Bilateral Total
Hip Replacements

What is Bilateral Total Hip Replacement?

A bilateral total hip replacement means performing both hip replacements during a single anaesthetic session. This is a safe procedure when performed on appropriately selected patients with significant osteoarthritis affecting both hips. The procedure uses the direct anterior approach — a muscle-sparing technique that preserves the integrity of surrounding soft tissues.

How Long Do I Stay in Hospital?

For a single hip replacement, patients typically stay 2 nights. With bilateral replacement, most patients remain in hospital for 3–4 nights. The exact length depends on safe mobilisation, adequate pain control, and restoration of bodily functions. Our physiotherapy team guides the discharge decision based on your ability to mobilise safely and independently.

The extended stay allows our team to manage both surgical sites, monitor your overall recovery, and ensure you meet all safety criteria before going home.

When Can I Swim or Bathe?

You should wait a full 4 weeks after surgery before swimming, bathing, or entering the ocean. This applies equally to bilateral and single hip replacements. We need to allow complete wound sealing to prevent infection. Hydrotherapy should also be avoided until this 4-week mark has passed.

Are There More Risks with Bilateral Surgery?

Yes — the risk profile is elevated compared to single hip replacement because you are having essentially twice the surgical intervention. For this reason, we carefully select patients who are fit, healthy, and free from significant medical comorbidities. Certain factors may preclude bilateral surgery, including elevated body mass index or significant cardiopulmonary issues.

Your fitness for bilateral replacement is assessed thoroughly during consultation. We look at your overall health, cardiovascular fitness, and ability to engage with the physiotherapy programme required for recovery.