From advanced robotic-assisted technology and personalized surgical planning to rehabilitation and long-term bone health management, Sunway Medical Centre provides comprehensive care to help patients restore mobility, regain independence, and improve their quality of life.
Hip pain can gradually affect much more than movement. It can make walking, sleeping, working, and even simple daily activities increasingly difficult. When pain and stiffness persist despite appropriate non-surgical treatment, hip replacement may be considered to relieve pain, restore mobility, and help patients regain independence and quality of life.
At Sunway Medical Centre, hip replacement care brings together orthopaedic expertise, advanced robotic-assisted technology, multidisciplinary care, rehabilitation, and bone health management — supporting patients from initial assessment and preparation through surgery, recovery, and long-term care.
WHO MAY NEED A HIP REPLACEMENT?
Hip replacement may be considered when the hip joint is significantly damaged by conditions such as advanced osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, post-traumatic arthritis, structural hip disorders, or certain hip fractures.
Common symptoms include persistent hip or groin pain, stiffness, difficulty walking or climbing stairs, disturbed sleep, and increasing difficulty performing everyday activities. When medications, physiotherapy, injections, and lifestyle modifications no longer provide sufficient relief, an orthopaedic surgeon may discuss whether hip replacement is appropriate.
PREPARING FOR HIP REPLACEMENT
Good preparation is an important part of the surgical journey. Before surgery, patients undergo a comprehensive assessment to understand their general health, hip condition, and individual needs.
This may include clinical evaluation, imaging, blood investigations, anaesthetic assessment, and review of existing medical conditions and medications. Patients may also receive guidance on exercise, nutrition, home preparation, and what to expect during recovery.
Where appropriate, rehabilitation planning can begin even before surgery. Preparing patients physically and mentally helps them understand their recovery goals and participate actively in their care.
DURING SURGERY: PRECISION SUPPORTED BY TECHNOLOGY
During Total Hip Replacement (THR), damaged portions of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial components designed to recreate the function of the natural ball-and-socket joint.
At Sunway Medical Centre, advanced robotic-assisted technology can support surgeons in planning and performing hip replacement with greater precision and personalization.
Based on the patient’s individual anatomy, robotic-assisted technology helps surgeons plan implant positioning and provides real-time information and guidance during the procedure. Potential benefits include greater accuracy and consistency in implant positioning and alignment, and assistance in optimizing important factors such as leg length, hip stability, and joint mechanics.
Robotic technology does not replace the surgeon. It complements the surgeon’s experience, clinical judgement, and expertise, with each procedure tailored to the individual patient.
AFTER SURGERY: GETTING PATIENTS MOVING AGAIN
Recovery begins soon after surgery. Pain management, wound care, prevention of complications, and early mobilization are important components of post-operative care.
With guidance from the multidisciplinary team, patients are encouraged to gradually sit, stand, and walk when medically appropriate. Physiotherapy focuses on restoring movement, strengthening the muscles around the hip, improving balance, and helping patients safely return to daily activities.
Recovery differs from person to person depending on age, overall health, pre-operative mobility, and the complexity of surgery. After discharge, patients continue with prescribed exercises, rehabilitation, and follow-up appointments to monitor their progress.
The goal is not simply successful surgery, but helping patients move safely, regain confidence, and return to greater independence.
BEYOND HIP REPLACEMENT: PROTECTING BONE HEALTH
For older adults, a hip or other fragility fracture may be more than an isolated injury. A fracture following a minor fall can be an important warning sign of osteoporosis and increased risk of future fractures.
Sunway Medical Centre’s Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) provides a structured approach to identifying, assessing and managing patients who sustain fragility fractures.
Through bone health assessment, osteoporosis management, patient education, follow-up and multidisciplinary coordination, FLS aims to reduce the risk of subsequent fractures, improve bone health, support safer mobility and preserve independence.
Preventing another fracture is particularly important among older adults, as recurrent fractures can have significant consequences for mobility, confidence, independence and overall wellbeing.
A JOURNEY TOWARDS BETTER MOVEMENT
Hip replacement is more than a surgical procedure. From preparation and advanced technology during surgery to rehabilitation and long-term bone health, every stage contributes to the patient’s overall journey.
At Sunway Medical Centre, our approach is centred on providing comprehensive and personalized care — helping patients understand their condition, consider their treatment options and receive the support they need before, during and after surgery.
If hip pain is increasingly affecting your mobility or daily activities, or if you or an elderly family member has experienced a fracture following a minor fall, speaking with an orthopaedic specialist can be an important first step in understanding the condition and the treatment options available.
For patients with fragility fractures, further assessment through the Fracture Liaison Service may also help identify underlying bone health concerns and support prevention of future fractures.
Because better mobility is not only about moving again — it is about maintaining independence, confidence, and the freedom to continue living well.
To learn more, visit Sunway Medical Centre’s Total Hip Replacement information portal.
