Understanding Hip Pain
Hip pain affects over 15% of adults over 60 in Singapore. Your hip joint is one of the body's largest ball-and-socket joints, bearing significant load during walking, standing, and climbing stairs. When hip pain interferes with daily activities, modern treatments can restore mobility and quality of life.
đź’ˇ Hip Pain Location Matters
- • Groin pain: Usually indicates hip joint arthritis (inside the joint)
- • Outer hip pain: Often bursitis or tendonitis (soft tissue, not joint)
- • Buttock pain: May be hip or lower back issue (needs specialist evaluation)
- • Thigh pain: Can radiate from hip arthritis or spine problems
Common Hip Conditions We Treat
From arthritis to labral tears, find the right treatment for your hip condition.
Symptoms: Groin pain, limping, difficulty with stairs, morning stiffness
Treatment: Pain management, physiotherapy, hip replacement for severe cases
When Needed: Severe arthritis, failed conservative treatment, significant mobility loss
Recovery: Walking within 1-2 days, full recovery 3-6 months
Symptoms: Sharp groin pain, clicking, catching sensation, limited range of motion
Treatment: Arthroscopic surgery, physiotherapy, activity modification
Symptoms: Groin pain during activity, reduced flexibility, pain after prolonged sitting
Treatment: Arthroscopic hip surgery, physiotherapy
Hip Replacement Surgery: Anterior vs. Posterior Approach
The surgical approach affects recovery speed and post-operative precautions. Your surgeon will recommend based on your anatomy and their expertise.
Advantages:
- • Muscle-sparing (no muscles cut)
- • Faster recovery (walk same day often)
- • Lower dislocation risk (<1%)
- • Fewer movement restrictions post-op
- • Can resume normal activities sooner
Considerations:
- • Requires specialized training
- • May cost 10-15% more
- • Not suitable for all body types
Recovery: Most patients walk within hours, return home in 1-2 days, resume light activities in 3-4 weeks
Advantages:
- • Most common approach worldwide
- • Excellent long-term outcomes
- • Better visualization for complex cases
- • More surgeons experienced with technique
- • Proven track record (decades of data)
Considerations:
- • Muscles detached and repaired
- • Hip dislocation risk 2-3% (if precautions not followed)
- • More post-op movement restrictions
Recovery: Walk within 24 hours, home in 3-5 days, follow precautions for 6-12 weeks (no bending >90°, crossing legs)
🏥 Which Approach is Better?
Both approaches have excellent outcomes when performed by experienced surgeons. Studies show similar long-term implant survival and patient satisfaction. Anterior approach may offer faster early recovery and fewer movement restrictions, but posterior approach has longer track record and may be better for complex cases. Surgeon experience with a particular approach matters more than the approach itself. Ask your surgeon which they're most comfortable with and why they recommend it for your case.
Hip Replacement Cost in Singapore
| Hospital Type | Total Cost (SGD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Public (Subsidized) | $6,000 - $8,000 | For Singapore Citizens, B2/C ward |
| Public (Unsubsidized) | $22,000 - $35,000 | PRs, foreigners, or private ward |
| Private Hospital | $35,000 - $60,000 | Surgeon choice, faster access (1-4 weeks) |
đź’° What's Included in Cost
- • Surgeon fees ($18,000-$28,000 private)
- • Hospital stay (2-4 days typically)
- • Hip implant ($6,000-$12,000)
- • Anesthesia ($1,800-$3,500)
- • Operating theater, recovery room
- • Immediate post-op care
đź“‹ Additional Costs to Budget
- • Pre-op tests ($800-$1,500)
- • Physiotherapy (15-20 sessions: $1,200-$3,000)
- • Walking aids ($50-$200)
- • Take-home medications ($150-$400)
- • Follow-up consultations ($80-$150 each)
🛡️ MediSave & Insurance Coverage
MediSave: Can claim up to $3,000 for surgery + $450-$600/day hospitalization
MediShield Life: Covers most of subsidized bill in public hospitals
Integrated Shield Plans: Cover 90-100% of private hospital bills after deductible ($3,500) if panel surgeon. → Complete cost guide
Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline
First Steps
Physiotherapist helps you stand and walk with walker. Pain managed with medication. Most anterior approach patients walk same day.
Hospital Discharge
Walking with aid, climbing stairs practice. Discharge when safe to go home (1-4 days depending on approach and progress).
Early Recovery
Outpatient physiotherapy 2-3x/week. Gradual increase in walking distance. Transition from walker to cane. Pain decreasing weekly.
Returning to Normal
Most daily activities resumed. Driving (6-8 weeks). Light exercise (swimming, cycling). Many patients walking without aids.
Full Recovery
Return to work and most activities. Hip feels stable and natural. Minimal pain. Continued strength building.
âś… Success Rates
Hip replacement has 95%+ patient satisfaction rates. Modern implants last 20-30 years in most patients. Over 90% of patients report significant pain reduction and improved mobility. Many describe it as "life-changing."