Assessment
Confirm that the hip joint is the main source of symptoms and discuss whether surgery is likely to offer worthwhile benefit.
Hip Replacement
Private Hip Replacement
Consultant-led assessment and personalised planning for people whose hip arthritis is substantially affecting mobility, sleep or everyday life.
Primary hip replacementCoventry · Worcester · robotic-assisted planning where appropriate
Quick Answer
When is hip replacement considered?
Hip replacement is generally considered when pain, stiffness or reduced function has a substantial effect on quality of life and appropriate non-surgical treatment is no longer effective or suitable.
The decision should include
- your symptoms and functional limitations
- clinical examination and imaging where relevant
- your general health and surgical risk
- alternatives to surgery
- your priorities and expectations
The Procedure
What does a total hip replacement involve?
The damaged ball-and-socket surfaces of the hip are replaced with artificial components. Implant type, fixation and bearing surfaces are selected according to the individual clinical situation.
Planning
Plan the operation around your anatomy, implant requirements, health and recovery goals.
Recovery
Mobilisation and rehabilitation usually begin early, with discharge once clinical and functional criteria are safely met.
What can hip replacement achieve?
Hip replacement is intended to reduce pain from a damaged hip joint and improve mobility and function. Many patients experience substantial improvement, but no operation can guarantee a completely pain-free or “normal” hip.
What are the main risks?
Important risks include infection, blood clots, dislocation, fracture, nerve or blood-vessel injury, leg-length difference, ongoing pain, implant wear or loosening, anaesthetic complications and the possible need for further surgery in the future. Individual risk varies and is discussed during consent.
Robotic-assisted hip replacement
For selected patients, MAKO robotic-assisted technology can support CT-based three-dimensional planning and surgeon-controlled execution of the planned implant position. The robotic system does not operate independently.
The strongest evidence relates to reproducibility and implant-positioning accuracy. Current evidence does not justify promising less pain, faster recovery or superior long-term outcomes for every patient.
Read about robotic hip replacement →
How long does recovery take?
Recovery varies. Walking begins soon after surgery when safe, but strength, endurance and confidence continue to improve over the following weeks and months. Rehabilitation advice is tailored to the individual rather than based on one fixed timetable.
Read about enhanced recovery after joint replacement →
Same-day discharge is available for selected patients who meet appropriate clinical and discharge criteria. Safety, pain control, mobility and home support take priority over a target length of stay.
Evidence & Further Reading
Current UK guidance
The information reflects current NICE and NHS guidance and is written to support — not replace — shared decision-making in consultation.
NICE NG157 — Primary joint replacement
Shared decision-making, preparation, surgery and rehabilitation.
View NICE guidance →NHS — Hip replacement
Procedure, recovery and possible complications.
View NHS information →Common Questions
Hip replacement FAQs
How do I know whether I am ready for hip replacement?
There is no single X-ray threshold. The decision depends on the impact of symptoms, examination findings, imaging, general health, alternatives and your own priorities.
Does robotic surgery perform the hip replacement for the surgeon?
No. The surgeon plans and performs the operation. The robotic system is an assistive tool used to support planning and execution.
Will I go home the same day?
Some selected patients can do so, but discharge is based on clinical safety, mobility, pain control and suitable support at home.
