Hip pain has a way of narrowing your world. Stairs become calculations. A walk with the dog turns into a decision. If you’ve been told you’re dealing with hip osteoarthritis, or you’re simply trying to understand what private hip surgery actually involves, it helps to have a clear roadmap rather than a pile of scattered information.
At Gateway Surgery, we work with patients across Canada who are ready to move from “what are my options” to “here’s my plan.” Whether that plan includes surgery or not, here is what the road actually looks like, step by step.
Know Your Surgical and Non-Surgical Options
Not every hip condition requires surgery, which is why every Gateway journey starts with a conversation about what will help.
- Non-surgical care such as activity modification, physiotherapy, injections, and other conservative approaches, especially in earlier stages of hip osteoarthritis
- Hip arthroscopy for impingement, labral tears, and soft tissue concerns
- Hip resurfacing surgery reshapes and caps the joint surface rather than removing it, preserving more of your natural bone
- Hip replacement removes and replaces the damaged joint surfaces entirely, typically recommended for more advanced arthritis or joint deterioration
If you’re specifically weighing hip resurfacing versus hip replacement, our detailed comparison guide breaks down candidacy and recovery differences in greater depth.
Book a Private Surgical Consultation
No referral is required to start. You can contact our team directly, and we’ll gather your medical history and imaging to ensure your consultation is useful.
- Our team typically responds within 24 hours during business hours
- Consultations are scheduled within two to four weeks
- You’ll meet one-on-one with an orthopaedic surgeon to review your imaging, discuss your goals, and leave with a clear diagnosis and set of options
Curious what that first appointment actually involves? Our consultation walkthrough covers it in detail.
Understand Your Surgical Timeline
This is usually the question we hear most: how long does it take to get private hip surgery in Canada? The answer is that it depends on your medical readiness, the procedure, and surgeon availability, but here’s the general shape of it:
- Some patients are able to access surgery as early as four weeks after their consultation
- The typical span from consultation through to a completed procedure is one to three months
- Pre-operative testing and health optimization are built into that window, not squeezed on top of it
Being ready for surgery, physically and logistically, also shortens the runway. The Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation offers useful pre-surgical preparation guidance for hip patients that pairs well with whatever plan your surgeon builds with you [1].
Prepare for Surgery Day
Once you’ve decided to move forward, our concierge team handles the coordination: scheduling, pre-operative testing, and clear, personalized instructions, so surgery day holds no surprises. Many patients return home the same day.
Know What Recovery Looks Like
Recovery timelines differ by procedure. Hip resurfacing patients often walk with assistance within days and return to low-impact activity within 6 to 12 weeks. Hip replacement recovery tends to run longer, often three to six months for a full return to normal activity. In both cases, our on-call nursing support is available for up to eight weeks after surgery, and the Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation’s post-surgery activity resources are a helpful companion during that stretch [1].
Revisit Hip Resurfacing vs. Hip Replacement, If You’re Still Deciding
A recent narrative review of hip resurfacing outcomes found it to be a viable, bone-preserving option compared with total hip replacement when patients are carefully selected, and the procedure is performed by an experienced surgical team [2]. That’s really the throughline of this whole roadmap: the right option is the one that’s right for your bone quality, activity level, and goals, not a one-size-fits-all answer. Our hip resurfacing versus hip replacement guide can help you and your surgeon narrow that down.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hip resurfacing surgery?
It’s a procedure that reshapes and caps the surface of the hip joint instead of removing it entirely, preserving more of your natural bone than a full hip replacement.
How long does it take to get private hip surgery in Canada?
Timelines vary, but many Gateway Surgery patients can access surgery within one to three months of their initial consultation, with some procedures available as early as four weeks out.
Is private hip surgery covered by insurance?
Coverage depends entirely on your individual extended health benefits plan and provider. Some plans reimburse a portion of surgical, anaesthesia, or facility fees. Our team can provide detailed documentation to help support your insurance claim, and we’ll give you transparent pricing before you book.
How do I find an orthopaedic surgeon for hip surgery near me?
Gateway Surgery connects patients across Canada with orthopaedic surgeons experienced in hip arthroscopy, hip resurfacing, and hip replacement. A consultation is the fastest way to match the right surgeon for your specific condition.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If hip pain has been shaping your decisions for too long, timely access to care starts with a conversation. Book a consultation with our team; no referral is needed.
References
- Canadian Orthopaedic Foundation. Patient Information Resources. movepainfree.org
