How to find the best hip replacement surgeon in the UK

Types of hip surgeons

In most cases, the best type of surgeon for your hip replacement will be an orthopaedic consultant who specialises in hip joint replacement surgery. These surgeons have undergone extensive training in the diagnosis, treatment and management of hip conditions. These include osteoarthritis, hip fractures, and other hip problems that may result in a patient needing a replacement hip joint.

Further types of specialisations include:

• Consultant hip surgeons – Consultant orthopaedic surgeons are experienced and highly trained professionals who are often leaders in their field
• Private hip surgeons – Private hip surgeons operate in private healthcare facilities rather than public or government-run hospitals. They work with patients who have private health insurance or want to use self-pay healthcare to get more control over their care and the timing of their surgery
• Hip arthroscopy surgeons – A hip arthroscopy surgeon specialises in minimally invasive surgical techniques that involve the insertion of a small camera into the hip joint to diagnose and treat conditions. This could involve removing a damaged hip joint or repairing a torn labrum
• Hip resurfacing surgeons – These consultants are experienced in procedures in which damaged bone and cartilage from the hip joint are removed and replaced with a metal cap that fits over the femoral head
• Hip revision surgeons – A hip revision surgeon specialises in surgery to replace a previously inserted artificial hip implant that has become worn or damaged
• Minimally invasive hip surgeons – A minimally invasive surgeon specialises in techniques that use smaller incisions and specialised instruments to reduce tissue damage, minimise scarring and accelerate recovery

How do I choose a hip replacement surgeon in the UK?

We’ve outlined below some of the steps to help you find the right surgeon for your total hip replacement.

Step 1: Research hip surgeons and clinics

The first step is to do some research. Here are a few places to look:

• Online research: A quick online search can provide you with a list of hip replacement surgeons and clinics in your area. You can read reviews and ratings from previous patients to gain insight into their experiences
• Recommendations: Ask your GP, physiotherapist or friends and family for recommendations. They may have personal experiences or know someone who has undergone successful hip replacement surgery
• Professional associations: Professional associations such as the Royal College of Surgeons can provide a list of registered surgeons in your area.

Step 2: Check qualifications and experience

It’s important to check the qualifications and experience of the surgeons themselves. Look for surgeons who have completed specialist training in orthopaedic surgery with a particular focus on hip replacements. Surgeons with a wealth of experience are more likely to have encountered a broad range of cases, which may increase their success rates.

Don’t be afraid to ask for statistics on their complication rates and ask how he or she would manage any complications that may occur.

You can also check their credentials to see if they are registered with any professional associations. These include the General Medical Council (GMC) and the British Orthopaedic Association (BOA).

Step 3: Look for specialisations

Hip replacement surgery is a complex procedure. Therefore, it’s important to look for surgeons who specialise in this type of hip surgery. Look for surgeons who are members of specialist hip replacement surgery societies or who have published research on hip replacement surgery. This can be an indication of their level of expertise in the field.

Step 4: Check hospital accreditation

Don’t forget to check that the hospital where your surgery will take place is accredited and has a good reputation for quality of care. Check the Care Quality Commission (CQC) website for information on hospital accreditation and ratings. Look for hospitals with high ratings for patient safety, cleanliness and quality of care.

Practice Plus Group was the first provider to achieve a clean sweep of ‘Good’ and ‘Outstanding’ CQC ratings for all secondary care services.

Step 5: Check patient reviews

Patient satisfaction is an important indicator of the quality of care provided by a surgeon or hospital. Look for reviews from previous patients, both online and offline. You can also ask the surgeon for references from previous patients who have had hip replacement surgery with them. This can provide valuable insight into the surgeon’s bedside manner, communication skills and overall level of care.

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Did you know?

99% of patients say they would recommend Practice Plus Group.

Choosing a hip replacement surgeon is a personal decision. You should feel comfortable with the surgeon and confident in their abilities.

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Step 6: Consider the costs

Hip replacement surgery costs can vary depending on the surgeon and hospital. It’s important to consider the cost of private surgery, as well as any associated costs. These can include hospital fees, general anaesthetic, and follow-up appointments.

It is also important to check with your insurance provider to see if hip replacement surgery is covered under your policy. If not, you may need to consider other options for financing the procedure.

At Practice Plus Group, total hip replacement starts at £11,299. You can pay for yourself, use private health insurance or go through an NHS referral. The only other cost involved is a £95 fee for your initial consultation. This is a no-obligation, pre-operative appointment that includes X-rays, blood tests and an assessment with a dedicated surgeon.

Step 7: Schedule a consultation

Once you have identified potential surgeons and hospitals, arranging a consultation can provide an opportunity to discuss your procedure in detail and ask any questions about your hip surgery.

During the consultation, the surgeon will evaluate your hip and discuss your medical history. This is to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.

Step 8: Consider aftercare

Aftercare is a critical aspect of hip replacement surgery. Look for surgeons who provide comprehensive aftercare and rehabilitation services. This includes physiotherapy and support to aid your recovery and improve your mobility.

At Practice Plus Group, we practise the Enhanced Recovery Pathway (ERP). This is an evidence-based approach designed to shorten recovery time after major surgery. Our physiotherapists begin working closely with you within hours of joint replacement surgery to get you back on your feet faster.

Questions to ask a hip replacement surgeon

The following is a list of questions you may want to ask a hip surgeon to make sure they are the right fit for your needs:

• What is your experience performing hip replacement surgery?
• What is your success rate with hip replacement surgery and how do you define success?
• What types of hip replacement procedures do you perform and which one do you recommend for my specific condition?
• What type of implant do you use and why?
• What are the potential risks and complications associated with hip replacement surgery and how do you manage them?
• How long will the hip surgery take and what is the expected recovery time?
• What type of pain management strategies do you use after surgery?
• What type of rehabilitation do you recommend after surgery?
• What type of follow-up care will I need after surgery and what is the timeline for follow-up appointments?
• Are there any lifestyle changes or precautions I should take after surgery to protect my new hip joint?

These questions can help you understand your surgeon’s experience and approach to hip replacement surgery. They can also highlight the potential risks and benefits associated with the procedure. By asking these questions, you can make an informed decision about whether a particular surgeon is the right fit for you and your specific needs.

What makes our consultant hip surgeons different?

At Practice Plus Group, all our hip specialists are:

• highly-qualified
• experienced in their specialisation
• well-reviewed by patients
• up-to-date with the latest technologies and healthcare guidance
• caring and compassionate.

How to find the best hip replacement surgeons near you

You can use our consultant page to search by language, treatment and location to find experienced local hip surgeons near you. Hip replacement is available at the following Practice Plus Group locations:

• Barlborough
• Emersons Green
• Ilford
• St Mary’s Portsmouth
• Plymouth
• Shepton Mallet
• Southampton
• Gillingham
• Devizes.

Look for surgeons under ‘hip surgery’ to see a list of skilled and qualified consultants in your area. Each profile will show you their qualifications, medical council number and approved insurers, along with a biography about their specialisations.

Which hospital is best for hip replacement?

In 2011, our hospitals ranked highest in an independent national rating of the best-performing hospitals for hip replacement and knee replacement operations.

Hip replacement surgery can be a life-changing procedure that can get you back to your everyday tasks and hobbies, and finding the right surgeon can make a big difference to your recovery and overall experience. Take the time to do some research, attend consultations and consider your personal preferences to find the best hip replacement surgeon for you.

Ready to get started? Get in touch to start your journey to better hip health.