Hip surgery

Hip surgery is an umbrella term that describes medical procedures to remove and repair diseased and damaged bone and cartilage from your hip joint. This form of surgery is typically carried out by Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeons. The procedures and techniques of hip surgery aim to improve your movement, reduce pain, improve mobility in the hip joint and – most importantly – enhance your quality of life.

There are many reasons why you might require hip surgery, including pain caused by arthritis or damage inflicted by a bad fall. Hip pain can be debilitating condition, interfering with your range of movement, preventing you from performing everyday activities pain-free and with ease. This can have a detrimental knock–on effect, impacting your confidence, relationships and mental health. At Circle Health Group, we understand that living with joint pain can feel like an insurmountable challenge. But we also know it doesn’t have to be this way. 

At Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield, we have a network of skilled Orthopaedic Consultant Surgeons able to perform a variety of hip surgeries to treat, manage and often eliminate hip pain. They are committed to delivering the results you need. We help people in Sheffield, South Yorkshire and further afield to get better – faster. 

There are many reasons why you might suffer from hip joint pain and require surgery as a result. These include: 

Osteoarthritis

This is a form of arthritis that causes your joints to become painful and stiff, which has an impact on your overall mobility. Symptoms of osteoarthritis include joint pain and stiffness, tenderness, and a grating sound that occurs when you move your affected joint or joints. 

Arthritis affects each person differently. Some people suffer from severe symptoms, while others find their pain more manageable and only experience ‘flare-ups’ occasionally. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory joint condition caused by an autoimmune process, which is when your body attacks its healthy cells by mistake. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include pain, swelling and inflammation in your joints. 

A hip fracture

A hip fracture is when a crack or cracks occur at the top of your thigh bone (femur), which forms an important part of your hip joint. They are usually caused by a traumatic injury such as a contact sports injury, but they can sometimes be caused by a condition that weakens your hip bone, such as osteoporosis. Symptoms of a hip fracture include severe pain in your hip or groin, an inability to put weight on your injured leg, and bruising and swelling around your hip area. 

Hip bursitis

Bursitis happens when you damage the bursa in your hip. A bursa is a fluid-filled sac near your joint that reduces friction between bones and tendons, protecting your joint from damage. Symptoms of hip bursitis include pain, swelling and stiffness. 

There is a broad scope of symptoms you might experience that could mean you require surgery. This is especially the case if you have tried other treatment options to manage your hip pain symptoms but have found these to be unsuccessful. These symptoms include:  

• Hip or groin pain  
• Hip pain when exercising and walking
• Hip pain during sex
• Stiffness and restriction of movement
• Hip pain when walking and nighttime
• An inability to support your body weight on one leg 
• Limited relief from other treatment options tried  

What type of hip surgery is right for me?

The type of hip surgery you have will depend on the cause of your hip pain. During your first appointment with your Consultant, they will examine your symptoms to diagnose your condition and build you a tailored treatment plan. It is important to note that not all hip pain necessitates surgery. Many people find relief from hip pain through medication, physiotherapy, heat therapy, or a combination of these things. However, if you do not find relief through other treatment options, you might require hip surgery. 

You can usually see a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon for your initial consultation within 48 hours of getting in touch. 

During this appointment, your Consultant will ask about your general health and make a detailed examination of your medical history. They will want to know about existing medical conditions you suffer from, as well as the current hip pain symptoms you are experiencing. They will also want to know how these symptoms impact your everyday life, how often they occur and whether you have tried treatment options for them already. 

In order to assess your symptoms and make an accurate diagnosis of your hip pain, your Consultant will gently carry out a physical examination of your joint(s), and they might send you for an X-ray which, if required, will be carried out by a Radiologist. 

After your Consultant has determined the cause of your hip pain, they will share more information about hip surgery and whether it might be the right treatment option for you. 
Remember, your initial consultation is a positive step in your journey toward improved mobility and reduced joint pain. Your Consultant is there to answer any questions you might have and ease any concerns you have about undergoing surgery (if applicable).

The timeframe between your initial consultation and undergoing treatment depends on your individual circumstances and whether you have been diagnosed with a joint pain condition or traumatic injury prior to your consultation. After your initial consultation, our team will ensure you understand the next steps in your journey and how to prepare for hip replacement surgery, if needed. 

At Thornbury Hospital in Sheffield, we offer a variety of treatments for hip pain and discomfort. The process for your hip surgery will differ depending on which procedure you have. Some of our most common procedures include:

Hip arthroscopy

During this keyhole procedure, your Orthopaedic Surgeon will make small incisions around your hip to pass an arthroscope (a small tube with a camera attached to it) into your joint. Your Consultant can then view the inside of your joint on a video monitor. Surgical instruments will be passed through other incisions to remove and repair any loose tissue (bones or cartilage) in your joint, or a tear in your labrum (a ring of tissue that surrounds the socket of your hip joint).

Hip resurfacing

This is a form of hip replacement surgery to reshape the femoral head in your hip and protect it with a metal covering. Your hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The femoral head (which is the head of your femur or thigh bone) is the ball that fits into your acetabulum (a socket in your pelvis). If damage occurs to this part of your hip joint, you might experience pain when moving your femoral head, because these bones scrape against one another abnormally. During hip resurfacing, your Consultant will reshape the femoral head and finish it with a metal covering. The surface of your socket will be replaced with a metal cup. This helps remove and repair damage, improving your mobility and reducing pain.

Hip replacement surgery

Hip replacement surgery can treat damage to your hip joint caused by injury or a joint pain condition, such as arthritis. At Thornbury Hospital, you could be offered either a partial hip replacement procedure (also known as a hemiarthroplasty) or total hip replacement surgery (also referred to as an arthroplasty). During total hip replacement surgery, both your femoral head (the head of your femur or thigh bone that helps form your hip joint) and acetabulum (the socket in your pelvis) are removed and replaced with a prosthesis. During a partial hip replacement operation, only your femoral head is removed and replaced with a prosthesis. The type of hip replacement that you are recommended will depend on the condition of your joints.

Hip revision surgery

Hip replacement surgery is a successful procedure with long-lasting results. However, your new hip will not be immune to wear and tear over time. Many people eventually have to have their prosthesis replaced. During hip revision surgery, your Orthopaedic Surgeon will remove the artificial components of your hip replacement. Your new prosthesis will then be inserted and secured to your bone using bone cement (a synthetic substance) or a special coating.

Your hip surgery recovery timeline depends on a variety of factors, including:

• The type of surgery you undergo
• Your age
• Your fitness
• Your general health

Some of our main surgeries typically have the following recovery timelines:

Hip arthroscopy

You can typically leave hospital two or three days after hip arthroscopy surgery. You might have some pain in your joint following surgery. Your healthcare team will ensure you receive painkillers for this, and that you feel relaxed and comfortable during your hospital stay. You will also spend some time with a Physiotherapist, who will help you to get out of bed and take your first steps after surgery. They will also teach you a series of specialist exercises to strengthen your muscles and prepare you for your recovery at home.

You will not be able to drive home after surgery, so will need to arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up. Alternatively, we can arrange for a taxi to collect you at our hospital. You will need a walking aid (such as crutches or a walking frame) for the first two weeks following surgery. You should avoid strenuous activities, such as sport and heavy lifting, for six weeks after surgery. During this time, you can incorporate gentle exercise into your routine, such as swimming and walking. It is important to stay active and gradually increase activity as you recover at home.

You usually need one or two weeks of absence from work during your recovery period, but this varies depending on how quickly you recover and whether your job involves physical activity. You can drive when you have enough strength to safely perform an emergency stop. Your Consultant can provide you with more detailed information on this. They will also be able to inform you of a more specific recovery timeline based on your individual circumstances.

Hip resurfacing

A typical hip resurfacing recovery timeline is like that of hip arthroscopy surgery.

You can usually leave hospital two or three days after surgery. You might have some pain in your joint immediately after, but you will be offered painkillers for relief. You will not be able to drive home after surgery, so will need to arrange for a friend or family member to pick you up. Alternatively, we can arrange for a taxi to collect you from our hospital. You will usually not require a walking aid, such as crutches or a walking frame, following surgery. However, you might be required to wear support stockings, which can help regulate blood circulation in your legs, preventing blood clots. These stockings should be worn day and night until you are able to move freely again.

You will need one or two weeks of absence from work during your recovery period, but this varies depending on how quickly you recover and whether your job involves physical activity. You can drive when you have enough strength to safely perform an emergency stop.

Your Consultant can provide you with a more specific recovery timeline based on your individual circumstances.

Hip replacement surgery

Just one or two days after hip replacement surgery, most people can get out of bed and take their first steps, using aids such as crutches or a walker. Your Physiotherapist will also help you to get moving after your procedure. Most people can leave hospital after two or three days, but you will need a friend or family member to collect you. Alternatively, we can arrange for a taxi to collect you from hospital. Within a couple of weeks, you will be able to walk more regularly, but you will still need help from a walking aid.

After two to six weeks, you can start incorporating gentle exercise such as long walks into your everyday routine. You can also usually return to work at this stage, depending on the type of work you do (if you have an office job, you can return to the office). Walking unaided after hip replacement surgery is possible after around eight weeks. You should speak to your Consultant about when you can drive again, as this will depend on the progress of your recovery. About Six to 12 weeks following surgery, you should be well on the way to a full recovery and able to carry out everyday activities pain-free and with ease.

Physiotherapy after hip surgery

Your physiotherapist will work with you to ensure you get out of bed and begin moving quickly and safely after surgery. They will also build a tailored exercise plan to help strengthen your hip and improve your mobility following the procedure. You will also be able to perform these exercises at home throughout your recovery, using specialist equipment if needed. Your Physiotherapist will ensure you know how to perform these safely outside of your sessions.

The price of hip surgery in Sheffield will depend on various factors, including which procedure you are recommended.

Hip arthroscopy: starting from £6,714*

Hip replacement: ranging from £11, 940* to £14,936*

Hip revision surgery: starting from £18,500*

You don't have to worry about financing your hip surgery. Paying for surgery with us is a straightforward process. We offer many flexible easy payment options. These help you to spread the cost of your payment across a timeline that suits your needs. You can find out more about our flexible payment options here.

*The prices that are listed above include the cost of your initial consultation, treatment and post-discharge care at our hospital. But these prices are only an estimate. The total cost of your treatment at Thornbury Hospital will be confirmed in writing after your consultation and any necessary diagnostics tests. Further terms and conditions apply.

At Thornbury Hospital, our team of specialists deliver exceptional standards of care. We provide treatment for people in Sheffield, South Yorkshire and further afield. 

Our exceptional standards of care are evident in our latest patient satisfaction survey, with 99.9% of patients rating their quality of care at Thornbury Hospital as excellent or very good. 

There are many advantages to having treatment at Thornbury Hospital. These include: 

• The ability to choose the hospital most convenient for you
• Expert care from a compassionate team
• Stringent checks and processes to ensure your safety at all times
• Free, easy-to-access parking around the clock
• Catering services to suit your dietary requirements
• En-suite hospital rooms with Wi-Fi, TV and direct-dial telephone
• Sophisticated onsite diagnostic equipment, including MRI and CT scanning
• An on-site physiotherapy suite where you can undergo sessions with a Physiotherapist to improve your range of movement and strengthen your muscles

Find fast and effective help for your hip problems today by phoning a member of our team or booking an appointment online.

It is important to remember that complications from hip surgery are rare and that complications can occur during any surgery, not just hip surgery.

Specific complications that can occur during hip surgery include:

• Split in your femur
• Damage to your nerves
• Damage to blood vessels
• Infection in your hip
• Persistent pain around your greater trochanter (the tip of your femur)
• Loosening of your joint
• Hip dislocation
• Leg length discrepancy

Serious complications as a result of hip surgery are rare. If you have any concerns about these, speak with your Consultant. They will be able to discuss their likelihood with you in more detail and put some of your worries at ease.