Private hip surgery - costs and treatment

Dr Hilary has hip replacement with Practice Plus Group

Cost of hip surgery by location

The table below shows the current location-by-location cost of hip surgery at Practice Plus Group:

What’s included in the cost of hip surgery?

Our costs for private hip surgery include:

• high-quality care
• pre operative nurse review
• prescriptions, dressings and equipment
• anaesthetic
• any overnight stay required
• physiotherapy, pathology and histology needed whilst admitted
• any post operative appointments required
• a named consultant from start to finish.

At Practice Plus Group, the average waiting time for private hip surgery is 4-6 weeks.

In comparison, current NHS waiting times for hip operations are typically between 6-12 months, but some may be longer.¹ Waiting times vary depending on:

• hospital location
• demand for orthopaedic care being higher than other specialities
• prioritisation of urgent case over scheduled operations
• system pressures creating long waiting lists.

What is hip surgery?

When we talk about hip surgery, we mean any surgical procedure that’s performed on the hip joint to either relieve pain, improve mobility or both. Hip surgeries are usually performed to address a condition or correct an injury.

Who is it for?

Hip surgery is usually recommended for those who are experiencing significant hip pain, stiffness and reduced mobility due to hip joint damage or injury. The majority of patients are around 60–80 years old (particularly for hip replacement). For patients aged between 50-85, the most common hip procedures are total replacements and hip revisions.

Risk groups

The following groups of people could find themselves at greater risk of needing hip surgery:

• those with a high body weight which can increase the stress on joints
• those that have experience a previous hip injury
• athletes
• patients that suffer from osteoporosis could be at greater risk of fracture
• those with inflammatory arthritis (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis)
• those with a family history of hip issues.

Sue talks about her hip replacement experience

Hip replacement patient, Michael tells his story

Jill Flack talks about her husband's hip surgery success

Dr Hilary talks about his hip surgery at Birmingham

Derrick Clarke talk about hip surgery in Birmingham

Val Stones talks about her hip replacement experience

Jennie Peace talks about her hip surgery at Shepton Mallet

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When to seek treatment - signs and symptoms

If conservative treatments such as medication, physiotherapy, and lifestyle modifications haven’t worked, and your condition is significantly impacting your life, hip surgery may be recommended.

Signs you need surgery could include:

• persistent pain
• reduced mobility
• difficulty performing everyday tasks
• poor quality of life
• joint damage shown on scans.

Red flag guidance

See urgent medical advice if you experience:

• sudden inability to bear weight on the affected hip
• severe groin or thigh pain after a fall
• hip locking or instability
• fever with joint pain
• increasing pain at rest or night pain.

Types of hip surgery and treatments offered

There are many different hip surgery types, ranging from minimally invasive procedures to major hip operations. To understand which solution is best for you, it's a good idea to talk to your GP or consultant. Discover all the different types of surgery and hip treatments available at Practice Plus Group.

Total hip replacement surgery

Hip replacement surgery is a common orthopaedic procedure in the UK. During this procedure, the surgeon replaces a painful arthritic hip with an artificial hip implant to relieve discomfort and improve function.

What it treats: advanced osteoarthritis, inflammatory arthritis, avascular necrosis, post-traumatic arthritis.

Who it’s for: significant pain and stiffness affecting walking, sleep and everyday function.

How it works: damaged ball-and-socket surfaces are removed and replaced with an implant
Procedure duration: typically 1–2 hours (can vary).

Anaesthesia: general or spinal (discussed at pre-assessment).

Hospital stay: same-day or 1–2 nights depending on your recovery plan.

Recovery snapshot: many patients progress well by 12 weeks, with continued improvement up to 12 months.

How long will my new hip last? Evidence suggests long-term implant survivorship remains high at 10+ years, with many hips lasting 15–20+ years (varies by patient and implant).

Hip revision surgery

A hip revision or repeat hip replacement operation involves replacing an artificial hip joint if it has become loose, infected, or worn out over time.

Why hip revision may be required: loosening of the original implant, infection, wear, instability, or dislocation.

Complexity: a revision procedure is usually more complex than a total hip replacement.

Recovery: often takes longer than primary replacement but this depends on its complexity and the bone health of the patient.

Arthritis hip pain treatment

Arthritis is a term used by doctors to describe inflammation within a joint. Osteoarthritis is the most common form of joint disease. The surfaces within your joints become damaged so the joint doesn’t move as smoothly as it should. This causes joint pain and stiffness.

Treatment ranges from conservative means such as lifestyle changes, to fusion, excision or replacement. During hip surgery, the orthopaedic surgeon replaces the damaged joint surfaces with artificial parts, reducing pain and improving your mobility.

Hip arthroplasty surgery

This is the surgical reconstruction or replacement of an arthritic joint. Hip and knee replacements are the most common major orthopaedic procedures. The goals are to restore function and relieve knee or hip pain.

Hip injections for pain relief

Hip injections are occasionally offered to either help with diagnosis (where there is uncertainty around the source of the pain) or as a short-term option for pain relief. Please note, hip injections are not a substitute for hip surgery.

At Practice Plus Group, these include:

• Steroid injections – which reduce inflammation
• Hyaluronic acid - to help the joint move more smoothly
• PRP - offered at selected hospitals when clinically appropriate.

When hip injections may be appropriate:

• for flare-ups of inflammatory pain
• for short-term relief while building strength or managing weight
• to aid diagnostic injections in confirming the source of pain.

Temporary relief expectations: the effects of hip injections can vary. Some people enjoy weeks of relief, others months, while some will get minimal benefit. Your consultant will explain what’s realistic for your situation.

Non-surgical alternatives to hip surgery

Before hip surgery, patients can try conservative pain management. This could include:

• physiotherapy
• weight management
• regular painkillers and anti-inflammatory medication (where appropriate)
• walking aids
• activity modification.

When surgery becomes appropriate:
When pain and stiffness persist despite these options, scans show significant joint damage, and everyday life is being limited.

Pain in your hip?

If you’re experiencing hip pain, try our hip surgery suitability quiz. It will give you an idea of whether you’d benefit from booking a consultation with one of our hip specialists.

How quickly you return to your normal daily activities will vary from person-to-person, but with good physiotherapy and a planned approach to recovery, you should quite quickly notice that everyday tasks become much easier.

The benefits of hip replacement surgery include:

• pain relief
• high success rate
• improved strength and mobility
• results lasting up to 20 years
• better quality of life.

Whilst quality of life may have dipped pre-surgery, tasks like tying shoe laces, getting in and out of the car or bath, walking or standing, will improve. Most people find that they can resume hobbies that they previously enjoyed, such as golf or gardening after a hip replacement.

Hear from a past patient

"I feel lucky to have been treated by the team in Birmingham…I’ve already told anyone who listens about how wonderful the team are and would thoroughly recommend them."

Anthony Macintosh, hip surgery patient at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Birmingham

Outcomes and clinical evidence

Patient-reported outcomes (PROMs):
NHS PROMs data shows most hip replacement patients report feeling better after surgery — with a large majority reporting they feel “much better”, and a further group “a little better”.³

Implant longevity / survivorship:
Evidence reviews using national registry data indicate high survivorship at 10 years and meaningful survivorship at 15–20 years (outcomes vary by age, implant type, activity level and other factors).

Guideline-led rehabilitation:
NICE guidance recommends providing clear information about what to expect before/during/after surgery, including recovery and rehab, and supports early rehabilitation as part of good care pathways.

Risks and complications of hip surgery

As with any surgical procedure, there is a small risk of complications. These can include:

• Blood clots
• Infection
• Dislocation
• Leg length discrepancy
• Implant loosening and general wear and tear.

How risks can be reduced

The steps below detail how the risks of needing hip surgery can be reduced:

• Pre-operative assessment and medical optimisation
• Antibiotics (where indicated)
• Blood clot prevention (medication/compression + early mobilisation)
• Enhanced Recovery Pathway style early mobilisation and physio support
• Clear discharge guidance and follow-up.

When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent help if you develop:

• calf swelling, pain, or redness - this could be a sign of Deep vein thrombosis
• sudden chest pain or breathlessness - this could indicate a pulmonary embolism
• fever, increasing wound redness or discharge - this could indicate possible infection
• sudden “popping out” sensation, severe pain, or an inability to weight-bear - this could be a sign of hip dislocation.

Hear from our expert:
"The main things to watch out for are hip stiffness, persistent pain, restricted mobility, and swelling or inflammation."

The information below explores the ins and outs of hip surgery, from the initial consultation to recovery and what to expect during aftercare.

Pre-operative assessment

If you see signs that you need a hip replacement, you can go to your GP who may refer you to an orthopaedic consultant for an initial consultation. Consultation and pre-operative screening will involve a review of your medical history to ensure the treatment is safe, along with any necessary tests or scans.

Next, you will be set a date to come into hospital as an inpatient for hip replacement surgery. With Practice Plus Group, private hip surgery patients can typically have their private hip consultation within two weeks of initial enquiry with surgery between 4-6 weeks later.

Preparing for hip surgery

While you are waiting for your treatment, you can prepare for hip replacement surgery by doing gentle exercise in the run-up. Walking and swimming will help to strengthen the muscles around the hip, helping to speed up the recovery process.

Some others things you can do to prepare for your surgery include:

• making travel arrangements to and from the hospital
• preparing your home by removing trip hazards and moving important items within easy reach
• stopping smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

During the procedure

The operation replaces worn or damaged sections of the hip with an artificial hip joint. The surgery will be carried out either under general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic.

Your hip surgeon will make an incision on the side of your hip, remove the damaged ball and socket joint and replace it with an artificial one.

How long does hip surgery take?

Hip procedures typically take around two hours. However, this can vary from patient-to-patient and depends on the surgical technique used.

Immediately after surgery

At Practice Plus Group we practise the Enhanced Recovery Pathway (ERP) which is a modern, evidence-based approach that helps shorten recovery time after hip surgery. Length of stay in hospital can be significantly shorter as a result of ERP, with patients able to return home any time from the day of surgery to two to three days post operatively.

Our physiotherapists begin working closely with you within hours of joint replacement surgery, getting you up on their feet and growing your confidence. This early mobilisation in the recovery room and a return home reduces the risk of deep vein thrombosis and infections, as well as making patients feel more comfortable.

Enhancing outcomes through physiotherapy

Your physiotherapist will give you exercises and instructions on how to use mobility aids such as crutches and sticks. For the first four-to-six weeks, you will need crutches or sticks to get around and you will need to do your exercises to ensure your new hip joint gives you the best results.

Hip surgery healing times

Most people are back to normal within 12 weeks but it can take up to a year before you fully benefit from your new hip. It is up to individuals to do the physiotherapy to make sure that the hip gets strong and has a full range of movement.

Hip surgery recovery timeline

The timeline below presents a step-by-step guide of what hip surgery patients can expect of their recovery. Please note, patients recover at different rates depending on a number of factors.

Week 1-2

• Walking with a frame or crutches
• Pain often peaks around day 2 or 3
• Wound care and exercises begin
• Driving is not permitted

Weeks 3-6

• Reduced dependence on walking aids
• Able to climb stairs with support
• Driving: after 6 weeks (only when safe and insurer agrees)
• Return to desk work often possible

Months 3-6

• Independent walking
• Swimming, cycling, golf, and other light sport
• Follow-up review

Long-term recovery

• Maximum recovery up to 12 months
• Implant longevity often 15–20+ years (this can vary from patient-to-patient)
• Low-impact sport recommended and joint protection advice.

Your hip surgery patient journey

The information below presents a clear overview of the entire patient journey for hip surgery.

1 - Initial consultation

2 - Imaging and diagnosis

3 - Treatment decision

4 - Pre-op preparations and assessment

5 - Day of surgery

6 - Hospital stay (same-day or short in-patient stay depending on procedure and recovery)

7 - Return home (with pain relief medication, wound care, and exercises)

8 - Follow-up appointments and physiotherapy milestones

9 - Long-term review (if needed).

Private hip operation costs in the UK

At Practice Plus Group, our hip operation private costs are completely transparent. Aside from the £95 consultation fee, everything is included in the quoted price.

How much does hip surgery cost?

The cost of hip surgery varies according to the type of procedure.

At Practice Plus Group, our prices are:

• Hip replacement surgery - £12,549
• Hip revision surgery - £21,199
• Injection in theatre - £2,260
• Injection in clinic - £240

What is the average private cost of hip replacement in the UK?

The cost of private surgery for hip replacements in the UK varies, depending on the provider. Prices start at around £10,000 but other providers can charge as high as £15,000 depending on the area of the UK you live in. Prices also vary by what’s included.

There are 3 ways to access hip surgery at Practice Plus Group:

1. Self-pay private healthcare
2. Private health insurance
3. NHS referral

Pay for yourself hip replacement surgery cost

If you choose to pay for yourself you can book an initial appointment for £95 by calling us or completing our self-pay enquiry form. The initial appointment includes x-rays and blood tests, so you won’t find any hidden costs. You'll typically have your initial consultation within two weeks, with the surgery itself around four-to-six weeks later. For more information, check our national private hospital price list.

Private insurance hip operation costs

To find out more about having hip surgery using your private insurance, you can call your provider and ask them to pre-authorise your care. Each provider will have its own approach. You can find a list of providers with contact information on our insured patients webpage.

NHS referral

If you have talked to your GP and have decided that you need hip surgery, you are able to choose where you have that NHS treatment. We can accept referrals from any eligible patient* in need of the treatments we offer, regardless of where you live in the UK, even if you have an existing health condition as long as it’s safe for us to treat you.

Talk to your GP about the options, and do some research to help you make the right choice for your needs. Consider things like how long you will have to wait for hip replacement or treatment at each hospital, what their clinical outcomes and infection rates are like and how the Care Quality Commission has rated the service.

If you have already been referred somewhere, but change your mind about where you’d like to go, you can still exercise your right to choose. Just tell your GP that you would like a new referral to another hospital.

*Patients must meet Practice Plus Group eligibility criteria and be ordinarily resident in the UK. Eligibility is checked by your GP.

Find hip consultant specialists

At Practice Plus Group, you can choose an experienced hip consultant to support you throughout your time with us, ensuring you receive first-class, high quality care.

You can search for hip consultants on our website.

Why choose Practice Plus Group?

At Practice Plus Group Hospitals we’re passionate about giving patients a positive experience and excellent clinical outcomes, with personalised care every step of the way. Whether you’re paying for yourself or using private medical insurance, with our short waiting times, unrivalled Care Quality Commission (CQC) ratings and high levels of cleanliness and infection control, we’ll make sure you’re looked after. In fact, we were the first provider to have all services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by the CQC.

Find private hip surgery near you

Are you ready to get back to the things you love?

With excellent hospitals all around the UK and high patient satisfaction, we’re ready to help you say goodbye to hip pain.

Talk to our team today or fill in the form below to book a consultation at a time that suits you.

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