What Is the Average Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery?

For those dealing with hip pain and problems with mobility, a hip replacement could be the solution you've been seeking. Doctors perform around 450,000 total hip replacement surgeries per year.¹

Below, we dive into what hip replacement surgery is, what to expect during this type of orthopedic surgery, average costs and how to prepare for this potentially life-changing procedure.

What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty, involves the removal and replacement of some or all of your hip joint with new, artificial parts by an orthopedic surgeon. Each of your hip joints consists of a ball at the top of the femur and a socket in the pelvis. Hip replacement surgery replaces either one or both of these parts with implants.²

During the procedure, the surgeon implants a metal stem into the femur that attaches to a metal or ceramic ball. The ball fits into a socket made from plastic and metal. This combination of parts acts as the new joint.³

The most common reason people need hip replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, which wears down the cartilage that exists between the bones of the hip. Without this slick cartilage in place helping the joint function properly, the bones scrape against each other, causing extreme pain.³

Other common reasons someone may need hip replacement surgery include:²

• Rheumatoid arthritis, which, like osteoarthritis, also damages the hip joint and other joints in the body, leading to pain and inflammation. An overactive immune system causes this disease.⁴
• A hip fracture or other injury to the hip.
• A tumor in the hip joint.
• Osteonecrosis of the hip joint, usually caused by an injury to the hip that stops the joint from getting enough blood flow. Without proper blood supply, the hip joint becomes damaged.⁴

Types of Hip Surgery

There are four main types of hip replacement surgery that your doctor might recommend.³

• Total hip replacement surgery replaces both the ball and socket, also known as the femoral head and acetabulum, of the hip joint.
• Partial hip replacement surgery or hemiarthroplasty replaces only the ball (femoral head) of the hip joint, not the socket.
• Hip resurfacing preserves more of the femur than traditional surgery and does not replace the ball (femoral head). Instead, the surgeon trims the femoral head and caps it with a metal cover, while still removing and replacing the socket (acetabulum) with a metal shell. This surgery is typically only recommended for those younger than 60.⁵
• Hip revision surgery replaces an existing hip implant. This surgery is only for those who have previously gone through hip replacement surgery and the implant has failed.⁶

Of those who went through hip replacement surgery, 90% experienced moderate pain due to hip issues prior to surgery. Within five years of surgery, they had mild to no pain, and 89% of those who experienced severe pain before surgery reported having mild to no pain after five years as well.⁷

How Much Does Hip Replacement Surgery Cost?

Hip replacement surgery is a complex procedure that will generally cost around $39,000 for a total hip replacement, including the cost of the new hip joint implant. On average, you should expect to pay anywhere from $18,175 to $53,750 or more for your surgery.⁸

In some cases, you could be looking at costs as high as $74,000,⁹ depending on whether you require hospitalization after your stay. This cost can be affected by different factors, including:

• Your location
• Cost of your implant
• Whether the surgery is done in a hospital or outpatient center
• The type of hip replacement surgery you have
• The length of your postoperative stay

Cost of hip replacement surgery by type

The cost of a partial hip replacement surgery or hip resurfacing tends to be around the same as the cost of a total hip replacement, as does hip revision surgery.

Other cost considerations

In some cases, your doctor might recommend a double hip replacement, also known as a bilateral hip replacement. During this type of procedure, the surgeon replaces both hip joints at once.¹²

This procedure is not commonly performed due to the increased risk of surgical complications and the difficulty of rehabilitation after surgery. Instead, most surgeons will opt for staged double hip replacement surgery, which spaces each hip surgery apart by three to six months.¹²

One of the advantages of double hip replacement surgery is possibly decreased cost because it involves only one surgery instead of two.¹² Speak with your doctor to determine if you are a candidate for this type of surgery and if it could save you money.

Does Insurance Cover Hip Replacement Surgery?

In most cases, your health insurance, including both Medicaid and Medicare, will cover the cost of your hip replacement surgery. That's because this surgery is considered medically necessary for your health.⁹

However, even with health insurance, you'll still have to pay any copays, deductibles and coinsurance costs required by your provider. These costs will be significantly less than if you paid out of pocket for your procedure, and may range between $3,000 and $4,000 or more.¹³

How much does hip replacement surgery cost without insurance?

Without insurance, you'll have to pay for your surgery out of pocket. Expect to pay between $18,175⁸ to $74,000⁹ for your hip replacement surgery without insurance.

Should You Consider Hip Replacement Surgery?

Your doctor will let you know if you are a candidate for hip replacement surgery based on your health and the results of any testing they order for you. Generally, hip replacement surgery may be an option to explore if you meet the following criteria:

• You have tried other treatments to deal with hip pain, such as pain-relieving medications, with no success.³
• You deal with chronic hip pain that interferes with your mobility and ability to sleep.³
• You are between the ages of 50 and 80 years old.¹ The implants generally last around 20 years,³ which is why they are recommended for older adults, although surgeries may be performed on younger patients as well.¹
• You aren't overweight. Your doctor may require that you lose weight prior to your surgery to decrease the risks associated with hip replacement and prevent extensive wear on your new joint.¹
• You can withstand surgery and are healthy overall.¹

How Does Hip Replacement Surgery Work?

Hip replacement surgery is typically done under general anesthesia or with an epidural, which numbs you below the waist. During surgery, your doctor will:²

• Make incisions in the front, back or side of your hip to access it. Most commonly, your surgeon will make incisions in back of the hip, known as the posterior approach. In some cases, though, your surgeon may make incisions in front of the hip, known as the anterior approach, which is a muscle-sparing option.³
• Remove the damaged tissue, bone and cartilage of the joint and either replace the whole joint or part of it with an implant
• Bend your leg to test out your new hip joint and ensure that it works properly
• Close the incisions with dissolvable stitches and surgical glue
• Transfer you to a recovery room, after which you'll go home that day or be transferred to a hospital room for one to three nights¹⁴

How Long Does Hip Replacement Surgery Take?

The procedure takes around two hours to perform.⁴ Note that it might take slightly less time for a partial hip replacement and slightly longer for a double hip replacement.

Preparing for a Hip Replacement

Prior to surgery, you'll meet with your doctor who will likely do some or all of the following:⁴

• Order presurgery testing, including blood tests, an X-ray of your hip and possibly an MRI.
• Examine your hip to see what your range of motion is and how strong your muscles are.
• Ask about your current medications and have you stop certain medications like blood thinners a week prior to surgery.
• Instruct you to stop smoking in the week prior to surgery
• Let you know if you need to lose weight before surgery.¹⁴
• Help you arrange for inpatient physical therapy if you need it after your surgery.²

In addition to meeting with your doctor, you may also want to meet with a physical therapist to strengthen the muscles around your hip prior to surgery, which will help with your recovery. The therapist can also give you tips on things to change around your home to make your recovery easier, such as installing a shower seat or replacing your toilet seat with a higher one.¹⁴

You'll also need to arrange to have a friend or family member pick you up after surgery and possibly stay with you for a few days to help you around the home during your recovery.¹⁴

Hip Replacement Surgery Side Effects and Risks

Hip replacement surgery is considered a very safe procedure, but it does come with some risks and possible side effects.³ These risks include:⁴

• Blood clots in the legs or pelvis³
• Hip dislocation during or after surgery, which may or may not require an additional surgical procedure
• Infections at the incision sites
• Fractures of the hip joint during surgery
• A change in the length of the leg after surgery
• Loosening of the hip joint that may require an additional surgery
• Nerve damage that can cause numbness or pain
• Bleeding after surgery²
• Joint pain that may be temporary²

Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery

After your hip replacement surgery, expect your recovery to last at least three to six weeks before you can resume light daily activities, including driving. Full recovery may take up to one year.¹⁴

Note that most people are either sent home directly after surgery or may spend up to three days or more in the hospital.¹⁴ While you are in the hospital, a physical therapist will work with you to help you tackle everyday tasks like:¹⁴

• Sitting up in bed
• Getting up safely
• Walking for short distances

An occupational therapist will also meet with you to give you tips on how to perform tasks like:¹⁴

• Showering or bathing
• Getting in and out of bed
• Getting on and off the toilet
• Bringing food and groceries into your home

Hip Replacement Recovery Tips

Ensure a safe and successful recovery after your hip replacement surgery by doing the following:¹⁴

• Properly care for the incision area and change your dressings as directed by your doctor to prevent any infections.
• Take your pain medication as directed by your doctor.
• Make use of any home medical equipment your doctor recommends during your recovery, such as a walker, cane or shower seat.
• Perform the exercises that your physical therapist gives you as directed. These may include ankle pumps, ankle rotations and knee bends.
• Walk for five to 10 minutes at a time, three to four times a day. Over time, you can increase this to 20 to 30 minutes of walking three times a day.
• Have someone around to help you during your initial three to six weeks of recovery, or go into an inpatient rehabilitation program that your doctor can arrange. Your doctor may also recommend a home health aide or physical therapist come to your home.
• Make dressing easier during your recovery by wearing slip-on shoes and loose-fitting shorts or pants that won't put pressure on your hip incisions.
• Apply silicone scar sheets or spray-on lotion on your incisions after they have healed and no longer have any scabbing. This will help reduce their appearance over time.¹⁵

Is a Hip Replacement Worth It?

For those dealing with extreme hip pain and mobility issues that are impeding your everyday life, hip replacement surgery may be the answer you're looking for. It can help eliminate pain and allow you to live your life to the fullest after your initial recovery period.

While hip replacement surgery is quite expensive, this procedure is usually covered by health insurance, which typically pays for the majority of the costs involved. Talk with your doctor and your insurance provider to see what costs you will be responsible for paying prior to your surgery.

Although this surgery is considered very safe, it comes with risks and may not be for everyone. However, it can help improve your mobility and relieve your pain if other options haven't worked. Speak with your orthopedic surgeon to see if you might be a candidate for a total hip replacement, partial hip replacement, hip resurfacing or hip revision procedure.

Managing Hip Replacement Surgery Costs With the CareCredit Credit Card

If you are looking for an option to help manage your medical bills, consider healthcare financing with the CareCredit credit card. The CareCredit card can help you pay for the care you want and need and make payments easy to manage.* Apply today and use our Acceptance Locator to find a provider near you that accepts CareCredit. Continue your wellness journey by downloading the CareCredit Mobile App to manage your account, find a provider on the go, and easily access the Well U hub for more great articles, podcasts and videos.

Author Bio

Susan Paretts is a freelance writer with 19 years of experience covering health and wellness, pet care and more. Her work has been published by the American Kennel Club, Bayer Animal Health, Elanco, LIVESTRONG.com, The San Francisco Chronicle, Chewy and more.