How Long Does a Joint Replacement Surgery Take?

How Long Does a Joint Replacement Surgery Take?

More Than Just Minutes: What Duration Really Tells You

For patients preparing for hip or knee replacement surgery, one of the most common questions is:
“How long will the surgery take?”
While it’s natural to focus on the length of the operation, it’s equally important to understand what that duration includes, what factors influence it, and how (or if) the length of surgery correlates with the success of the procedure.

In this article, we explain the average duration of joint replacement surgery, what affects surgical time, and why the quality of the operation matters more than the clock.

What Is a Joint Replacement Surgery?

A joint replacement (prosthesis) surgery involves removing the damaged surfaces of a joint and replacing them with artificial components. It is most commonly performed for advanced osteoarthritis, when pain and joint degeneration severely impair daily function.

This surgical procedure requires precise planning, execution, and post-operative care. While it is highly successful, it is not a quick fix—it’s a multi-step process requiring attention to detail.

Average Duration of the Surgery

In general, a standard hip or knee replacement takes between 1 and 2 hours. The specific duration depends on the complexity of the case, the technique used, and the surgeon’s experience.

Estimated time ranges:

• Standard total knee or hip replacement: 60–90 minutes
• Complex or revision surgeries: up to 2–3 hours
• Bilateral (both knees) in one session: 2.5–4 hours
• Revision procedures (previous prosthesis removal and replacement): ~3 hours

This duration includes not only the time spent placing the prosthesis, but also steps like anesthesia induction, surgical positioning, preparation, and closure.

What Factors Affect the Duration?

Every patient is different. Surgical time is influenced by several key variables:

1. Surgeon’s Experience and Team Efficiency
A skilled surgeon with an experienced team may complete the procedure more efficiently, but shorter surgery time does not necessarily equal better outcomes.

2. Patient Anatomy
Patients with obesity, joint deformities, or limited range of motion may require more careful dissection and adjustment, which can extend the surgery.

3. Previous Surgeries or Scarring
Tissue adhesions from past surgeries can make the procedure more technically challenging and time-consuming.

4. Technology Used
Advanced techniques like robotic assistance or custom cutting guides (PSI) may slightly increase the surgical time but improve precision.

5. Additional Procedures
If other interventions are needed during surgery—such as ligament balancing or removal of bone spurs—it may take longer.

Does a Shorter or Longer Surgery Time Indicate a Better Outcome?

Not necessarily.
A shorter surgery doesn’t always mean a better outcome, and a longer surgery doesn’t mean something went wrong. The goal is precision and safety, not speed.

Some procedures take longer because the surgeon is carefully navigating anatomical challenges or using advanced techniques to ensure ideal implant placement. On the other hand, a straightforward case may be completed quickly without compromising quality.

What Should Patients Focus On?

Instead of fixating on the surgical time, patients should ask:

• Will the procedure be done safely and thoroughly?
• Is my care team experienced in joint replacement?
• How well is my recovery plan organized?
• What is my expected outcome in terms of pain relief and mobility?

Surgical time is just one component of a complex care process. Preoperative preparation, postoperative care, and rehabilitation are equally important.