planning needs.
Additional specialist tests may be required for cardiac, diabetic, pulmonary, renal or infection-related concerns.
Medicine Review Before Surgery
Patients should bring a complete list of medicines, including blood thinners, diabetes medicines, blood-pressure tablets, steroids, pain medicines, sleeping tablets, supplements and herbal products. The surgical and anaesthesia teams decide which medicines should continue, pause or change around surgery. Do not copy another patient’s medicine schedule.
Optimising Medical Conditions
Elective hip replacement may be delayed when uncontrolled diabetes, active infection, severe anaemia, unsafe cardiac symptoms, skin wounds or other correctable risks are present. Optimisation is not meant to create fear; it helps prepare the patient for safer anaesthesia, wound healing and rehabilitation.
Dental, Skin and Infection Precautions
The team should know about fever, urinary symptoms, chest infection, dental abscess, skin infection, boils, fungal infection, recent antibiotics or any open wound. Surgery is usually planned when active infection concerns have been addressed, because infection around a joint replacement can be serious.
Exercise and Strength Before Surgery
Appropriate activity before surgery may help maintain strength, balance and confidence. Suitable exercises may include gentle hip movement, quadriceps and gluteal activation, ankle movements, supported sit-to-stand, safe walking and upper-limb strengthening for walker use. Exercise should not worsen severe hip pain or increase fall risk.
Preparing the Home
Clear walking paths, remove loose rugs, improve lighting and keep the bathroom route safe.
Arrange a stable chair with armrests, a safe bed height and commonly used items within reach.
Plan help for meals, transport, bathing setup, stairs, shopping, dressing, follow-up visits and household work.
Walking Aids and Hip Precautions
A walker, crutch or stick may be needed after surgery depending on balance, strength, surgical approach and surgeon protocol. Some patients may receive hip precautions for bending, twisting, sitting height or leg crossing. Restrictions are not identical for every approach or implant plan and should be clarified before discharge.
What to Carry to the Hospital
Identification, insurance papers, reports, X-rays, medicine list and previous surgery records if any.
Loose clothing, stable footwear, glasses, hearing aids, phone charger and hospital-requested items.
Mental Preparation and Expectations
Patients should understand expected early pain, swelling, walking aid use, sitting restrictions, driving restrictions, physiotherapy needs and follow-up schedule. Recovery varies according to diagnosis, age, medical health, preoperative function and support. Read Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to stop all medicines before hip replacement?
No. Some medicines continue and others need adjustment. Follow the personalised plan from the surgeon and anaesthesia team.
Is MRI needed before hip replacement?
Not always. X-rays often provide the main planning information for advanced arthritis. MRI may be useful in selected avascular necrosis or diagnostic situations.
Should I buy a walker before surgery?
Ask the treating team first. The type and height of walking aid should match the patient’s body size, balance and postoperative plan.
About the Author
Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya is an Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon in Mumbai with clinical focus in hip arthritis, avascular necrosis, primary hip replacement, robotic-assisted hip replacement and joint-replacement second opinions. Written and medically reviewed by Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya. Last medically reviewed: July 2026.
Book a Hip Replacement Preparation Consultation
Consultation may be useful if hip replacement has been advised, medical optimisation is needed, robotic surgery is being considered or a second opinion is required. Book an orthopedic consultation with Dr. Mayur Rabhadiya in Ghatkopar, Mumbai. Call or WhatsApp: +91 84249 03913 / +91 96113 30063.
Medical Disclaimer
This information is intended for general patient education and does not replace personalised surgical, medical or anaesthetic advice. Tests, medicines, fasting instructions, hip precautions and discharge planning vary according to diagnosis, procedure, health and hospital protocol.