- SPECIALIST ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON | MELBOURNE, VIC | ALBURY NSW |
- 03 9421 6133
Bilateral Total Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery on both sides, either at the same time or in stages
When arthritis or joint damage affects both hips, it can significantly impact your ability to walk, sleep, and complete daily tasks. In these situations, bilateral total hip replacement, where both hips are replaced, may be considered to help restore mobility and quality of life.
Dr Hockings offers bilateral hip replacement using modern, minimally invasive techniques such as the anterior approach, which may reduce recovery time and muscle disruption. He will work closely with you to determine whether simultaneous or staged surgery is the safest and most effective option based on your overall health, lifestyle, and goals.
Around 2.1 million Australians (1 in 11 people) have osteoarthritis, with a 58% increase expected by 2032 due to population ageing and rising obesity rates
What is bilateral hip replacement?
Bilateral hip replacement refers to replacing both hip joints with prosthetic implants. This can be done:
- Simultaneously – both hips replaced in a single operation under one anaesthetic
- Staged – each hip replaced in two separate operations, spaced weeks or months apart
The goal of bilateral hip replacement is to reduce pain, improve balance and mobility, and help patients regain independence when both hips are affected by advanced arthritis or damage.
Common symptoms of hip osteoarthritis
You may be considered for bilateral hip replacement if:
- You have advanced osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, or other degenerative changes in both hips
- Both hips cause daily pain, stiffness, or limited function
- You have difficulty walking or standing due to pain on both sides
- Non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy or injections have not provided relief
It is not uncommon for hip arthritis to develop on both sides, particularly in patients with underlying inflammatory conditions or a history of joint overuse.
Simultaneous vs staged surgery:what's the difference?
There are two main approaches to bilateral hip replacement:
Simultaneous bilateral hip replacement
- Both hips are replaced during the same operation
- One hospital admission and one anaesthetic
- Potentially faster overall recovery and rehabilitation
- Reduced total time off work or sport
- Higher physical demand during the immediate recovery phase
Staged bilateral hip replacement
- Each hip is replaced in a separate operation (usually 6–12 weeks apart)
- Lower stress on the body during each surgery
- Easier initial recovery, especially for older patients or those with medical conditions
- Two hospital stays and anaesthetics
- Higher physical demand during the immediate recovery phase
Dr Hockings will carefully assess your health, support network, and goals before recommending which approach is more appropriate for your situation.
Who is suitable for bilateral hip replacement?
Suitability depends on several factors, including:
- Your overall health and fitness
- Severity of joint damage in both hips
- Age and activity level
- Presence of other medical conditions (e.g. heart, lung, or kidney issues)
- Your support system at home after surgery
Fit, healthy individuals may be considered for simultaneous surgery, while others may benefit from a staged approach to reduce stress on the body and ensure safer recovery.
How the bilateral hip replacement procedure is performed
Dr Hockings performs the majority of hip replacements, including bi-lateral using the anterior approach, a minimally invasive technique that spares muscle and may allow for quicker recovery.
The procedure includes:
- A small incision at the front of the hip (or two incisions for simultaneous surgery)
- Removal of damaged cartilage and bone from each hip joint
- Insertion of a prosthetic acetabular cup and femoral stem
- Use of MyHip planning software for precision implant placement
- Real-time X-ray guidance to confirm alignment and leg length
In simultaneous cases, both hips are replaced during the same operation under one anaesthetic, followed by a stay in hospital and a tailored rehabilitation program.
Recovery after bilateral hip replacement
Recovery will vary depending on whether you have simultaneous or staged surgery. In general:
Common signs that surgery may be appropriate include:
- Simultaneous replacement may involve a hospital stay of 2–5 days
- You’ll begin walking with support (frame or crutches) on the day of or day after surgery
- Physiotherapy begins early and continues at home or outpatient clinic
- Most patients return to daily tasks in 4–6 weeks, with steady improvement over 3–6 months
- Staged surgeries may allow for a gentler early recovery between procedures, but overall recovery takes longer
Dr Hockings and your physiotherapy team will guide you through a structured plan tailored to your needs.
Benefits and risks to consider with bilateral hip replacement
Potential benefits of bilateral hip replacement
- Relief from pain in both hips
- Improved walking, balance, and leg strength
- One total recovery period (if performed simultaneously)
- Enhanced quality of life and return to activity
Considerations and risks
- Greater initial fatigue and demand during simultaneous recovery
- Higher blood loss or transfusion risk with longer surgery
- Increased need for support at home in the early weeks
- Two separate procedures if staged
Dr Hockings will discuss these factors with you during your consultation and help you make an informed decision.
During your consultation, Dr Hockings will explain the most appropriate surgical approach based on your condition, anatomy, and individual needs. Many people experience a significant improvement in pain, function, and mobility following hip replacement surgery. Recovery timelines vary depending on the surgical approach and your overall health, but most patients gradually return to walking, driving, and normal activities over the course of several weeks to months.
If you’re living with hip pain or stiffness that’s affecting your quality of life, a thorough assessment can help determine the cause and guide the right treatment path.
