Hip surgery in Aberdeen

Hip pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages, limiting mobility and making everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, exercising, or even sleeping uncomfortable. Understanding the cause of hip pain is the first step towards finding the most effective treatment and getting back to an active lifestyle.

Hip Arthritis: One of the most common causes of chronic hip pain is osteoarthritis of the hip. This occurs when the protective cartilage within the hip joint gradually wears away, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and pain. Symptoms often develop slowly and can worsen over time, affecting movement and quality of life.

Hip Injuries and Sports Injuries: Hip pain can also result from injuries caused by sport, exercise, or accidents. These may include muscle strains, ligament injuries, tendon problems, or fractures. Sports-related hip injuries can affect both active individuals and recreational athletes.

Bursitis: Hip bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint become inflamed. This often causes pain on the outside of the hip, which may worsen when walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side.

Tendon Problems: Inflamed or damaged tendons around the hip can cause pain and reduced movement. These conditions are often linked to overuse, repetitive activities, or age-related wear and tear.

Hip Impingement: Also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), hip impingement occurs when the bones of the hip joint do not fit together properly. This can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, particularly during exercise or prolonged activity.

Labral Tears: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilise the hip joint. A tear in this cartilage can cause hip pain, clicking sensations, stiffness, and discomfort during movement.

Referred Pain: Sometimes pain felt in the hip may actually originate from another area of the body, such as the lower back, pelvis, or knee. A specialist assessment can help determine the true source of symptoms and ensure appropriate treatment.

If hip pain persists seek expert advice can help identify the cause and prevent symptoms from worsening. Early diagnosis and treatment can help reduce pain, improve mobility, and support a return to the activities patients enjoy most.

Many hip conditions can be successfully managed without surgery. At Albyn Hospital, specialist Orthopaedic Consultants offer a range of non-surgical hip pain treatments designed to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help patients return to everyday activities.

Treatment options may include:

• Physiotherapy to strengthen muscles, improve movement, and support recovery.
  
• Joint injections, including corticosteroid and hyaluronic acid injections, to reduce inflammation and ease pain.
  
• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, which uses the patient's own blood to promote healing and tissue repair.
  
• Shockwave therapy for tendon-related hip pain, helping to stimulate healing and reduce discomfort.

A personalised treatment plan is developed for each patient based on their symptoms, diagnosis, and lifestyle goals.  

Hip surgery is usually considered when pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility significantly affects daily life and non-surgical treatments are no longer providing relief.

Some common conditions that may require hip surgery include:

• Hip osteoarthritis – wear and tear of the hip joint causing pain, stiffness, and reduced movement.
  
• Hip labral tears – damage to the cartilage surrounding the hip socket, often causing pain, clicking, or instability.
  
• Severe hip fractures – breaks in the upper thigh bone or hip joint that may require surgical repair or replacement.
  
• Inflammatory arthritis – conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis that can lead to significant joint damage.
  
• Hip tendon or cartilage damage – when symptoms persist despite physiotherapy and other non-surgical treatments.

Following a comprehensive assessment, including clinical examination, X-rays, MRI scans, and diagnostic imaging, your Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon will determine whether surgery is the most appropriate option. The goal of treatment is to relieve pain, improve mobility, and help patients return to their normal activities.

A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces a damaged or worn hip joint with an artificial joint (prosthesis). It is commonly performed to treat severe hip arthritis, ongoing hip pain, and reduced mobility when non-surgical treatments are no longer effective.

During the procedure, the Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon makes an incision around the hip and removes the damaged ball and socket joint. The worn surfaces are replaced with specially designed artificial components that recreate the natural movement of the hip. The new joint is carefully positioned to improve function, reduce pain, and restore mobility.

Hip replacement surgery is performed under either general anaesthetic or spinal anaesthetic, and most patients begin walking with support shortly after the operation. A personalised rehabilitation programme, including physiotherapy, helps patients regain strength, flexibility, and confidence during recovery.

At Albyn Hospital, advanced Mako® robotic-assisted technology is used to support hip replacement surgery, helping surgeons deliver a highly personalised and precise treatment plan.

The Mako robotic system does not replace the surgeon. Every robotic-assisted hip replacement is carried out by one of our experienced orthopaedic consultant, who remains in complete control throughout the procedure. The robotic arm provides real-time information and assists with precise implant positioning

Before surgery, patients undergo a detailed CT scan, which is used to create a personalised 3D model of the hip.

One of the key advantages of robotic-assisted hip replacement is that it allows the surgeon to tailor the procedure to the patient's individual anatomy. This can help avoid removing more bone than necessary and preserve as much healthy bone and soft tissue as possible, while ensuring the implant is positioned accurately.

During a total hip replacement, damaged cartilage and arthritic bone are removed and replaced with an artificial hip joint. This includes a metal stem and ball component that replaces the femoral head, along with a metal cup and durable liner fitted into the hip socket. Together, these components replicate the natural hip joint, helping to improve movement, reduce pain, and restore mobility.

In June 2026, Albyn Hospital completed its 2500th Mako robotic surgery. 

Mako trained Orthopaedic Consultants at Albyn Hospital include Mr Robert Duthie, Mr Martin Mitchell, Mr Steven Hamilton, Mr Scott Barker, Mr Christopher Munro, Mr Iain Stevenson, Mr David Neilly and Mr Gareth Medlock.

 

Hip replacement surgery has come a long way, and one of the most innovative techniques today is the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA).

It can offer significant benefits for patients: 
 
- Muscle-sparing technique: The incision is made at the front of the hip, allowing surgeons to work between muscles rather than cutting through them.
- Reduced post-operative pain: Less tissue disruption often means lower pain levels after surgery.
- Faster recovery: Many patients are able to walk sooner, with shorter hospital stays.
- Improved functional outcomes: Early return to daily activities and enhanced hip stability are frequently reported.
- Precision with modern technology: When combined with Mako robotic assistance, DAA can optimise implant positioning.
 
This approach reflects the ongoing evolution of orthopaedic surgery. While this approach offers many benefits, it is not suitable for every patient. Our Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon will guide you through the different treatment options that ensures the safest and most effective outcome.

The Direct Anterior Approach at Albyn Hospital is performed by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons Mr Martin Mitchell, Mr Christopher Munro and Mr Gareth Medlock.

The Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons will take a full medical history, ask about the symptoms and undertake a thorough examination of the hip, including taking X-rays of the hip and pelvis to identify the problem.

Further diagnostic tests might be required to diagnose the condition; this may include MRI scans, CT scans and injections (which are performed by our radiologists, who are specialists in musculoskeletal joint conditions). The consultant will discuss their findings in detail and provide a personalised treatment plan.

(Please note that any diagnostic test required or procedures carried out at are charged in addition to the initial consultation fee)

• Expert assessment from an experienced orthopaedic consultant specialising in treating hip conditions. You will see the same consultant throughout the entirety of their treatment journey.
• A multidisciplinary clinic. Your consultant is supported by a number of other healthcare professionals such as nurses, radiographers and physiotherapists. This multidisciplinary team approach ensures you will receive support and treatment from the most appropriate specialist throughout your time with us.
• Our state-of-the-art imaging facilities include Xray, CT, MRI and ultrasound.  These diagnostic imaging procedures can all be easily arranged if required. Our Radiologists work closely with our consultants to provide an accurate diagnosis as soon as possible.
• Treatment plans tailored to meet your individual health needs.
• Fixed-price surgery packages.

For anyone considering an orthopaedic consultation at Albyn Hospital, you can book an appointment online with our Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, or contact our friendly team on 01224 595993

Content reviewed by Circle in-house team in November 2021. Next review due November 2024.