Hip Replacement Surgery in Melbourne: Your Complete Guide to the Procedure, Recovery and Gap-Free Care
If you’re living with persistent hip pain that limits your ability to walk, sleep or enjoy everyday activities, hip replacement surgery could be the solution that helps you get back to the life you love. It’s one of the most commonly performed orthopaedic procedures in Australia, according to the Australian Orthopaedic Association’s National Joint Replacement Registry, with more than 50,000 hip replacements are carried out across the country each year, showing the vast majority of patients reporting significant improvements in pain and mobility.
At Adeney Private Hospital in Kew, Melbourne, we offer hip replacement surgery with zero out-of-pocket costs for eligible Medibank and Bupa members. As Australia’s first no-gap private hospital across entire hospital services, we believe that access to high-quality surgical care shouldn’t come with unexpected bills.
This guide covers everything you need to know — from understanding whether you’re a candidate and getting a referral, to what happens on the day, what your recovery will look like, and how our gap-free model works.
What Is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery, also known as total hip arthroplasty, is a procedure where a damaged or worn hip joint is replaced with an artificial implant. The artificial joint, or prosthesis, is designed to replicate the natural movement of a healthy hip, relieving pain and restoring mobility.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. During a total hip replacement, the surgeon replaces both the damaged ball (the head of the femur) and the socket (the acetabulum) with durable, medical-grade components typically made from metal, ceramic and high-density polyethylene. These modern implants are designed to last 20 years or more in the majority of patients.
There are several surgical approaches your surgeon may use. The anterior approach accesses the hip from the front, working between the muscles rather than cutting through them, which can result in less post-operative pain and a faster recovery. The posterior approach accesses the hip from the back and is the most widely performed technique in Australia, offering excellent visibility of the joint. Your orthopaedic surgeon will recommend the approach that’s best suited to your anatomy and condition.
Partial hip replacements, where only the ball is replaced, may be recommended in certain circumstances, such as following a hip fracture. Your surgeon will discuss which option is right for you.
Who Is a Candidate for Hip Replacement?
Hip replacement is generally considered when non-surgical treatments — such as physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications and lifestyle modifications — are no longer providing adequate relief. Your GP or specialist may recommend surgery if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent hip pain that interferes with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs or getting in and out of a car
- Stiffness in the hip joint that limits your range of motion, making it difficult to bend, reach or put on shoes
- Pain that persists at rest or during the night, affecting your ability to sleep comfortably
- Reduced quality of life due to limited mobility, including difficulty participating in work, exercise or social activities
- Inadequate relief from conservative treatments, including physiotherapy, cortisone injections and pain medication
The most common condition leading to hip replacement is osteoarthritis, where the protective cartilage on the ends of the bones gradually wears away. Other conditions include rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (where the bone loses its blood supply), hip fractures and certain developmental hip conditions.
A common question patients ask is whether they’re “too young” or “too old” for hip replacement. The reality is that the decision is based on the severity of your symptoms and how much they affect your daily life, rather than age alone. Hip replacements are successfully performed on patients ranging from their 30s through to their 90s. Your surgeon will assess your individual circumstances, overall health and activity goals to determine whether surgery is the right option for you.
How to Get a Referral for Hip Replacement Surgery
In Australia, you’ll need a referral from your GP to see an orthopaedic surgeon. If you’re experiencing ongoing hip pain that isn’t responding to conservative treatment, book an appointment with your GP and discuss your symptoms. Your GP can then provide a referral to an orthopaedic specialist who performs hip replacement surgery.
If you’d like to be treated at Adeney Private Hospital, ask your GP to refer you to one of our orthopaedic surgeons. You can view our full list of specialists on our Our Doctors page. Once you have a referral, the surgeon’s rooms will arrange a consultation to assess your hip, review any imaging and discuss your treatment options.
Preparing for Hip Replacement Surgery
Good preparation is one of the most important factors in achieving a successful outcome. At Adeney Private Hospital, our team works with you well before your surgery date to ensure you’re fully informed and physically ready.
Pre-Admission Assessment
Before your procedure, you’ll attend a pre-admission appointment where our nursing team will review your medical history, current medications and any pre-existing conditions. Blood tests, imaging and other investigations may be arranged. You’ll also meet with your anaesthetist, who will explain your anaesthesia options and answer any questions. Adeney private offers all joint replacement patients the opportunity to attend our dedicated Pre-Admission Orthopaedic clinic. This clinic is designed to support you and provide everything you need to prepare for your surgery and a smooth and speedy recovery.
Prehabilitation: Getting Your Body Ready
Prehabilitation (or “prehab”) is the practice of building strength and fitness before surgery, and research consistently shows it leads to faster recovery and better outcomes. Your surgeon or physiotherapist may recommend:
- Strengthening exercises for the muscles around your hip, thigh and core
- Gentle stretching and mobility work to maintain flexibility
- Walking, swimming or other low-impact cardiovascular exercise to build overall fitness
- Weight management if recommended by your surgeon, as carrying excess weight can place additional stress on the new joint
Even a few weeks of targeted prehab can make a meaningful difference to your recovery. For more detail on how to prepare, see our blog post: Preparing for Orthopaedic Surgery: What You Need to Know.
Preparing Your Home
Setting up your home before surgery can make your recovery much smoother. Consider arranging frequently used items at waist height, removing loose rugs or tripping hazards, installing grab rails in the bathroom, preparing meals in advance or organising meal delivery, and arranging transport for the first couple of weeks after you return home.
What Happens During Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is typically performed under general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia, depending on what your anaesthetist recommends. The procedure usually takes between one and two hours.
During surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will make an incision to access the hip joint, remove the damaged bone and cartilage, and carefully position the new prosthetic components. The choice of surgical approach — anterior, posterior or lateral — will depend on your surgeon’s assessment of what will deliver the best outcome for your specific situation.
At Adeney Private Hospital, our state-of-the-art operating theatres are purpose-built and equipped with the latest surgical technology to support our orthopaedic surgeons in delivering precise, high-quality outcomes.
Understanding the Risks
Hip replacement is one of the most successful and well-established surgical procedures performed today. However, as with any surgery, there are risks that you should be aware of. Your surgeon will discuss these with you in detail during your consultation, but common risks include:
- Infection: A small risk of infection at the surgical site or around the new joint. Antibiotics are given before and after surgery to minimise this risk.
- Blood clots: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) can occur after surgery. Blood-thinning medication and early mobilisation are used to reduce this risk significantly.
- Dislocation: There is a small chance that the new joint can dislocate, particularly in the early weeks. Your physiotherapist will guide you on movement precautions to follow during recovery.
- Leg length difference: In some cases, there may be a slight difference in leg length after surgery. Your surgeon takes careful measurements to minimise this.
It’s important to remember that serious complications are uncommon, and the overall success rate of hip replacement surgery in Australia is very high. Being well-prepared, following your surgeon’s advice and attending all follow-up appointments will help ensure the best possible outcome.
Recovery After Hip Replacement: A Realistic Timeline
One of the most common questions patients ask is: “How long will it take me to recover?” While everyone’s journey is different, here’s a general timeline of what you can expect.
In Hospital (1–3 Days)
Most patients are encouraged to stand and take their first steps with the help of a physiotherapist within hours of surgery. You’ll be guided through gentle exercises to promote blood flow and begin rebuilding strength. At Adeney Private Hospital, many hip replacement patients are able to go home after just one to two nights, supported by our Continuum of Care nursing team who provide follow-up calls and support once you’re home.
The First 2–6 Weeks
During the initial recovery period, you’ll need to take things steady. You may use a walking frame or crutches for the first few weeks, gradually transitioning to a walking stick as your strength and confidence improve. Physiotherapy will play a central role, helping you regain movement and build the muscle support your new joint needs.
Most patients can return to light activities such as short walks and gentle household tasks within a few weeks. You’ll need to follow specific movement precautions during this period to protect your new joint — your physiotherapist will explain these in detail.
6 Weeks to 3 Months
By the six-week mark, many patients notice a significant improvement in pain levels and mobility. You’ll likely be walking without aids and beginning to return to more of your normal routine. Most patients can resume driving around this time, depending on which hip was operated on and your surgeon’s advice. Your surgeon will review your progress at regular follow-up appointments to ensure everything is healing well.
3 to 12 Months
Full recovery typically takes between three and twelve months. Many patients report feeling the full benefit of their new hip around the six-month mark, with continued improvement beyond that. Activities like swimming, cycling, golf and bushwalking are all achievable goals for most patients.
For more on what your post-surgery experience will look like, read our guide: What to Expect After Surgery at Adeney Private Hospital: Recovery, Care & Support.
Hip Replacement Costs in Australia: Understanding Your Options
One of the biggest concerns for patients considering hip replacement is cost. In Australia, the total cost of a hip replacement in a private hospital can exceed $25,000 when you factor in surgeon’s fees, anaesthetist fees, prosthetics, hospital charges, imaging and pathology. Even with private health insurance, many patients still face out-of-pocket expenses — federal government data shows the median out-of-pocket cost for a privately insured hip replacement is around $1,000, and it can be significantly higher depending on your surgeon and hospital.
In the public system, hip replacement surgery is available at no cost, but waiting times can be considerable. The average wait for a hip replacement in the public system is over four months, and in some cases it can stretch well beyond that.
At Adeney Private Hospital, we’ve removed the financial barrier. As Australia’s first gap-free private hospital, eligible Medibank and Bupa members can access hip replacement surgery without any out-of-pocket costs for surgeon’s fees, theatre fees, anaesthetist fees, imaging, pathology and prescribed PBS pharmaceuticals. Your individual excess arrangements with your health fund still apply, but there are no surprise bills beyond that. This means you get the benefits of private healthcare — shorter wait times, your choice of specialist surgeon, and a modern, purpose-built facility — without the financial stress traditionally associated with private hospital treatment.
Why Choose Adeney Private Hospital for Hip Replacement Surgery?
Adeney Private Hospital was purpose-built in 2024 as a modern, specialist surgical facility in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs. Here’s what sets us apart for orthopaedic patients:
- No-gap care: Eligible Medibank and Bupa members pay nothing beyond their standard fund excess for hip replacement surgery. No surprise bills, no hidden fees.
- Experienced orthopaedic surgeons: Our team of highly qualified orthopaedic specialists bring decades of combined experience in hip and knee replacement surgery.
- State-of-the-art facilities: Purpose-built with four modern operating theatres equipped with the latest surgical technology, on-site radiology by I-MED and on-site pathology by Melbourne Pathology.
- Continuum of Care: Our dedicated nursing team provides follow-up support after discharge, ensuring a seamless transition from hospital to home recovery.
- Convenient Kew location: Located on Cotham Road with on-site parking and easy access from Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, including Hawthorn, Camberwell, Balwyn and Box Hill.
- Patient-centred approach: From your first consultation through to full recovery, every aspect of your care is designed around your comfort, safety and individual needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Replacement Surgery
How long does hip replacement surgery take?
The surgery itself typically takes between one and two hours. You’ll arrive at the hospital approximately two hours before your procedure, and after surgery you’ll spend time in recovery before being transferred to your room.
How long will I stay in hospital?
Most hip replacement patients at Adeney Private Hospital stay for one to three nights. Our right-stay model, combined with our Continuum of Care program, means many patients can continue their recovery comfortably at home sooner than they might expect.
Am I too young or too old for hip replacement?
There’s no strict age limit for hip replacement. The decision is based on how much your symptoms affect your quality of life, your overall health and your activity goals. Hip replacements are successfully performed on patients from their 30s through to their 90s. Your surgeon will assess whether it’s the right option for you.
When can I drive after hip replacement?
Most patients can resume driving an automatic vehicle around four to six weeks after surgery. The timeline depends on which hip was replaced, your reaction times and your surgeon’s assessment. You’ll need to feel confident performing an emergency stop before getting back behind the wheel.
Will I need physiotherapy after surgery?
Yes, physiotherapy is essential. You’ll begin exercises in hospital within hours of your surgery and continue with a structured program after discharge. Physiotherapy helps restore strength, flexibility and confidence with movement, and plays a major role in the quality of your long-term outcome.
How long does a hip replacement last?
Modern hip implants are designed to last 20 years or more in the majority of patients. Factors such as activity level, body weight and overall health can influence longevity. Australian Joint Replacement Registry data shows that over 95% of hip replacements are still functioning well at the 15-year mark.
What does “zero out-of-pocket” actually mean?
For eligible Medibank and Bupa members, Adeney Private Hospital covers surgeon’s fees, theatre fees, anaesthetist fees, imaging, pathology and prescribed PBS pharmaceuticals at no additional cost to you. Your standard health fund excess still applies as it would at any private hospital, but there are no additional surprise charges. Conditions and eligibility criteria apply — full details are provided during your consultation.
Take the First Step Towards a Pain-Free Life
If hip pain is holding you back, hip replacement surgery could be the answer. At Adeney Private Hospital, we’re here to support you through every step — from your initial consultation through to full recovery — with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your care won’t come with unexpected costs.
To get started, speak to your GP about a referral to one of our experienced orthopaedic surgeons. If you’d like to learn more about hip replacement surgery at Adeney Private Hospital, or check whether you’re eligible for gap-free care, get in touch with our team.
Contact Adeney Private Hospital
209 Cotham Road, Kew VIC 3101
Phone: (03) 7049 5000
Website: adeneyprivate.com.au