Understanding Hip Replacement Surgery in Canada: Options, Expertise, and Care Insights for 2025

Modern Hip Replacement Surgery Options Available in Canada

Patients in Canada can currently choose from several hip replacement surgery options tailored to their specific medical needs:

• Total Hip Replacement (THR): The most common procedure, replacing both the acetabulum (hip socket) and femoral head with artificial components to restore joint function.
• Hip Resurfacing: An option for younger or more active patients aiming to preserve more bone, involving capping the femoral head instead of full replacement.
• Minimally Invasive Arthroscopic Treatments: Smaller incisions and less tissue disruption for select cases such as labral tears or joint preservation.
• Surgical Approaches: Techniques include anterior and posterior approaches, with some centers employing robotic-assisted surgery to support surgical precision.
• Non-Surgical Alternatives: For early-stage joint issues, non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy, injections, and joint preservation strategies are considered before surgery.

Robotic-assisted surgery is increasingly used in Canadian centers, offering precise implant placement which may enhance joint stability and potentially support improved recovery processes.

Hospitals and Clinics Performing Hip Replacement Surgeries

In 2025, Canadians have access to both public hospitals and private orthopedic clinics across the country that provide hip replacement surgeries:

• Public Hospitals: Large academic centers such as Mount Sinai Hospital in Toronto specialize in complex hip replacements and revisions. These centers offer advanced surgical methods and comprehensive pre- and post-operative care, including a multidisciplinary team involving surgeons, anesthesiologists, physiotherapists, and social workers.

• Private Orthopedic Clinics: Facilities like the Hip & Knee Surgical Clinic in Montreal provide private care options focusing on joint replacement and orthopedic surgery. Private clinics may offer referral-free consultations, potentially shorter scheduling times, and surgery dates, which can reduce wait times compared to the public system for some patients.

Some provinces collaborate with private clinics to increase surgical capacity for eligible low-risk patients, using outpatient (day surgery) models to enhance efficiency and reduce hospital stays.

Expertise of Hip Replacement Surgeons in Canada

Hip replacement surgeons in Canada often have specialized training in adult hip reconstruction, complex revision surgery, trauma, and robotic-assisted techniques:

• Fellowship Training: Many surgeons, such as Dr. Mina W. Morcos in Montreal, hold fellowships and board certifications in orthopedic surgery, focusing on hip and knee reconstructions.
• Robotic-Assisted Surgery Experience: Surgeons with training in robotic navigation and 3D pre-surgical planning provide tailored surgical interventions to optimize implant positioning.
• Teaching Hospitals: Public hospital surgeons often work in academic settings, supervising trainees and staying current with surgical advancements and multidisciplinary care.
• Patient-Centered Approach: Surgeons collaborate with patients to explain procedures, risks, benefits, and recovery plans, aiming to support individualized care outcomes.

Timeliness of Hip Replacement Surgeries in Canada in 2025

While the number of hip replacements performed nationally has increased, wait times remain a concern:

• Between April and September 2024, Canada experienced a 26% increase in hip replacement surgeries compared to 2019.
• Approximately 68% of patients received surgery within the recommended 6 months, a decline from 75% in 2019.
• Wait times in the public system often range from 12 to 18 months for consultations and surgery scheduling.
• Private clinics may offer shorter wait times, sometimes under 2 weeks for consultations and surgery booking for eligible patients.

To address delays, Canadian healthcare systems are adopting day surgery models for suitable candidates, enabling same-day discharge or hospital stays of 24-48 hours post-surgery. This approach can help increase surgical capacity and may reduce hospital costs.

Pre- and Post-Operative Care in Canadian Hospitals and Clinics

Successful hip replacement surgery depends on comprehensive care before and after the procedure:

• Pre-Admission Assessments: Patients meet multidisciplinary teams—including nurses, anesthesiologists, pharmacists, and social workers—to optimize health, discuss anesthesia options (regional or general), and prepare for surgery and recovery.
• Patient Education: Patients receive guidance on mobility aids, home preparation, and pain management to help minimize complications.
• Post-Operative Care: Early mobilization, led by physiotherapists, begins in the recovery unit. Rehabilitation plans are developed to support healing and restore function.
• Day Surgery Protocols: Patients discharged the same day must have caregiver support arranged for 24 hours to ensure safety at home.
• Follow-Up Appointments: Clinical follow-ups monitor healing and address any postoperative concerns.

Most patients return to regular activities within 2 to 3 months, with improvements continuing up to 12 months. Recovery varies based on surgery type, patient health, and adherence to rehabilitation.

Cost and Access Considerations

• Hip replacement through the public system is covered by provincial health insurance, though wait times may be lengthy due to demand and workforce factors.
• Private orthopedic clinics offer quicker access but generally require out-of-pocket payment or private insurance coverage.
• Private clinics provide referral-free consultations and advanced technology options, appealing to patients seeking expedited treatment.
• Day surgery approaches may reduce healthcare costs, with suitability assessed based on individual health risk factors.

Exploring Hip Replacement Care Options in Canada

Although specific hospital rankings and surgeon directories are limited, patients can explore options through:

• Provincial Health Authorities and Wait Time Registries: For general surgical wait time information.
• Academic and Specialty Hospitals: Such as Mount Sinai Hospital, offering complex surgery services.
• Private Clinics: Including the Hip & Knee Surgical Clinic in Montreal, providing access to hip replacement surgery with advanced techniques.
• Consultation with Orthopedic Specialists: To determine candidacy, discuss surgical options, and plan tailored care.

Patients are encouraged to consider surgeon expertise, facility capabilities, and available timelines when selecting care.

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In summary, Canadians seeking hip replacement surgery in 2025 have access to several surgical options through public and private settings, including centers offering robotic-assisted techniques. While public wait times remain a challenge for some, private care and day surgery models present alternative pathways to potentially receive treatment sooner. Expert surgeons with specialized training across Canada aim to deliver personalized, high-quality orthopedic care based on individual patient needs.

Sources

• Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI): Wait Times for Priority Procedures 2019 to 2024
• Hip & Knee Surgical Clinic – Dr. Mina W. Morcos, Montreal
• Sinai Health – Hip and Knee Surgery Disclaimer: All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this web site is for general information purposes only. The information and materials contained in these pages and the terms, conditions and descriptions that appear, are subject to change without notice.