Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal, MBBS, MS (Orthopaedics), Orthopaedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Founder & Owner, MAHI Multispeciality Hospitals, Kilpauk, Chennai.
Last medically reviewed: October 2026
Hip pain can gradually change the way you live. You may stop taking long walks, avoid stairs, find it difficult to get in and out of a chair, or struggle with simple activities such as putting on your shoes. When these problems continue despite medicines, physiotherapy, or other treatments, you may start considering hip replacement surgery.
Choosing a hip replacement surgeon in India is not simply about finding a doctor with a long list of qualifications. It is about finding someone who understands your condition, explains the available treatment options clearly, and has experience managing the type of hip problem you have.
When Should You Consider a Hip Replacement?
Not every person with hip pain needs surgery. The first step is to understand what is causing the pain and how much the condition is affecting your everyday life.
Hip replacement may be considered when there is significant joint damage and symptoms such as:
- Persistent hip or groin pain
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
- Stiffness that makes everyday movements difficult
- Pain while climbing stairs or getting out of a chair
- Difficulty wearing socks or shoes
- Reduced mobility despite non surgical treatment
- Advanced arthritis or damage visible on imaging
The decision should come after a proper clinical assessment. X rays and other investigations may be recommended depending on the symptoms and suspected condition.
What Does a Hip Replacement Surgeon Do?
A hip replacement surgeon evaluates the condition of the joint and determines whether surgery is appropriate. If replacement is required, the surgeon also considers factors such as bone quality, joint damage, age, activity level, previous procedures, and overall health.
The goal is not simply to replace the damaged joint. Treatment planning also involves selecting an appropriate implant, positioning it correctly, managing the surrounding tissues, and preparing the patient for rehabilitation.
This is why a consultation should be more than a discussion about the surgery itself. Patients should understand why replacement is being considered, what alternatives are available, and what recovery will involve.
Common Types of Hip Replacement
Total Hip Replacement
Total hip replacement is commonly performed when both major parts of the hip joint are damaged. The damaged femoral head is replaced with an artificial component, and the damaged socket is also resurfaced with an implant.
It may be considered for conditions such as advanced osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, certain inflammatory joint conditions, and other forms of significant hip damage.
Partial Hip Replacement
Partial hip replacement, also called hemiarthroplasty, replaces the femoral head while leaving the natural socket in place. It is commonly considered in selected patients with certain hip fractures, particularly when the socket itself does not require replacement.
The choice between total and partial replacement depends on the patient’s diagnosis and the condition of the hip joint.
What Should You Look for in a Hip Replacement Surgeon in India?
There are several practical questions worth asking before choosing a surgeon.
Hip Replacement Experience
Ask how frequently the surgeon performs hip replacement surgery and whether they manage both straightforward and complex cases. Experience with revision surgery can also be relevant for patients who have already undergone a hip replacement.
Orthopaedic Qualifications and Additional Training
Look at the surgeon’s basic orthopaedic qualifications as well as additional training in joint replacement or arthroplasty. Fellowship training can provide focused exposure to hip and knee replacement procedures.
Treatment Options
A surgeon should be willing to explain both surgical and non surgical options when appropriate. Hip replacement should not be presented as the automatic answer to every case of hip pain.
Clear Communication
You should be able to ask questions about the implant, surgical approach, possible risks, expected hospital stay, rehabilitation, and return to normal activities. A consultation should leave you with a realistic understanding of the procedure rather than unrealistic promises.
Follow Up and Rehabilitation
Recovery does not finish when the operation is over. Physiotherapy, movement, wound care, follow up appointments, and gradually increasing activity are important parts of the recovery process.
About Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal
Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal is an orthopaedic and joint replacement surgeon based in Chennai with more than 18+ years of clinical experience. He holds an MBBS and MS in Orthopaedics and has undertaken additional fellowship training in joint replacement and arthroplasty in India and overseas.
His training includes exposure to joint replacement techniques in Mumbai, Germany, and Australia. His clinical work includes knee and hip replacement procedures, along with complex joint replacement care.
He is the Founder and Owner of MAHI Multispecialty Hospitals in Chennai and has also worked as a Senior Joint Replacement Surgeon at MGM Healthcare. His experience includes both conventional and technology assisted approaches to joint replacement.
For a patient considering hip replacement, the important point is not simply the number of years a surgeon has worked. The consultation should focus on the patient’s diagnosis, the extent of joint damage, available treatment choices, and what approach is appropriate for that individual.
What Happens During a Hip Replacement Consultation?
A consultation generally begins with a discussion about your symptoms and how they affect your daily activities. The surgeon may examine your hip movement and review available X rays or other imaging.
Depending on the findings, the discussion may cover:
- Whether hip replacement is necessary
- Non surgical treatment options
- Total or partial hip replacement
- Implant selection
- Surgical approach
- Possible risks and complications
- Expected recovery time
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- When normal activities can be resumed
This gives the patient an opportunity to make a decision based on their actual condition rather than choosing surgery simply because the pain has become difficult to manage.
Recovery After Hip Replacement
Recovery varies from person to person. Age, general health, muscle strength, the condition of the joint, and the type of surgery can all influence the recovery process.
Patients are usually encouraged to begin appropriate movement soon after surgery under medical guidance. Physiotherapy helps restore strength, mobility, and confidence while the joint heals.
Following the rehabilitation instructions and attending scheduled follow up appointments can help the medical team monitor progress and address concerns during recovery.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Hip Replacement Surgeon
Before making your decision, consider asking:
- How severe is my hip damage?
- Do I definitely need hip replacement now?
- Are there other treatment options I should try first?
- Would total or partial hip replacement be appropriate for me?
- How frequently do you perform hip replacement surgery?
- What type of implant may be suitable for my condition?
- What are the possible risks?
- How long can I expect recovery to take?
- What will physiotherapy involve?
- When can I return to normal daily activities?
A good consultation should give you clear answers rather than leave you with more uncertainty.
Choosing a Hip Replacement Surgeon in India
Finding a hip replacement surgeon in India should begin with your medical needs rather than a ranking or promotional claim. Look at the surgeon’s qualifications, hip replacement experience, additional training, approach to treatment, communication, and follow up care.
For patients in Chennai and other parts of South India, Dr. Vijay Kumar Sohanlal provides orthopaedic and joint replacement care with a focus on individual assessment and appropriate treatment planning. A consultation can help determine whether hip replacement is suitable for your condition and what options may be available.
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