Total hip replacement is one of the most successful operations in modern medicine — transforming quality of life for patients with severe hip arthritis. Korea offers excellent orthopaedic care.
Total hip replacement (THR, or total hip arthroplasty) is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged hip joint with an artificial implant (prosthesis) — consisting of a metal femoral stem and head, a metal or ceramic femoral head, and a plastic (polyethylene), ceramic, or metal acetabular cup. It is one of the most successful and cost-effective surgical procedures in modern medicine, with outstanding long-term outcomes: 95% of implants functioning well at 10 years and 80–85% at 20 years.
The main indication is severe hip osteoarthritis causing pain that is inadequately controlled with non-surgical measures (analgesia, physiotherapy, activity modification, weight management) and significantly limiting quality of life. Other indications include rheumatoid arthritis, hip avascular necrosis (osteonecrosis), and fractures of the femoral neck (hip fracture) in elderly patients. Hip arthritis is a growing burden in Korea as the population rapidly ages — Korea has one of the fastest-ageing populations among OECD countries.
In Korea, THR is performed at university hospital orthopaedic departments and specialist orthopaedic hospitals nationwide, with high surgical volumes and strong outcomes data. The posterior and anterolateral approaches are most commonly used. Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols mean most patients mobilise within hours of surgery, reducing complications. Hospital stay is typically 2–4 days. Formal physiotherapy begins day 1 post-operatively. Return to driving: 6–8 weeks. Return to swimming/cycling: 6–8 weeks. Running and high-impact sports are generally avoided with THR implants.
Key Points
- 95% of implants functioning well at 10 years — excellent long-term outcomes
- Mobilise within hours of surgery under ERAS protocols
- Hospital stay: 2–4 days; return to most activities: 6–12 weeks
- Hip precautions (avoid flexion >90°, internal rotation) — follow surgeon's advice
- Available at university hospital and specialist orthopaedic centres nationwide
- DVT prophylaxis (anticoagulants, compression stockings) essential post-operatively
When to See a Doctor
- Hip pain significantly limiting walking, daily activities, or quality of life
- Hip pain at rest and at night
- Not responding to physiotherapy, analgesia, and weight management
- X-ray confirming severe hip osteoarthritis
For emergencies in Korea, call 119
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This content is published for educational purposes only. For accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment, consult a licensed KMA physician in Korea.
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This article is published by DoctorsInKorea.com for educational and informational purposes only. It does not replace a professional clinical evaluation by a licensed healthcare provider. For accurate medical diagnosis and personalised treatment paths, please book an appointment with a licensed KMA physician. For immediate life-threatening medical emergencies in Korea, please call 119.
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Last reviewed: March 1, 2025