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Anterior hip replacement surgery
- No.1 in London for private orthopaedic care*
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ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY AT HCA UK
Why choose us?
At HCA UK, we are at the forefront of new techniques to make hip replacement surgery safer and less invasive with faster recovery times. Our dedicated consultants will use start-of-the-art imaging technology to accurately diagnose the condition of your hip and devise a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Our skill and experience are why 97% of our orthopaedic patients say they’d recommend us to family and friends.
Our skill and experience are why 97% of our orthopaedic patients say they’d recommend us to family and friends.
Anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive procedure to replace your hip joint with artificial parts. ‘Anterior’ means the front, and this surgery, also known as direct approach anterior (DAA) hip replacement, involves making a small incision at the front of your hip to access the joint. It allows your surgeon to separate your hip muscles rather than cutting them, which reduces tissue damage and blood loss. This leads to a faster recovery time compared with other types of hip replacement surgeries which access your hip from the rear or the side and require larger incisions.
The procedure replaces the ball of your hip joint (the femoral head) and the socket (the acetabulum) with artificial parts. They often need replacing when the cartilage on both bones gets damaged, making them rub together in a painful and limiting way.
The procedure replaces the ball of your hip joint (the femoral head) and the socket (the acetabulum) with artificial parts. They often need replacing when the cartilage on both bones gets damaged, making them rub together in a painful and limiting way.
There are several benefits to anterior hip replacement surgery compared to other hip surgery techniques.
- No muscle damage: Your surgeon accesses your hip joint by separating your muscles, rather than cutting them
- A smaller incision: The anterior incision is less than 10cm, or surgery can sometimes be done with a ‘bikini’ incision, which is even shorter and can be hidden behind your underwear
- Reduced blood loss: Fewer of your muscles and soft tissues are damaged in this procedure, and that reduces blood loss
- Less pain and faster recovery: The smaller incision and minimally invasive surgery means less pain as you heal, faster recovery and a quicker return to mobility
- Reduced risk of instability or dislocation: You lie on your back during the surgery, which allows your surgeon to use live X-ray (fluoroscopy) to position the replacement parts more accurately, helping to ensure your leg lengths are equal and your replacement hip is more stable
This procedure is minimally invasive, which makes it inherently less risky than open surgery, but all surgery involves a degree of risk. Complications can include:
- An infection developing at your incision site or within your hip joint
- Excess bleeding into the joint or surrounding soft tissues following surgery
- Nerve damage
- Cracks or breaks in the bones around your hip replacement
- Deep vein thrombosis
- Uneven leg lengths
If you need to have your hip completely or partially replaced, it’s usually because you have severe hip pain that’s having a significant impact on your everyday life, and other treatments haven’t been successful. That pain may be caused by common hip conditions such as hip osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or a hip fracture. An anterior hip replacement can often be the right option.
However, there are some cases where an anterior replacement isn’t the best choice, such as:
However, there are some cases where an anterior replacement isn’t the best choice, such as:
- You have a colostomy bag on the same hip that needs replacing
- You have a stubborn skin infection in your groin
- You’re having an existing hip replacement procedure (revision) redone, and the back wall of your hip needs work, or a stem needs to be removed from your thigh bone
No.1
in London for private orthopaedic care
10
specialist orthopaedic fields offering personalised treatment
97%
of our patients are likely to recommend us to family and friends
Fast access to specialists
appointments bookable online or by phone
Expert orthopaedic treatments
from specialist hip and pelvis consultants
State-of-the-art diagnostics
with results in as little as 48 hours
THE ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY PROCESS
What to expect
We have specialist hip consultants who know just how difficult and inconvenient a damaged hip can be, and they’re here to help. You’ll get a fast, accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan tailored specifically to your needs. From your first consultation through to recovering at home, you’ll be treated with consideration and care at every stage.
01
Initial consultation
The process begins with a visit to your GP or a hip specialist, who’ll talk to you in detail about your hip, any pain you’re experiencing, your mobility and any previous treatments you’ve had. They’ll also ask about your medical history, your lifestyle and your general health to get a better view of any potential treatment options.
There might be non-surgical treatment options that can avoid or delay hip replacement, such as physiotherapy, pain medication or steroid injections. There may also be a less invasive surgery option. However, if anterior hip replacement is a potential solution, you’ll move on to the next stage.
There might be non-surgical treatment options that can avoid or delay hip replacement, such as physiotherapy, pain medication or steroid injections. There may also be a less invasive surgery option. However, if anterior hip replacement is a potential solution, you’ll move on to the next stage.
02
Investigations and diagnosis
A specialist hip consultant will need to get the best possible picture of how and where your hip’s damaged before operating. To begin with, they’ll carry out a thorough physical examination of your hip to see how much pain you’re in, when and where you feel that pain, and how it’s affecting your mobility. They might ask you to move in a certain way or gently manipulate your hip to assess your range of movement.
Then they’ll order imaging tests such as an X-ray, an ultrasound or an MRI scan so they can see the inside of your hip joint in more detail. You should get the results the same day, and then your consultant will talk you through the specific surgery you need in detail.
Then they’ll order imaging tests such as an X-ray, an ultrasound or an MRI scan so they can see the inside of your hip joint in more detail. You should get the results the same day, and then your consultant will talk you through the specific surgery you need in detail.
03
Treatment
Before the surgery begins, you’ll have spinal anaesthesia and be given some sedatives, although you may have a general anaesthetic in some cases. Your new hip joint parts will be plastic, metal or ceramic, depending on what your consultant recommends.
Your surgeon will make an incision in the front of your hip so they can access your hip joint. Then they’ll remove the damaged bone at the top of your femur and clean up the socket part of your hip joint so it’s ready to accept a new synthetic shell over the top. They’ll fit a stem to the top of your femur, and attached a synthetic ball to that stem, which fits into your new socket.
Your surgeon might use live X-ray (fluoroscopy) to get an accurate picture of your hip joint, and use robotic technology to measure the exact size, location and placement of your prosthetic hip parts. When they’re fixed in place, your surgeon will close the incision in your hip with stitches. The surgery usually takes around two hours.
Your surgeon will make an incision in the front of your hip so they can access your hip joint. Then they’ll remove the damaged bone at the top of your femur and clean up the socket part of your hip joint so it’s ready to accept a new synthetic shell over the top. They’ll fit a stem to the top of your femur, and attached a synthetic ball to that stem, which fits into your new socket.
Your surgeon might use live X-ray (fluoroscopy) to get an accurate picture of your hip joint, and use robotic technology to measure the exact size, location and placement of your prosthetic hip parts. When they’re fixed in place, your surgeon will close the incision in your hip with stitches. The surgery usually takes around two hours.
04
Recovery and aftercare
In the first couple of days, nursing staff will help you get up and about, before one of our physiotherapy team will help to walk - with two crutches at first, then one crutch if you’re confident enough. Once you’re able to get up and down stairs, you’ll be able to go home, and you’ll be given detailed advice about managing your recovery, including specific exercises, wound care and any pain medication you need.
Locations
Where can I get anterior hip replacement surgery?
This minimally invasive procedure can be carried out by dedicated hip consultants at locations across London, where you’ll receive rapid diagnosis, expert treatment and exceptional care.
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road SW1W 8RH London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Accessing private healthcare
Self-pay
You don’t need health insurance to be seen quickly. If you’re looking for a diagnosis or treatment and don’t want to wait, all our private healthcare services – from private GP appointments through to surgery and aftercare – can be paid for as and when you need them.
And to give you peace of mind from the start, we’ll offer you a clear and transparent quote outlining exactly what treatments you’re paying for.
Find out more
Anterior hip replacement surgery FAQ
This is a minimally invasive procedure, with a smaller incision than other kinds of hip replacement surgeries, and your surgeon doesn’t need to cut through any muscles or tendons. That makes it one of the least painful ways to replace your hip.
There will be some swelling around your hip joint and your thigh after the operation that might be painful. Many patients are able manage their post-recovery pain with just paracetamol, but if you need stronger painkillers your consultant can prescribe them for you.
This procedure minimises soft tissue damage and has a relatively small incision, so you don’t need a long hospital stay afterwards. You can usually either go home the same day if you have your operation in the morning, or after an overnight stay if the operation happens later in the day.
Anterior hip replacement is minimally invasive, with a small incision, little soft tissue damage and no cutting of your muscles and tendons. That means the surgery itself will heal faster than other kinds of hip replacement. However, having a new hip is a procedure that requires a long and carefully managed recovery.
Here’s how each stage usually works:
Here’s how each stage usually works:
- The first two days: You’ll need help to sit up or visit the toilet at first, then physiotherapy staff will teach you how to use crutches and try to get you down to one crutch if possible. When you’re able to manage the stairs on your own, you’ll be given some painkillers and a detailed recovery plan before you go home.
- Three days to one week: The pain from the surgery should be receding, and you’ll hopefully be able to walk without your crutch. If you stand and walk short distances little and often, that will help reduce any pain, but pushing it beyond that will make things worse.
- One to three weeks: You should be able to move more easily and walk longer distances without pain, but it’s important to keep a close eye on your incision and look for any discharge, swelling or increased pain there.
- Three to six weeks: You should be able to get back to most normal activities, and you’ll have specific physical therapy exercises to help build strength and flexibility in your hip. You should still be avoiding sport, vigorous exercise or strenuous physical work.
- Six weeks to three months: You should be fully healed by now, but you’ll need to keep going with your physical therapy to ensure your hip stays strong.
- Three months or more: If you’ve fully healed and aren’t experiencing any pain, you should be able to get back to sports or strenuous physical work. You’ll have follow-up appointments to check on your progress, and your consultant will be able to give you specific advice to help you decide what’s right for you.
Every patient recovers at a different pace, but generally speaking, you shouldn’t try to drive until you’re able to put your full weight on your new hip without experiencing any pain. For most patients, that takes around three weeks.
The cost depends on the specific treatment plan you agree with your consultant and can vary, depending on the degree of damage to your hip and the kind of artificial replacement you need.
If you’re paying for your own surgery, there are fixed-price packages that can give you a precise idea of your total costs to help you budget and give you peace of mind.
There are two fixed-price packages:
If you’re paying for your own surgery, there are fixed-price packages that can give you a precise idea of your total costs to help you budget and give you peace of mind.
There are two fixed-price packages:
- Standard hip replacement including prosthesis: £15,211
- Robotic assisted hip replacement or premium prosthesis: £16,818
Patient story
Anterior hip replacement surgery got Sir Keith back on his feet
Sir Keith Ajegbo is keen tennis player and a member of the All England Tennis Club. After fracturing his hip during a doubles match, he underwent anterior hip replacement surgery and was back on his feet the very next day. Watch the video to see his story.
Our patients’ stories
How hip replacement changes after a decade: Eric’s story
Eric went from playing tennis frequently - and playing well - to barely being able to put his socks and shoes on in the morning.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
How Siri’s hip replacement got her back on track for a triathlon
When Siri, in her 40s, was told she’d need a hip replacement, she was shocked she’d need one at her age. But after hearing the benefits and undergoing surgery, she’s now back to full fitness and recently completed her first ever triathlon.
“I should be able to go back to playing tennis within three to four months, so I’m really pleased.”
Reviewed by
*as reported by PHIN
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.