When is the best time of year to have hip replacement surgery?
Once you’ve decided to go ahead with the new hip, you’ll probably ask yourself when is the best time of year to have surgery. You may have friends or family telling you they had theirs in winter, your boss may want you to wait until after the busy end of year period. No-one wants to be walking around on crutches in the rain! So is there a best time of year to have a hip replacement?
Not really. Researchers have looked into this and found that the month you have surgery does not make much difference to complication rates. How well you are going into surgery, how severe your pain, and whether you can slow your lifestyle down for the 6-12 weeks recovery period, are much more important.
Is there a best time of year to have hip replacement surgery?
There is no proven best time of year to have surgery. However, the larger and more detailed studies found there isn’t really a best time of year.
The largest study looked at 102,682 hip replacements in the US. Of the 20 complications looked at over 30 days, 19 had no difference throughout the year. The authors stated that ‘elective hip surgery does not require consideration of seasonal timing’ (Annals of Translational Medicine).
A Danish study in 2024 looked at 58,449 patients. They found having surgery in the summer did not increase the risk of infection. Revision rates due to infection were approximately 1.1% (Journal of Bone and Joint Infection).
An older United States study using Medicare found there were slightly higher rates of deep infections in some regions after winter, and slight increases in early wound infections in one region after summer. However, these were small differences and patients were only followed for 90 days (World Journal of Orthopedics).
Most of this research came from cooler countries. This is because high temperatures and humidity can cause sweating, and sweat encourages skin bacteria to grow. Therefore, whilst May/August in India would not be the same as Denmark, they are still not ruled out. Wound care is simply more important.
Pros and cons of having hip replacement surgery in winter, summer and monsoon
As the season won’t really affect your surgery, it’s more important to know which months will make your recovery easier at home. Most people in India prefer to have surgery in the cooler months. However, any season can work if you plan!
Winter (Nov-Feb)
Cooler weather = easier wound care and compression stockings. Less sweating. Many families have holidays to help.
Stiffness can feel worse in the cold. Festival/Wedding season may conflict with rest. Cold mornings may not encourage early walks.
Summer (Mar-Jun)
School holidays = easier for some families to help at home. Drier roads for outside walking.
Sweating can cause discomfort with dressings. Risk of dehydrating. Daytime walks may need to be earlier in the morning/evening.
Monsoon (Jun-Sept)
Easier to rest indoors for first few weeks. Less likely to miss outdoor plans.
Slippery floors and roads can increase risk of falling. Humidity can cause irritation to wound. Can be difficult to get to appointments/physio.
Post-Monsoon (Oct)
Weather is settled. Will be recovered before winter.
Why many people prefer cooler months
Much of your recovery will not be affected by your hip. You’ll be walking without sweating through your clothes, your dressing will be dry and you’ll be able to get to physio without fighting the weather. November-February can make this easier for many families. Many patients will feel the same way so if you plan to have surgery in these months you may find dates are quick to get. Book early!
If you’re having surgery in the monsoon
You can. However, you should make your home fall proof. Use non-slip mats in the bathroom, a grab bar by the toilet and shoes with good grip. Ensure your incision stays clean and dry. If you sweat a lot ask your surgeon what is best to cover.
When is the best time to have a hip replacement?
The best time to have a hip replacement is when your hip is causing you problems and you are well enough for surgery. Your surgeon will consider all of the points below long before considering the best time of year.
Pain and mobility
If you are struggling with walking, sleeping and stairs on a daily basis then waiting for a ‘good month’ may not be worth it. Patients in very poor health going into surgery tend to have lower scores a year after surgery compared to those who had earlier surgery (University of Oxford, NDORMS).
General health
Having diabetes, high blood pressure, weight issues, anaemia and smoking will all impact how well you heal and risk of infection. Taking a few weeks to get your sugar down and quit smoking will improve your outcome much more than choosing to have surgery in winter rather than summer.
Work and finances
Most people with desk jobs will be back to work in around 4-6 weeks. Jobs that require lifting or climbing may require 3 months or more (Gleneagles Hospitals). Ensure you have enough holiday left and check with your insurance to see how much cover you have and any waiting periods.
Support
You’ll need support for the first couple of weeks with eating, showering and going to the hospital. Try to pick a time when a family member/carer can be there. Many people will decide based on this.
Events and travelling
Try not to have your surgery just before a wedding/pilgrimage or long travelling as you won’t enjoy any of them. Sitting for long periods of time shortly after surgery isn’t ideal.
Signs you may need hip replacement surgery sooner
If you are experiencing any of the following you may want to speak to an orthopaedic surgeon:
Pain in your hip/groin that is waking you up at night or making it hard to sleep.
Pain that cannot be controlled with painkillers/physio or weight loss.
Difficulty putting on socks/shoes or getting in/out of your car.
Needing a walking stick or avoiding walks you used to enjoy.
Stiffness making your hip feel locked in the morning.
If you can relate to a few of these then don’t delay your surgery for months to have it in a certain season. If you’ve had a hip fracture then this will need urgent surgery regardless of the season.
How to plan your hip replacement surgery?
Plan backwards. Most people will be discharged after 1-3 days. However, you’ll feel much better after around 3 months. Plan for the first 6-12 weeks.
Book an assessment early. Book an appointment with your surgeon 2-3 months before your desired time. This allows time for investigations.
Ensure your health is sorted. Get your blood sugar, blood pressure and haemoglobin in check. Stop smoking.
Plan the next 3 months. Note any festivals, weddings, exams and work deadlines. Try to find a clear time.
Get support organised. Ensure someone can stay with you for the first 2 weeks.
Check your insurance. Ensure you have pre-authorization and sick leave sorted.
Prepare your home. Get any low chairs raised, install grab bars in the bathroom and have non-slip mats. Ensure everyday items are at waist height.
Book physio. Most of your actual recovery will come from physio so book this in advance.
Plan driving. Many surgeons will advise you not to drive for around 4-6 weeks. Often longer if you had a right hip replacement; ask your surgeon for a clear time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is winter the best time to have hip replacement?
Winter is a popular time in India to have hip replacement as it is cooler and makes wound care and walking easier. However, research hasn’t shown it to give better medical outcomes.
Is it safe to have hip replacement in summer?
Yes! A study looking at over 58,000 patients found there was no increased risk of infection if you had surgery in the summer. Ensure you are drinking lots of water and keeping your wound clean and dry.
How long is the recovery for hip replacement?
Most people will be discharged after 1-3 days. Around 4-6 weeks to return to desk jobs. Heavy manual jobs can take 3 months or more. Usually a few months to fully regain strength.
How long should I wait to have hip replacement?
There is no set time. Some studies have found waiting a few months doesn’t impact outcomes. However, if your pain is impacting your sleep and mobility then you’ll be living with this for longer. Patients in very poor health going into surgery tend to not recover as well.
Can I have hip replacement during monsoon?
Yes. Extra precautions to take are avoiding falling on wet floors and keeping your incision dry due to the humidity.
Does cold weather worsen hip arthritis pain?
Many people find their hip feels stiffer and more painful in cold damp weather. However, studies show mixed results. Regardless, this is a comfort issue and shouldn’t delay surgery. Gentle exercise and keeping warm usually helps.
What should I do to prepare my home?
Raise any low chairs and beds. Install grab bars in the bathroom. Add non-slip mats and remove any loose rugs/wires. Ensure everyday items are at waist height.
When Should I Book?
There is no magical time of year. The best time of year to have hip replacement depends on your health and recovery. Whilst the cooler months can be more comfortable in India, it’s better to have a well-planned surgery in June than a rushed one in December.
If your hip pain is beginning to impact your life then forget about the weather and speak to an orthopaedic surgeon about whether you need surgery and how to prepare.
References
Associations between seasonal variation and post-operative complications after total hip arthroplasty – Annals of Translational Medicine
Total hip arthroplasty performed in summer is not associated with increased risk of revision due to PJI – Journal of Bone and Joint Infection, 2024
Season of the year influences infection rates following total hip arthroplasty – World Journal of Orthopedics, 2017
Does waiting for total hip replacement matter? – University of Oxford, NDORMS
Health-related quality of life and mobility of patients awaiting elective total hip arthroplasty – McMaster University
Working, driving, travel after hip replacement – Gleneagles Hospitals
Life after joint replacement surgery – North Central Surgical Center
