Hip joint · Robot + 3D printing · Grade III Class A

Hip replacement in China

When hip pain becomes constant and makes walking hard, the joint is replaced. Here's when replacement is truly needed, why the precision of placement matters so much — and how the robot and 3D printing affect it.

When it's time to replace the joint

The hip is one of the most heavily loaded joints in the body. When its cartilage wears down, pain appears in the hip or groin, making it hard to walk, sleep and go down stairs. Joint replacement is considered when this pain becomes constant and conservative treatment no longer brings relief.

Common causes are arthritis (coxarthrosis), the aftermath of injuries, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head. But importantly: age alone is not an indication. Whether and when surgery is needed is decided by the doctor from the scans and from how much the pain limits your life.

The goal of hip replacement is to give a person the ability to walk without pain. This is surgery not “for the scan” but for quality of life.

Can it be done without surgery

In the early stages, conservative methods often help — medication, physiotherapy, adjusting load. Replacement is considered when the joint is so damaged that it cannot be restored and the pain won't go away. This is joint replacement — replacing the joint with an artificial one.

How surgery at FFCH differs

The outcome of joint replacement depends heavily on the precision of placing the prosthesis components — even a small deviation affects the implant's lifespan and comfort. At FFCH the following are used for this:

Recovery

Many patients begin walking with support within the first days after surgery, but exact timelines depend on the method and condition and are determined by the doctor. After the surgical stage at FFCH there is recovery using traditional Chinese medicine — which helps a gentler return to usual activity.

Why FFCH

Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital is a top-category hospital Grade III Class A, where robotic orthopedics, 3D printing and rehabilitation work under a single board. For an international patient — interpreters, help with the visa, and documents for your doctor at home.

When is hip replacement needed?
When pain in the hip or groin and restricted movement become constant, interfere with walking and sleeping, and conservative treatment no longer helps. Common causes are arthritis (coxarthrosis), the aftermath of injuries, and avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The doctor decides from the scans.
Can surgery be avoided?
In the early stages — often yes: medication, physiotherapy, changing load. But when the joint is destroyed, replacement remains the only way to remove the pain and restore movement. When exactly surgery is needed is determined by the doctor, not by age alone.
How does surgery at FFCH differ?
Robotic navigation is used for precise placement of the prosthesis components, and in complex and repeat cases — patient-specific 3D-printed implants. The precision of placement largely determines how long the prosthesis will last.
How long is recovery?
It depends on the method and the patient's condition; many begin walking with support within the first days. Exact timelines are determined by the doctor. After discharge from FFCH, recovery using traditional Chinese medicine is available.
How do I start?
Send your scans (X-ray/CT of the hip joint) in DICOM format and documents to FFCH's official representative Ekaterina Kolokolova on Telegram @kolokolova_eo. Within 48 hours you'll receive an assessment and a personal protocol with an estimate.
About the author
Official representative of Foshan Fosun Chancheng Hospital (FFCH). She supports patients at every stage — from reviewing documents to returning home.

This material is for reference only and does not replace a doctor's consultation. The need for and method of surgery are determined by the doctor after reviewing the scans.

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