Hip replacement surgery is one of the most common orthopaedic procedures in the UK. The surgeon replaces a painful arthritic hip with an artificial joint.
How does a hip replacement work?
As with other joint replacement surgery, an artificial hip takes the place of the hip joint. Removing the worn out joint and replacing it with a new hip results in a better quality of life.
The type of hip replacement surgery you have will depend upon your individual needs. Your specialist will advise the best course of action for you.
Total hip replacement
This is the most common operation which involves removal of the hip joint. Total hip replacement can sometimes be referred to as hip arthroplasty. In this operation, the painful or worn-out joint is replaced with an artificial joint (implant). In this type of surgery the whole joint is replaced, giving a new femoral head (ball) and acetabulum (socket).
Partial hip replacement is an option if only part of the hip joint is damaged. In this procedure, the femoral head (ball) is replaced. A common reason for this can be a fracture, where the socket remains intact but the ball needs to be replaced. It is not used for treating hip osteoarthritis.
Hip resurfacing
This is a less common type of surgery and is an alternative to hip replacement. It involves removing the damaged surfaces of the bones inside the hip joint with metal.
Urgent hip replacement
Sometimes a hip joint needs to be replaced urgently. This can happen following a fall when the joint is fractured. As mentioned above, sometimes this will result in a partial hip replacement where only the ball joint is replaced. There may be other urgent medical reasons for a hip replacement. A hip consultant will be able to determine how quickly you need surgery and this will help determine how long you have to wait.
Hip revision surgery
Hip revision surgery is sometimes needed in patients who have had a previous hip replacement. During a hip revision, either one or both parts of the hip joint are replaced. This procedure is done following a number of reasons where the implant is failing. This can be due to infection, loosening or fracture. Your consultant will help you weigh the benefits of surgery and make a choice as to the best approach for your individual needs.
Minimally invasive hip surgery
This approach sees the surgeon make one or more shorter incisions over the hip. The aim of this procedure is to reduce pain and speed up recovery time. The operation may not be suitable for all patients.
Pain in your hip?
If you’re experiencing hip pain, try our hip suitability quiz. It will give you an idea of whether you’d benefit from booking a consultation with one of our hip specialists.
The type of hip surgery needed and the approach will depend very much on individual needs and medical advice. A thorough consultation and follow-up investigations will help inform your choice. This will help you make the right decision about your future care.
What are the signs that I need a hip replacement?
Hear from our hip expert: “We almost always start with non-operative management of painkillers, physio and lifestyle changes, even injections into the joint. If these measures are not successful, the next step would be joint replacement.”
persistent or recurring pain in and around the hip joint
activity-related pain and limited range of motion, managing stairs and getting in and out of chairs
disturbance of sleep due to pain
increasing pain due to a previous injury such as a hip fracture.
When should I seek treatment for my hip?
A hip replacement operation is recommended for patients whose hip pain restricts everyday activities. These include walking, driving and getting dressed. Some common reasons why a hip might become damaged are:
A hip replacement is urgent following a fall or accident where the hip joint is fractured, or there is rapid deterioration in the patient’s arthritis.
When is it too late to get a hip replacement?
Although people have hip replacements well into their 90s, due to their medical history, they may not be fit for major surgery. Your doctor will be able to advise as to the best course of action.
Patient testimonial
“I had a constant residual pain which I was always conscious of, irrespective of what I was doing. It’s at the core of simply being and living and it fundamentally affects and curtails the things you want to do.”
“From my very first visit, the care and consideration I received from the staff at the hospital was wonderful…my experience was extremely well managed.”
“I’m making a fantastic recovery and am back walking almost five miles a day, including steep hills, and doing the exercises advised by the physiotherapist.”
Ian Keys, 70, hip replacement patient Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet
What happens during hip replacement surgery?
The operation can be carried out under general or spinal anaesthesia. Your hip replacement surgeon will make an incision on the side of your hip, remove the damaged hip joint and replace it with an artificial joint.
How long does hip replacement surgery take?
The procedure usually takes between one and two hours.
Is hip replacement major surgery?
A hip replacement operation is major surgery and is required when conservative treatment no longer work.
How long will I be in hospital?
We practise the Enhanced Recovery Pathway (ERP). This is a modern, evidence-based approach that helps people speed up their recovery following major surgery. With this support you will be mobile enough to go home one or two days after your operation, some people are able to return home on the day of surgery.
How painful is a hip replacement?
A hip replacement is needed when hip pain interferes with daily activities. As such, after initial recovery you should find you are able to resume your normal activities and sports without pain. Immediately post surgery there will be pain that is managed with oral analgesia. You will work with your physiotherapist to make sure you are up and about quickly. Getting mobile early and doing your physiotherapy exercises will help you recover quickly. This will also minimise post-operative pain.
What are the results of hip replacement surgery?
A new hip joint can relieve pain, improve function, increase mobility and contribute to a better quality of life. A hip replacement can last for 10 to 15 years, at which point revision surgery can be offered.
Steps during and after surgery are taken to decrease these risks.
How long will my new hip last?
A modern artificial hip will last for 10 to 15 years on average. However, occasionally a few will need revision surgery before or after this time.
Are there alternatives to a hip replacement?
Before hip replacement surgery, patients should try conservative pain management. This could include making lifestyle adjustments, weight loss, taking regular painkillers, walking with a stick, and physiotherapy. This can help manage the symptoms of pain and stiffness by reducing the stress on the joint through weight loss, or by moderating activity. Physio exercises will help strengthen the muscles around the joint. This lessens the discomfort experienced and helps with mobility.
An injection in the hip is an option that is occasionally used.
What happens at the pre-operative assessment for hip replacement?
A pre-operative assessment is our opportunity to ensure that the procedure for which you have been referred is right for you. We’ll explain your treatment and make sure that you are medically fit enough to proceed. It is also your opportunity to meet the team who will care for you and to ask any questions.
What is the age criteria for having a hip replacement?
There isn’t an age criteria for patients needing hip replacement surgery. Most patients present for hip replacement between the ages of 60 and 80.
Preparing for hip replacement surgery
If possible, continue to do gentle exercise in the run-up to your surgery. Walking and swimming will help to strengthen the muscles around the hip, helping to speed up the recovery process.
Making travel arrangements, packing the things you’ll need and informing family members will ensure any last minute hiccups on the day are avoided.
Recovering from hip replacement surgery
Once the operation is over, our physiotherapists will begin working closely with you. This happens within hours of joint replacement surgery, and often means you’ll be able to return home early. It can also reduce the risk of early complications after surgery.
By following your physiotherapy plan, you can expect to resume regular activities within two to three months. The time it takes to fully benefit from your new hip will depend on how closely you follow your hip replacement recovery plan. The average expected time can be up to a year, but it’s up to you to ensure that the muscles around the hip are strong and the hip returns to a good range of motion.
At Practice Plus Group, if you are paying for yourself, the average time from booking enquiry to having your surgery is 4 weeks.
If you’re planning on having your operation through the NHS, the waiting list for hip replacement tends to be significantly longer. So, if you are looking for an urgent hip replacement, self-pay healthcare may be an option you want to consider.
How to minimise pain while waiting for a hip replacement
Lifestyle adjustments such as weight loss, taking regular painkillers, walking with a stick and physiotherapy can all help. Physio exercises will also strengthen the muscles around the joint. This lessens the discomfort experienced and helps with mobility.
Self-pay hip replacement costs
Hip surgery cost varies according to the type of procedure and your location. Total hip replacement at Practice Plus Group costs £11,899.
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.
Wellsoon is the new service from Practice Plus Group that provides a range of treatments for patients paying for themselves or paying by private medical insurance. With no hidden costs, you’ll pay less than you might think and be back to your best sooner than you thought.
£95 consultation within 1 to 2 weeks* – includes x-ray, bloods and swabs
Hip surgery, Barlborough – aftercare was brilliant!
I went in for my new hip and was out within 3 days! The aftercare was also brilliant – 10/10!
by Peter
Hip surgery, Shepton Mallet – we have saved £6,500
My wife had a total hip replacement yesterday at Practice Plus Group Hospital, Shepton Mallet. They were absolutely brilliant and if like me you maybe needing surgery but on a long waiting list and considering going private, they are definitely worth getting a quote from. We have saved £6,500 by going to them and not another private hospital. Her consultation was 27th May, operation 13th June, home on 14th.
by Mr Antoniou,
Hip surgery, Plymouth – at long last I am out of pain
Thank you very much for my TWO successful hip operations at long last I am out of pain and recovering well. Many thanks to you and all your staff. Best wishes.
by Brenda Sutton, Thank you card
Hip surgery – best experience ever for my hip replacement
I had the best experience ever for my hip replacement. Would highly recommend, thank you to all the staff involved throughout
by Franca
Hip surgery – tremendous skill, diligence and care
Tremendous skill, diligence and care at this hospital. They deserve their reputation as one of the best facilities in the UK for hip and knee replacements.
by Ian Keys, Google
Hip surgery, Southampton – would recommended to everyone
Had hip op recently. Big thanks to Mr Flood, Maria and all the hospital staff they treated me with care and respect. Thank you all for being there for me. Would recommended to everyone.
by Arthur Syson, Google
Hip replacement, Plymouth – impressed with everyone and everything
I would just like to say that I was impressed with everything and everyone. From the moment I enquired about private treatment. I felt totally welcomed and put at ease by everyone with whom I came into contact. Whatever the art they played in my treatment. Practice Plus Group Hospital, Plymouth was recommended to me, as was Mr Miller. Not only will I pass on that recommendation, but I will have no hesitation in returning at some time for my second hip replacement. Thank you.
by Gillian Camp, Thank you card
Hip surgery, Barlborough – I would recommend Practice Plus Group without a shadow of a doubt
I was particularly pleased with how well-mannered and attentive everyone was. I had my hip replacement operation at 11.30am and when I came out of surgery, a meal was waiting for me. I was told that if my blood test looked good and the surgeon was happy with me when he saw me at 5pm I could go home that night, and that’s what happened. It was seamless.
by Terence Watson
Hip surgery, Shepton Mallet – back walking almost five miles a day
I was amazed at both the lack of hip and knee pain and the fact that I could walk so soon after the surgery. I’m making a fantastic recovery and am back walking almost five miles a day, including steep hills, and doing the exercises advised by the physiotherapist. From my very first visit, the care and consideration I received from the staff at the hospital was wonderful. Everyone I met in every role was wholly engaged as they performed it – receptionists, cleaners, x-ray technicians, nurses, doctors and other health professionals. My experience was extremely well managed.
