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Total Hip Replacement

A total hip replacement involves removing the damaged ball-and-socket joint and replacing it with an artificial implant, designed to restore smooth, pain-free movement. It's one of the most successful and well-established operations in modern medicine, typically considered once hip osteoarthritis has progressed to the point where non-surgical treatment no longer provides meaningful relief.

Is It Right For You?

A hip replacement is generally considered when joint damage is significantly affecting your daily life - persistent pain, disturbed sleep, and reduced mobility that hasn't responded to physiotherapy, activity changes, or medication.

 

Mr George will give you an honest assessment of whether you're at that stage, based on your specific joint and circumstances, not a generic checklist.

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Surgery typically takes around one to two hours. Many patients are able to go home the same day or after a short stay, with physiotherapy and mobilisation beginning within hours of the operation.

 

Mr George will discuss the specific surgical approach and anaesthetic options suited to your individual case as part of your planning.​​

The Procedure

Understanding the Surgery

Steps of a Total Hip Replacement

Right buttock prior to surgery

Underlying severe osteoarthritis with cartilage loss

A total hip replacement implant in place 

Buttock seen following surgery with a scar having used a posterior approach

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First few days: walking with support (frame or crutches), physiotherapy beginnings immediately

 

Weeks 2 to 6: progressing from crutches to a stick, and often to walking unaided; driving typically reconsidered around six weeks

 

3 to 6 months: continued strengthening, return to most normal activities

 

Ongoing: many patients see continued improvement in strength and confidence for up to a year

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Read our detailed guide to hip replacement recovery and physiotherapy stages for a

fuller stage-by-stage breakdown

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Recovery

Risks and Reducing Them

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As with any surgery, there are risks, including infection, blood clots, and — specifically for hip replacement — a small risk of dislocation, particularly in the early recovery period.

 

Mr George will talk through your individual risk factors, and there's a lot patients can do themselves to reduce risk — covered in more detail in our guide to reducing complications after hip replacement.

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Considering a Hip Replacement?

Book a consultation with Mr George for an honest, personalised assessment.

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