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Hip surgery

Private surgery for hip pain and hip injuries

Close up of doctor explaining hip surgery by pointing at part of a medical hip model
If you are looking for a talented hip surgeon near you, look no further than Circle Health Group. Hip surgery is one of our main specialties, and with more than 50 private hospitals across the UK, you're never far from one of our experienced orthopaedic consultants.

When you choose private hip surgery with us, you can expect consultant-led treatment from start to finish. We have a network of renowned consultant surgeons across the country, who are supported by multidisciplinary teams that are as committed to clinical excellence as they are to truly compassionate care. Our hospitals offer a warm welcome and a calm environment, and you can expect a private room as standard, with round-the-clock care, generous visiting hours and delicious, healthy meals cooked to your dietary requirements.

We are an award-winning hospital group that puts people first, as is shown by our excellent patient satisfaction record. We don't believe in one-size-fits-all healthcare, but instead we build a bespoke treatment plan for every person we see.

Whether you have already been referred to a hip specialist or are looking to investigate ongoing hip pain and problems, our team is ready and waiting to help you. Call or book online today and you could be having your initial consultation in as little as 48 hours.

We don't have waiting lists for hip surgery, so as soon as you and your consultant have decided what option is best for you, we can get you booked in for your operation.

The cost of your hip surgery will depend on which type of surgery you are having as well as the hospital and consultant you choose. Many of our individual treatment pages include guide prices, and you can also call our team and request a tailored quote for a specific procedure.

You can access hip surgery with us using private medical insurance or by paying for your own treatment.

Often hip surgery will be covered by your private health insurance, but not always. Speak to your provider directly to see what's covered in your policy.

If you want to pay for your own treatment, you can either pay in full or take advantage of our flexible payment options, which allow you to spread the cost over a period of up to five years.

Our self-pay customers benefit from fixed-price packages, meaning you'll know exactly what you're going to pay before you book your surgery. Your initial consultation and early diagnostic tests won't be included, but the cost of your surgery and hospital fees are, and so is your aftercare programme (including physiotherapy). There are no hidden costs down the line.

Senior woman requiring hip surgery holding hip in pain while at home
The majority of people who have hip surgery will do so either because of chronic hip pain and related problems, or because of an accident or injury that has damaged their hip joint. A less common reason for hip surgery is a congenital deformity, which is a hip problem that you were born with.

The hip is a ball and socket joint, formed by the upper part of your thigh bone (the femur) sitting inside the socket-like part of your pelvis, which is known as the acetabulum.

When it is working properly, it allows you a wide range of movements. It is also the joint that we use the most, absorbing the stresses and strains of daily life. The hip is very durable, however, like any other joint it can become damaged. You might experience hip pain for a wide variety of reasons, although it is much more common in older people, whose joints have been working for longer.

Surgery is not the only form of hip treatment, and we will always recommend that you try conservative methods first, if possible. Usually, we will only recommend hip surgery if other methods have failed to offer you the relief you need. However, in some instances surgery will be the first port of call - for example if you have badly fractured your hip.

Surgery for hip pain and chronic hip conditions

Although most people experience hip pain from time to time, when it becomes chronic it can be a debilitating condition. It is often accompanied by other symptoms such as stiffness and swelling. Hip pain can significantly affect your range of mobility, which in turn can have a detrimental impact on your life.

The most common cause of hip pain is osteoarthritis, which is wear and tear arthritis. Hip bursitis is another condition we see a lot, which can be treated with hip surgery. Bursitis is the inflammation of your bursa, which are fluid-filled sacs that cushion your joint. Hip impingement is another condition that is treated with surgery. Impingement is caused by a misalignment in the hip joint, and if severe it can be treated by reshaping the bones in your hip.

If you are living with chronic hip pain, our experienced consultants can help you to diagnose the cause of it and identify the best course of treatment based on your individual needs and circumstances.

Surgery for hip injuries

Although most hip injuries will get better without surgery, there are instances where surgery is the best option. For example, if you have a severe hip fracture that can't be supported by a splint or cast, you might have a procedure called an open reduction internal fixation (ORIF). If you dislocate your hip very badly, you might need keyhole surgery to put the joint back into place.

Keyhole surgery (known as hip arthroscopy) is also used to treat damage to tendons or cartilage in your hip joint, for example a hip labral tear.

Is hip surgery right for me?

As consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Reshid Berber explains, hip surgery can be transformative in situations where hip problems are impeding your quality of life.

"Chronic problems such as osteoarthritis of the hip can cause significant pain, stiffness, or problems with the function of your hip.

"Hip problems can mean everyday activities and exercise are difficult to perform, however surgery can lead to freedom from pain and improved mobility without restraint.

"Hip conditions such as arthritis can negatively impact a person's quality of life and impair one's enjoyment from sporting pursuits and hobbies. It can affect patients of all ages. Hip surgery, such as joint replacement, is aimed at improving one's quality of life and getting patients back to doing the things they enjoy."

Our specialists are here to help you find out the right treatment for your hip problems. Hip surgery won't be the right choice for everyone, but if it's right for you the effects can be life-changing.

Theatre staff performing surgery using modern robotic techniques

Total hip replacement surgery

Total hip replacement surgery is a common procedure used to treat a damaged hip caused by degenerative conditions such as arthritis. If you're suffering from chronic hip pain, a hip replacement may be the solution. During the procedure, your damaged or deteriorated hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint, called a prosthesis.

Hip revision surgery

Hip replacement is a very effective treatment, but over time your new hip may wear down and you may need to have the prosthesis replaced. This is known as hip revision or hip replacement revision surgery.

Arthroscopic hip surgery

Hip arthroscopy, also known as keyhole surgery, is often carried out to diagnose and treat hip pain. The procedure allows the surgeon to see inside the hip using a small camera, called an arthroscope, which is inserted through very small cuts into your joint. Your surgeon can diagnose the cause of your hip problems, and in some cases they will be able to treat them during the same procedure.

Hip labral tear surgery and hip debridement surgery are two procedures that can be performed arthroscopically.

Surgery for hip fractures

If you have a severely broken hip, surgery may be recommended to support and protect the joint while healing and encourage the best function possible as you recover. Hip fracture surgery is sometimes referred to as hip pinning.

Hip resurfacing surgery

Hip resurfacing is an alternative treatment for a hip replacement. During the procedure, the surgeon trims and caps the top of the thigh bone with a smooth metal covering. Next, the damaged part of the hip socket is removed and replaced with a metal shell. Because less bone is removed during the procedure, the chance of a hip dislocation at a later date is much reduced.

Woman-on-bed-with-hip-pain
If you choose to have hip surgery with us, your consultant and healthcare team will give you lots of tailored advice about preparing for surgery, which will include everything from lifestyle tips to make sure you're in good shape before the operation, to a guide to preparing your home for when you return.

They'll also tell you what to expect from surgery, for example the types of anaesthesia available and the effects of anaesthesia, what it's like to be a patient in hospital with us, and who will join you in the operating theatre.

woman walking in the park using walker while recovering from hip surgery
Recovering from hip surgery is different for everyone, but in every instance you have a better chance of success if you are supported through your recovery by a physiotherapist.

At Circle Health Group, all our hip surgery patients will be supported by a dedicated chartered physiotherapist who specialises in getting people back on their feet. They will work with you throughout your treatment journey, building a personalised recovery plan of specialised hip exercises that will help you to regain your strength and support the healing of your hip as best as you can.

If you are paying for your own treatment, the cost of your hip physiotherapy is included in your fixed-price package.

Hip surgery recovery time

How long it takes you to recover from hip surgery will depend on what type of hip surgery you had, your reasons for having it, and also personal factors such as your age and fitness levels.

For example, full hip replacement surgery recovery takes six to 12 months, but many people feel almost back to normal after 12 weeks, and for some people it will be more like six weeks.

Richard Linley had hip replacement surgery at The Highfield Hospital in Rochdale. He had been living with chronic hip pain for years by the time he decided to take action and seek the help of a specialist. He had suffered a severe workplace injury in his early 30s and hadn't quite realised how much it had affected him.

"Living with hip pain every day had become depressing. I was used to living with the pain, but after having my surgery, I realised that I had been living in agony for years," he explains.

Richard's hip surgeon, Mr Rama Mohan, found that the cartilage in his damaged hip was completely worn away and therefore recommended hip surgery as the best option.

Richard explains: "Mr Mohan was 100% confident that this operation was going to transform my life and he was absolutely right. He told me what the operation would involve, the recovery period and the aids that I would need while I was recuperating. He put my mind at rest and was totally confident about what the outcome would be. I was absolutely delighted."

Richard, who before surgery used a stick to walk, has once again become a keen walker and cyclist, and has shaken off the depression and fatigue caused by his chronic hip pain.

"I feel a lot happier," he says. "There have been no negatives with having the operation. It has transformed my life and I only wish that I could have had it done sooner."

In order to have hip surgery with Circle Health Group, you need to first have a consultation with one of our hip specialists. This initial consultation allows us to make a diagnosis, get to know you and what you are hoping to achieve from hip surgery, and talk you through all the options available to you.

You can book a consultation online or you can call us to speak directly to one of our dedicated team of friendly advisors.

We answer some of your most commonly asked questions about hip surgery.

How much swelling is normal after hip surgery?

The level of swelling will depend on what surgery you have as well as your personal recovery, but in general you can expect several weeks or more with keyhole surgery, and up to six months with open surgery.

Can you drive after hip surgery?

You won't be able to drive after your hip operation, so you will need to arrange for someone to take you home from hospital.

How soon you can drive after hip surgery will depend on which procedure you had as well as various other factors. As a general rule you should not drive until you can perform an emergency stop without any pain.

Your consultant will give you a personalised estimate of how long this will take, and you should also speak to your insurance company, as they might have their own rules about when you are covered again.

Do you need a raised toilet seat after hip surgery?

It is recommended that you don't sit with your knees above your hips for a while after hip surgery, and a raised toilet seat can help ensure this. Your consultant or physiotherapist will let you know if you need to get one.

How long does it take to get over hip surgery?

Recovery will be different for everyone and will depend on the type of surgery you had. Hip replacement surgery recovery time will be longer than recovery for a more minor surgery. Your consultant will give you an estimate based on your personal circumstances.

How much is hip replacement surgery?

Your hip replacement surgery cost will depend on factors personal to you as well as which hospital and consultant you choose. The average cost of hip replacement in the UK is about £12,500. Our cost of hip replacement surgery guide should give you all the information you need.

Is hip replacement major surgery?

Yes, a hip replacement is considered a major surgery. It is common and very successful but it does carry risks and it comes with a significant recovery period.

How long does hip replacement surgery take?

A typical hip replacement operation takes between one and two hours to complete.

What is normal pain after hip replacement surgery?

After hip replacement surgery you will experience what is known as 'postoperative pain', which is pain as a result of the surgery. You should be able to manage this with painkillers - it should not be very severe.

The chronic pain you experienced beforehand will be gone.

When you choose to go private with Circle Health Group, you can expect:

  • Flexible appointment times and locations to fit your routine
  • The freedom to choose which hospital and consultant suit your needs
  • Personalised, consultant-led treatment plans tailored to your individual needs
  • Comfortable and safe private facilities maintained by expert multidisciplinary teams
  • Private ensuite rooms as standards and delicious healthy meals
  • Affordable, fixed-price packages with aftercare included
  • Flexible payment options to help you spread the cost of your care

If you would like to learn more about hip surgery, book your appointment online today or call a member of our team directly.

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in March 2023. Next review due March 2026.

  1. Hip replacement, NHS
  2. Total hip replacement, Ortho Info
  3. Hip pinning, Johns Hopkins
  4. Bursitis, NHS
  5. Osteoarthritis of the hip, Mayo Clinic
  6. Hip resurfacing, OrthoInfo
  7. Hip revision, Cleveland Clinic
  8. Hip replacement surgery, Versus Arthritis
  9. Hip debridement surgery, NHS
  10. Hip arthroscopy, Johns Hopkins

Why Alasdair went private for hip replacement surgery

When an injury left Alasdair in serious pain, he decided to go private for hip replacement surgery. Find out how Circle Health Group helped him get back on his feet.

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