Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a candidate for hip replacement?

Hip replacement is usually recommended when hip pain is significantly affecting your quality of life — interrupting sleep, limiting movement, or making everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting dressed difficult. Most patients who reach this point have already tried conservative treatments such as physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medication, or cortisone injections without lasting relief.

The most common cause is osteoarthritis, though hip replacement may also be appropriate following injury, fractures, or other joint conditions. The best way to know if you’re a candidate is a consultation with Dr Bal, who will assess your symptoms, imaging, and overall health to recommend the right path forward for you.

What is the difference between partial and total hip replacement?

Both procedures aim to relieve pain and restore movement, but they differ in how much of the hip joint is replaced.

In a partial hip replacement (hemiarthroplasty), only the femoral head (the ball part of the joint) is replaced. This is most commonly performed following a hip fracture, particularly in older patients, where the socket remains healthy and intact.

In a total hip replacement, both the ball and the socket are replaced with prosthetic components. This is the more common procedure for arthritis-related hip pain, where both surfaces of the joint have deteriorated.

Dr Bal will recommend the most appropriate option based on your diagnosis, age, activity level, and the condition of your joint.

How long is recovery after knee replacement?

Most patients are up and walking with assistance within a day of surgery. A full recovery — returning to normal daily activities with confidence — typically takes three to six months, though many patients feel significant improvement well before that.

The recovery timeline depends on several factors including your age, overall health, fitness going into surgery, and how closely you follow your rehabilitation programme. Physiotherapy plays a major role in the outcome, helping restore strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the joint.

Dr Bal and his team will guide you through every stage of recovery, with a clear plan so you always know what to expect and what to work towards.

When is ACL reconstruction recommended?

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the key stabilising ligaments in the knee. It is commonly torn during sports or activities that involve sudden changes of direction, pivoting, or landing from a jump.

Not every ACL tear requires surgery. ACL reconstruction is generally recommended when:

• The knee remains unstable despite rehabilitation
• You wish to return to sport or an active lifestyle
• Other structures in the knee (such as the meniscus) have also been injured
• You are younger and at higher risk of further joint damage without surgical stabilisation

The procedure involves replacing the torn ligament with a tendon graft, and is performed arthroscopically (keyhole surgery) for a faster, less invasive recovery. Dr Bal will discuss whether reconstruction is the right choice for you based on your lifestyle, goals, and the specific nature of your injury.

Find out more - contact Dr Bal