Hip Surgery: Diagnosis, Treatment Options & Recovery
We deliver diagnosis-first care, favouring conservative management where safe and precise hip surgery when necessary. Our integrated surgeons–physiotherapists team focuses on restoring comfort, protecting cartilage, and guiding a confident return to work, life, and sport.
Hip Conditions
- Hip Bursitis (trochanteric bursitis)
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
- Labral tear of the hip
- Ligamentum Teres Tears
- Osteoarthritis of the Hip
- Osteonecrosis of the Hip
Hip Surgery
- Anterior Hip Replacement
(Muscle Sparing) - Hip Arthroscopy (Key Hole Surgery)
Anterior Hip Replacement
The Anterior Hip Replacement is a special method that allows fast recovery.
Who We Help
We care for active adults, workers, and athletes with groin pain, clicking/catching, stiffness, and reduced walking tolerance. Whether you have a known diagnosis or ongoing hip pain that has not responded to rest, we provide a clear plan from first assessment through to recovery.
Our Treatment Philosophy
- Accurate diagnosis using targeted history, examination, and appropriate imaging.
- Conservative-first: education, load management, and criteria-based rehabilitation.
- Right operation, right time: hip arthroscopy for repairable/mechanical problems; anterior hip replacement when arthritis is advanced.
- Integrated rehab with objective milestones for a safe and confident return to activity.
Hip Conditions We Treat
- Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
— cam/pincer morphology causing labral and cartilage stress - Labral Tear of the Hip
— groin pain with clicking, catching, or locking - Ligamentum Teres Tears
— instability sensations and rotational pain - Osteonecrosis (Avascular Necrosis)
— early detection to protect the joint before collapse - Osteoarthritis of the Hip
— stiffness, reduced walking tolerance, night pain
Hip Surgery & Procedures
Hip Arthroscopy (Keyhole Surgery)
Minimally invasive procedures to restore the labral seal, correct bony impingement, and protect cartilage. Learn more: Hip Arthroscopy.
- Labral repair or reconstruction (when tissue is irreparable).
- FAI correction: cam osteoplasty and/or pincer rim trimming.
- Ligamentum teres management: debridement, repair, or reconstruction in selected cases.
- Chondral procedures and capsular closure/plication to optimise stability.
Anterior Hip Replacement
A muscle-sparing approach for advanced arthritis providing reliable pain relief and function with modern implants and enhanced-recovery pathways. Learn more: Anterior Hip Replacement.
- Personalised implant selection and alignment philosophy.
- Early walking, multimodal pain care, and structured home rehab.
- Guidance for return to driving, work, and low-impact sport.
Non-Operative Care
Many hips improve without surgery. We tailor education, load modification, and exercise therapy with our physiotherapy team.
- Hip–pelvic control: gluteal and deep rotator strengthening.
- Mobility within comfortable ranges avoiding impingement positions.
- Gradual return-to-run/sport with criteria-based progressions.
- Medications & injections (e.g., image-guided corticosteroid) when appropriate to facilitate rehab.
Diagnosis & Imaging
We combine a targeted history and examination with imaging to confirm the diagnosis and plan care:
- X-rays for morphology (cam/pincer), joint space, and version clues.
- MRI/MR arthrogram for labrum, cartilage, ligamentum teres, and synovitis.
- CT (selected) for 3D bone anatomy when planning surgery.
- Diagnostic injection to confirm the hip joint as the main pain source.
Recovery & Timelines
After Hip Arthroscopy
- Weeks 0–2: protected weight-bearing, swelling control, gentle range, isometrics.
- Weeks 3–6: progress weight-bearing, bike/pool; restore gait and pelvic control.
- Weeks 6–12: strengthening and proprioception; start light jogging when criteria are met.
- Months 3–6: sport-specific drills and graded return to training/competition.
After Anterior Hip Replacement
- Hospital & early phase: early walking with aids, home same/next day in many cases.
- Weeks 2–6: progressive independence, functional strengthening, community walking.
- Weeks 6–12: return to driving/desk work as advised; build endurance and balance.
- Beyond 3 months: low-impact activities (cycling, swimming, golf) per guidance.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If hip pain is limiting your work, sleep, or sport, we’ll help you move forward with a clear diagnosis and plan.
Hip Surgery — FAQs
How do I know if I need surgery?
We recommend surgery when symptoms remain limiting despite best non-operative care, or when there is a mechanical problem (e.g., unstable labrum, significant FAI) that is unlikely to settle without correction, or when arthritis is advanced and hip replacement provides a more predictable outcome.
Is arthroscopy or replacement better?
It depends on diagnosis and joint health. Arthroscopy treats labral/FAI problems in non-arthritic hips. Replacement is preferred when joint space is narrowed with persistent pain and stiffness.
How soon can I return to work or sport?
Desk work typically resumes within 1–2 weeks after arthroscopy and 1–3 weeks after hip replacement (role-dependent). Running after arthroscopy often begins around 8–12 weeks if criteria are met; low-impact sport after replacement usually begins from 8–12 weeks with guidance.
What are the risks?
All surgery carries risks: infection, bleeding, clots (rare), temporary nerve irritation, stiffness, or persistent symptoms if arthritis is advanced or instability unaddressed. We discuss personalised risk and prevention strategies at consultation.
Do I need physiotherapy?
Yes. Criteria-based rehabilitation is essential for restoring strength, control, and endurance after both arthroscopy and hip replacement.