Space Between Replacements What to Know If You Need Both Hips Replaced
A Guide with Dr. Nathan Cafferky
At a glance
A double hip replacement may be done at once or in stages depending on health lifestyle and recovery goals.
If you need both hips replaced the timing between procedures can affect strength, mobility, and confidence during rehab.
Understanding double hip replacement surgery time helps patients plan work activity and support at home.
When hip arthritis or joint damage affects both sides many patients ask the same question: how much space should there be between replacements? There is no single answer that fits everyone. The right approach depends on anatomy, symptoms, overall health, and how active you want to be after surgery.
Below Dr. Nathan Cafferky, board certified orthopedic surgeon and joint replacement specialist at The Steadman Clinic explains what patients should know when planning care for both hips.
One Surgery or Two Staged Procedures
Some patients are candidates for a same day double hip replacement while others benefit from spacing surgeries weeks or months apart. The decision is highly individualized.
Factors that influence timing include:
Overall health and medical history
Strength balance and fall risk
Severity of pain on each side
Support system during recovery
Personal goals for mobility and return to activity
For healthy motivated patients a same day approach can reduce total recovery time. For others staging the surgeries allows one hip to fully support the body while the second side heals.
How Far Apart Are Staged Hip Replacements
If you need both hips replaced but choose staged surgery most surgeons recommend waiting long enough for strength and confidence to return on the first side. This often ranges from six weeks to several months.
Spacing procedures allows patients to:
Build strength in the first hip
Improve balance and walking mechanics
Reduce fatigue during rehabilitation
Lower stress on the body
Patients who live active mountain lifestyles often appreciate having solid support from the first hip before moving forward with the second.
What to Expect From Surgery Timing and Recovery
Patients frequently ask about double hip replacement surgery time because it affects work, travel, and family planning. A same day procedure typically involves a longer time in the operating room but a single hospital stay and unified rehab period.
Staged procedures involve two separate surgeries with shorter individual operative times, but a longer overall treatment window. Neither option is inherently better. The best choice is the one that aligns with your health, and recovery capacity.
Is There a Right Answer for Everyone
No. The ideal timing is personal. Dr. Cafferky evaluates each patient individually to determine whether same day or staged hip replacement offers the safest most effective path forward.
The goal is not just replacing joints but restoring confidence, stability and the ability to stay active long term.
About Dr. Nathan Cafferky
Dr. Nathan Cafferky is a board certified orthopedic surgeon and joint replacement specialist at The Steadman Clinic in Frisco and Vail, Colorado. He specializes in advanced hip and knee replacement techniques with a focus on precision durable outcomes and helping patients return to active mountain lifestyles.
To learn more or to discuss timing options if both hips are involved contact Dr. Cafferky’s team today.
