Double Hip Replacement in Turkey

Double (bilateral) hip replacement is the surgical replacement of both hip joints during a single hospital admission. Each hip undergoes the same procedure as a standard total hip replacement, the damaged ball-and-socket joints are removed and replaced with artificial components (a metal stem, a new ball, and a new socket liner).

There are two approaches to bilateral hip replacement. Simultaneous replacement (both hips in a single operation) reduces total anaesthesia time but is a longer, more demanding procedure. Staged replacement (one hip one day, the second hip 2-3 days later) allows the surgical team and your body to manage the demand in two shorter operations. Your surgeon will recommend the safest approach based on your health, age, and fitness.

Both hips are fitted with high-quality implants from leading international manufacturers. The same surgical precision and implant selection is applied to each hip.

The total operating time is approximately 2-4 hours (depending on whether simultaneous or staged). The procedure is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia.

This is a significant operation. Your surgeon will only recommend bilateral replacement if you are fit enough for the procedure and if both hips genuinely need replacing. If one hip is significantly worse than the other, doing the worst hip first and the second later may be more appropriate.

Double hip replacement is suitable for patients who have significant arthritis in both hips and are fit enough for a more demanding procedure and recovery.

You may be a good candidate if:

• Both hips cause significant pain and limitation
• X-rays show substantial joint damage in both hips
• You are in good general health with no major heart or lung conditions
• Your BMI is within a safe range for surgery
• You want to address both hips in a single trip rather than two separate procedures
• You are motivated and prepared for a more intensive recovery

You may be better suited to staged (one at a time) replacement if:

• You have significant heart or lung disease
• You have other medical conditions that increase surgical risk
• One hip is much worse than the other
• You prefer a less intensive recovery
• Your BMI is above the safe threshold for bilateral surgery

Before your procedure

A thorough consultation reviews both hips, symptoms, imaging, and the severity of damage on each side. Your overall health is carefully assessed, including heart and lung function, blood tests, and fitness for bilateral surgery. Your surgeon confirms the approach (simultaneous or staged) and discusses the implant plan for each hip.

On the day (or days)

You are admitted to hospital. If simultaneous, both hips are replaced in a single session lasting 2-4 hours. If staged, the first hip is done on day 1 and the second hip 2-3 days later. Each hip undergoes the same procedure, removal of the damaged joint and fitting of new components.

Hospital stay (4 nights)

Recovery is more intensive than single hip replacement. Physiotherapy begins on day 1 with careful mobilisation. You will use a walking frame initially. Pain management is closely monitored as both hips are healing simultaneously. Blood clot prevention is particularly important.

Hotel recovery (11 nights)

The extended hotel stay is essential. Daily physiotherapy sessions build your strength, balance, and walking confidence. Without one "good" hip to compensate, the early weeks require more support and patience. Follow-up appointments check your wounds and X-ray both hips. By the end of your stay, most patients are walking independently with a stick or frame.

Recovery from double hip replacement is more demanding than single hip replacement because both sides are healing at once. Patience and commitment to physiotherapy are essential.

Days 1-4 (hospital): Walking with a frame from day 1 or 2. Both hips are sore, pain management is carefully balanced. Gentle exercises for both hips. Blood clot prevention is a priority.

Days 5-15 (hotel): Daily physiotherapy. Walking distance gradually increases. Transition from frame to two sticks. Stairs practised under supervision. Both hips are exercised to maintain range of motion. By day 15, most patients are walking independently with one or two sticks.

Weeks 3-6: Continue exercises at home. Gradually reduce walking aids. Most patients progress to a single stick by week 4-6. Driving typically resumes at 6-8 weeks. Hip precautions apply to both sides.

Weeks 6-12: Significant improvement in strength and confidence. Most patients return to desk work at 8-10 weeks. Physical work may take 12-16 weeks. Hip precautions gradually relaxed.

Months 3-6: Continued improvement. Swelling resolves. Walking becomes natural and comfortable. Low-impact exercise resumes, swimming, cycling, gentle gym work.

Long-term: Most patients report transformative results. Having both hips replaced means balanced, symmetrical movement and no compensatory patterns. Many patients describe it as life-changing.

Important: The first 2-3 weeks are the hardest. Having no "good" hip to rely on means you need more help initially. Arrange support at home for the first few weeks after your return.

Double hip replacement carries the same risks as single hip replacement, with some additional considerations due to the bilateral nature of the procedure.

Common effects:

• Swelling and bruising around both hips
• Greater overall discomfort than single replacement (two joints healing)
• Temporary difficulty with balance and mobility (both sides affected)

Less common risks:

• Blood clots (DVT), risk is higher with bilateral surgery; prevented with blood thinners and compression
• Dislocation (1-3% per hip; hip precautions reduce this risk)
• Infection (approximately 1% per hip)
• Greater blood loss (may require transfusion in some cases)
• Fat embolism (rare, associated with bilateral procedures)
• Leg length differences (your surgeon plans carefully to minimise this)
• Implant loosening over time

Important: Your surgeon will only proceed with bilateral replacement if the benefits outweigh the increased risks for your individual situation. A thorough pre-operative health assessment is essential.

Your surgery is performed by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon in a government-licensed hospital using implants from leading international manufacturers.