Total hip joint replacement surgery

What is total hip replacement surgery?

Total hip replacement surgery, also known as total hip arthroplasty, is one of the most frequently performed and well-evidenced orthopaedic procedures in the world. The NHS carries out over 103,000 hip replacements each year, with a further 65,000 performed privately in the UK annually.

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball is the rounded top of the femur (thigh bone) and the socket is the acetabulum, a cup-shaped cavity in the pelvis. When the cartilage lining this joint deteriorates, typically due to osteoarthritis, the bone surfaces begin to rub directly against each other, causing persistent pain, stiffness and reduced mobility.

During a total hip replacement, a specialist orthopaedic surgeon removes the damaged ball and socket and replaces them with precisely engineered artificial components made from metal, ceramic or medical-grade plastic. These implants recreate the mechanics of a healthy hip joint, allowing smooth and pain-free movement.

Most patients experience significant and lasting pain relief following surgery, with improved ability to walk, climb stairs and carry out daily activities. For many, hip replacement surgery is genuinely transformative.

Through My Medical Gateway, total hip replacement is available at accredited hospitals in Lithuania, Romania and Spain.

Am I a candidate for total hip replacement?

Total hip replacement is most commonly recommended for patients who:

• Have severe hip pain caused by osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis or a hip fracture
• Experience pain that significantly limits daily activities such as walking, dressing or climbing stairs
• Have not achieved adequate relief from non-surgical treatments including pain medication, physiotherapy or steroid injections
• Have hip pain that regularly disturbs sleep

The procedure is most frequently performed in patients over 60, though age alone is not a deciding factor. Younger patients may also be candidates where symptoms are severe and conservative treatments have failed.

Your My Medical Gateway-partnered specialist will carry out a thorough assessment before any treatment is confirmed. You will not proceed to surgery without a formal consultation and your fully informed consent.

NHS waiting times for hip replacement surgery

There are currently around 31,323 people waiting for hip replacement surgery on the NHS in England, with an average wait of approximately 28.7 weeks. 

For patients who are unable to wait, or who have decided to explore private options, My Medical Gateway offers access to accredited European hospitals with total hip replacement packages around 27% less than typical UK private prices.

What is included in a My Medical Gateway Treatment Package?

Treatment packages typically include:

• Pre-operative diagnosis and consultations with your specialist
• The surgical procedure, including graft materials and all surgical equipment
• Hospital accommodation for the duration of your stay, often day surgery or a one-night stay
• Nursing care and initial post-operative physiotherapy
• 90-day check-up with your surgical team

Flights and accommodation in the destination country are not included. Our MMG coordination team can advise on travel planning.

Partner hospitals for hip replacement surgery

Total hip replacement surgery is available at a number of My Medical Gateway partner hospitals across Europe. Our partner destinations include Lithuania, Romania and Spain, all of which offer accredited orthopaedic facilities with specialist hip surgery teams. 

Prices shown are for the treatment package only, excluding flights and accommodation.

Recovery after total hip join replacement

(May vary with provider)

Recovery from hip replacement surgery progresses through several stages. As a general guide:

• Immediate (days 1–3): Mobilisation begins with physiotherapy, often weight-bearing as tolerated
• Short-term (4–6 weeks): Walking with aids, return to basic daily activities
• Medium-term (3–6 months): Improved strength, function, and reduced pain; many resume low-impact activities
• Long-term (6–12 months): Full recovery for the majority of people, with continued functional gains. Implants typically last 15–20+ years.

Your surgical team will provide a personalised recovery programme before you leave hospital.

Benefits of total hip replacement surgery

• Significant pain relief.
• Improved mobility, function, and independence.
• Enhanced quality of life.
• Long-lasting results in most patients.

Risks and considerations

As with any major surgery, total hip replacement carries risks that your surgeon will discuss with you before proceeding. These include:

• General surgical risks: infection, bleeding, blood clots.
• Implant-specific risks: dislocation, leg length discrepancy, loosening/wear of the prosthesis, need for revision surgery.
• Rare but serious risks: nerve or blood vessel injury.

This is just an outline. Your specialist orthopaedic surgeon will be able to talk to you about these issues in more detail and make sure that there is informed consent.

Why choose My Medical Gateway?

My Medical Gateway works only with carefully selected European hospitals chosen for clinical quality, safety and proven outcomes.

Every hospital on the My Medical Gateway platform is assessed for clinical and quality standards before being made available to patients. We work exclusively with specialist orthopaedic departments with established track records in procedures including total hip replacement surgery.

With 31,323 patients currently on the NHS waiting list for hip replacement and an average wait of around 28.7 weeks, many patients are looking for faster access to treatment without compromising on quality. My Medical Gateway offers a managed pathway to accredited European hospitals, where waiting times are significantly shorter.

When you enquire with My Medical Gateway, you will speak with a member of our UK-based patient coordination team. We will guide you through your hospital options, explain the process clearly and support you from initial enquiry through to your return home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between total and partial hip replacement?

Total hip replacement replaces both the ball (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint. Partial hip replacement, or hemiarthroplasty, replaces only the ball. Partial replacement is most commonly performed following a hip fracture where the socket remains undamaged. For patients with arthritis affecting both surfaces of the joint, total hip replacement is typically the more appropriate procedure. Your surgeon will advise which approach is right for your specific condition.

What is cemented versus uncemented hip replacement?

In a cemented hip replacement, the implant components are fixed in place using bone cement. In an uncemented replacement, the components have a specially textured surface designed to allow bone to grow into them over time, providing a biological fixation. Cemented fixation tends to be used more commonly in older patients or those with softer bone quality. Uncemented fixation is more commonly used in younger, more active patients. Some surgeons use a hybrid approach, cementing one component and leaving the other uncemented. Your surgeon will advise on the most appropriate technique based on your age, bone quality and activity level.

How soon can I fly home after hip replacement surgery?

Most patients are well enough to travel home after surgery within 7 to 10 days (short haul) and 14 to 21 days (long haul), subject to their surgeon's assessment. Flying after major orthopaedic surgery does carry a risk of blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), and your clinical team will advise on compression stockings, medication and any other precautions appropriate to your situation before you travel.

What physical restrictions will I have after hip replacement?

During the initial recovery period, most patients are advised to avoid bending the hip beyond 90 degrees, crossing the legs, or twisting the operated leg. These precautions are in place to reduce the risk of dislocation while the surrounding muscles and tissues heal. The specific restrictions will depend on the surgical technique used, as some approaches require fewer movement precautions than others. Your surgeon and physiotherapist will provide detailed guidance tailored to your procedure.

Is hip replacement surgery suitable if I am significantly overweight?

Being significantly overweight can increase surgical risk and may affect the longevity and performance of the implant. Many orthopaedic surgeons have a BMI threshold above which they recommend weight loss before proceeding with elective hip replacement. Your specialist will assess your overall health, weight and risk profile at consultation and advise accordingly.

What causes hip joint deterioration and is surgery always necessary?

The most common cause of hip joint deterioration requiring surgery is osteoarthritis, in which the cartilage protecting the joint surfaces gradually wears away. Other causes include rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (where the bone loses its blood supply) and injury. Surgery is not always the first step. Most patients are recommended to try non-surgical approaches first, including pain management, physiotherapy and lifestyle changes. Surgery is typically considered when these measures no longer provide adequate relief and the impact on quality of life is significant.