Persistent hip pain stopping you from enjoying the good things in life? If you’ve answered ‘yes’ to that question, you might benefit from some time with a private hip consultant.
Join us as we explore the different conditions a private hip consultant can help with, when you should see one, and how the experience can benefit you.
Such a question can’t just have one answer because there’s a whole host of different reasons and benefits of choosing a private hip consultant. From shorter waiting times to tailored treatment plans, we cover the highlights below.
Faster access to diagnosis and treatment
Perhaps the main reason to see a private hip consultant is the (sometimes greatly) reduced time you’ll have to wait to do so.
Let us explain. If you wanted to see an NHS hip consultant in Northampton, the current waiting time at the Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust is 42 weeks (21 weeks for an initial consultation and a further 21 weeks before you can have surgery).1 Elsewhere in the country, if you wanted to see an orthopaedic consultant at the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, you’d be facing a wait of 14 weeks for a consultation, followed by a further 19 weeks for treatment.2
On the other hand, if you’re exploring the private healthcare route, with Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, you can see a private knee consultant just 1-2 weeks after submitting your initial booking enquiry. Should you need surgery, this will take place 4-6 weeks after your consultation.
Continuity of care with a hip specialist
One of the ways in which private consultants make a difference during treatment is with the continuity of care. With Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, you have the opportunity to choose the consultant you want to see for your initial consultation. If surgery is needed, the same consultant will be the one carrying out your hip procedure.
Personalised treatment plans
Starting with your initial consultation, you’ll receive a treatment plan that’s designed specifically for you and your needs. During your initial consultation, the specialist will carry out physical tests and ask questions about your medical history designed to arrive at a diagnosis. Once this is reached, your hip consultant will devise a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. This will include the type of surgery you need (if surgery is indeed required), recommendations on how to prepare, and how you can recover as quickly and successfully as possible.
What does a private hip consultant actually do?
It’s fair to say that a private hip consultant wears many different hats. From their specialist expertise in the orthopaedic field to simply being a friendly face during a sensitive time, they’re responsible for a big chunk of your healthcare experience. So, it’s important to know and understand what these different roles are and what they entail.
Specialist expertise
As we mentioned above, all our consultants provide a wealth of experience and expertise in their specific fields. Think of them as the Yodas of the medical world but less green! Most of them hold memberships and fellowships at prestigious national surgical associations and some are regularly called upon to deliver lectures around the world on their areas of medical interest. Know their onions, they do!
Physical assessments and diagnostic imaging
Your initial consultation is designed to help your hip consultant get to the bottom of your specific issue. In order to do this, he or she needs to carry out tests such as x-rays, bloods, and swabs. If further investigation is needed, your consultant may recommend diagnostic imaging such as MRI scans. MRIs do incur extra cost and it may not be possible to do there and then. If an MRI is required, your consultant will discuss the reasons with you in detail.
Questions about your general health and family medical history may also be needed, so while you don’t need to bring your family tree, it’s worth having a little thing beforehand about your grandpa’s dodgy knee!
Building a bespoke treatment plan
Here’s where the findings from your consultation and your hip consultant’s expertise come together. Following your diagnosis, you’ll be given a treatment plan tailored to you and your specific needs. The plan will cover:
what to expect from surgery
how to prepare for surgery
recommendations on how to achieve a fast and full recovery.
A word from one of our hip specialists:
“Our Wellsoon private service offers the opportunity to have surgery as soon as 4-6 weeks after your initial consultation for £95. We are dedicated to providing expert advice and tailored treatment plans, ensuring excellent clinical outcomes so you can return to feeling your best sooner than you thought.”
Charles Ayekoloye, Consultant orthopaedic surgeon at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Barlborough
From hip replacement to hip revision surgery, at Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, our hip specialists can help with a wide range of different hip problems and conditions.
Osteoarthritis, rheumatic hip conditions, dysplasia, fractures
Among the most common conditions a private hip consultant can help with is osteoarthritis. This is when cartilage is worn down through wear and tear, causing hip pain and joint inflammation. A private hip consultant can also help with fractures (where a patient has fallen and damaged the hip) and dysplasia (a condition where the socket part of the hip joint doesn’t fully cover the ball part).
Labral tears, bursitis, tendon issues, impingement causing pain and stiffness
Other hip conditions a private hip consultant can help with include bursitis (when the fluid filled sacs that cushion the hip joint become inflamed), labral damage (when the cartilage ring that cushions the hip joint is torn or damaged), and tendon issues (where a tendon ‘snaps’ over the bony protruding part of the hip joint).
If you’re experiencing persistent pain and stiffness, limited hip function, or a clicking feeling in your hip, these are potential signs it’s a good idea to see a hip pain specialist.
Private hip surgery options at Practice Plus Group
Whether you need a total hip replacement surgery, a hip revision, or an injection to help manage your hip pain, we provide a range of different surgery options to help get you back on your feet.
Total hip replacement
As with other joint replacement surgeries, an artificial hip takes the place of the original hip joint. The hip surgeon removes the worn-out components of the ball-and-socket joint and replaces them with an artificial implant. This surgical treatment can significantly improve mobility and enhance the patient’s quality of life.
Hip revision surgery
Hip revision surgery is a procedure designed to revise any component of an artificial hip replacement. It is carried out to improve symptoms of a failed artificial hip joint. These symptoms can include infection, fracture, and joint dislocation. Hip revision surgery helps to correct the problem so the hip can function normally again.
Hip arthroplasty
A hip arthroplasty is where only the damaged and worn-out parts of the hip joint are replaced. Along with a total hip replacement, an arthroplasty is a common treatment for patients with osteoarthritis of the hip. The aim of a hip arthroplasty is to restore function and relieve pain.
Injections and conservative treatments
In less severe cases, injections into the hip are recommended by a consultant to help manage pain and discomfort. Steroid injections can ease inflammation, while hyaluronate helps the damaged hip joint to move more smoothly.
You can prepare physically, by losing weight, cutting down on alcohol and smoking, and strengthening the muscles around the hip joint.
You can prepare your home for your recovery by pre-prepping meals, investing in a ‘grabber’ so you don’t have to overreach for items, and removing loose rugs and carpet.
Mental preparation comes in the form of managing any anxieties or stress brought about by the surgery itself. Sharing your thoughts with friends and family, practising mindfulness activities such as yoga and meditation, or simply focusing on a successful surgical outcome can prove effective.
Post-surgery recovery and pain relief
Rehabilitation and recovery is a crucial part of your hip surgery journey, and with Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, all of your physio needs are included in the price of your treatment! Physio sessions are tailored to your specific needs in order to get you back on your feet as soon as possible.
What makes private hip care at Practice Plus Group different?
Right then, you’re fully clued up on why seeing a private hip specialist could be a good idea. Now it’s time to find out why it’s a good idea to see a private consultant with Practice Plus Group!
Fixed transparency of cost
At Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, we believe high-quality healthcare should be accessible and clearly priced. With that in mind, unlike other private hospitals who add extra costs on top of treatment bills, our packages include everything. From surgery and aftercare to medication, post-op checks, and physiotherapy, there are no hidden extras lurking around the corner.
The following table features the prices for hip treatment at Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group:
Treatment
Price
Initial consultation
£95
Total hip replacement surgery
£12,549
Hip revision surgery
£21,199
Hip injection in theatre
£2,260
Hip injection in tendon
£1,449
Hip injection in clinic
£240
Hip ultrasound-guided injection in clinic
£799
Access to hip consultants across the UK via consultant finder
All of our consultants are experts in their own medical fields, performing specialist surgeries on a regular basis. One of the benefits of choosing to pursue your healthcare privately is the ability to choose the right consultant for you. This decision should be based on their experience, qualifications, and the number of times they’ve carried out the specific type of surgery you need.
More information can be found on our Consultants page.
When should you see a private hip specialist?
The following (not exhaustive) list features some of the most common signs that you’re struggling with a hip problem that may benefit from some time with a specialist:
severe and persistent hip pain
increasing pain, discomfort and immobility from a previous hip injury (such as a fractured pelvis, hip fracture or joint damage)
difficulty exercising
activity-related pain and stiffness
limited mobility
disturbed sleep
noticeable changes in the hip joint
As mentioned, the above list isn’t exhaustive; there may be other signs that you need hip surgery. If you’re struggling with any of the symptoms above, find a private hip consultant near you to help get your life back on track.
How to book a private hip consultation at Practice Plus Group
You can book a private hip consultation with a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in the following ways:
self-pay via a single one-off payment or finance options
Not quite found the information you’re looking for? Our dedicated private hip consultant FAQs might be able to help!
What happens at a private hip consultation?
During a private hip consultation, a specialist will carry out physical tests such as x-rays, bloods, and swabs as required. He or she will ask you questions about your general health and family medical history in order to arrive at a diagnosis.
Who is the best professional to see for hip pain?
The best person to see for hip pain is a consultant orthopaedic surgeon.
What if my hip pain is not going away?
If you’re experiencing persistent hip pain, you may benefit from spending some time with a hip specialist. An initial consultation at Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group costs just £95.
What is a red flag for hip pain?
The most common red flags for hip pain are:
– severe and persistent hip pain – difficulty exercising – activity-related pain and stiffness – limited mobility – disturbed sleep – noticeable changes in the hip joint
These are all signs you could benefit from having a consultation with a hip specialist.
What are the worst things to do with hip pain?
Essentially, anything that could make the issue worse. Activities with a high risk of impact or falling should be avoided (think rugby, skiing, and sky diving), while running probably isn’t a good idea either.
How long is the wait for private surgery?
At Wellsoon from Practice Plus Group, the wait for hip surgery at all our hospitals is 4-6 after your initial consultation. Patients choosing to have their hip treatment on the NHS will likely face a much longer wait depending on location and availability of consultants.
Is imaging included?
X-rays are included in the cost of your consultation but MRI scans are not. If you need further diagnostic imaging, your consultant will discuss the reasons with you.
Can I switch from NHS to private care?
In a sense, yes. If you’re on an NHS waiting list, you can still choose to have your treatment privately. However, to do this, you’ll need to have an initial private consultation regardless of whether you’ve already had one with the NHS.
Acknowledgements
Throughout his career, Mr Ayekoloye has worked as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest and practice in lower limb arthroplasty. He has held various positions in NHS hospitals and was most recently a consultant orthopaedic surgeon in lower limb arthroplasty at Mount Stuart Hospital in Torquay. His specialization and majority of his practice is in hip and knee joint replacements, including complex primary hip and knee reconstructions. Additionally, he performs unicompartmental knee replacement and knee arthroscopy.
