We offer a range of surgical and non-surgical treatments for hip conditions. These include but are not limited to:

Arthroscopic hip surgery

Arthroscopic hip surgery (hip arthroscopy, keyhole surgery) is a specialist orthopaedic procedure used to treat hip problems and preserve a patient’s own hip joint. A camera is inserted into the joint through a small incision (about 1 cm). One or more other small incisions are made to insert instruments, which can treat various hip conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears, allowing patients to return to full activity.

Hip arthroscopy is much less invasive than traditional ‘open’ hip preservation surgery. London Bridge Orthopaedics hip surgeons perform large numbers of hip arthroscopies and we can often perform arthroscopic hip surgery on a day-case basis.

Hip replacement

A hip replacement can help those patients who have tried all non-operative methods and still have long-term (chronic) pain and reduced mobility. In a hip replacement procedure, the damaged bones and cartilage of the ball-and-socket bones in the hip joint are removed. This damaged bone is then replaced with an artificial implant.

Advances in surgery have increased the success of hip replacements, and reduced the risk of complications. However, accurate assessment and diagnosis of the source of hip pain is essential. Instead of a total hip replacement, a surgeon may recommend hip resurfacing, to preserve as much natural bone in and around the joint as possible.

Uncemented hip replacement

Uncemented hip replacements are indicated in younger, more active patients, with stronger bones, and use of this hip surgery is growing. These implants may be coated with a special coating (eg. hydroxyapatite), which encourages the bone to grow onto the implant, bonding it to the surrounding bone.

The modern uncemented hip replacement implant provides strong fixation to the hip bones, such that patients can walk full weight bear immediately following surgery. Uncemented procedures may make further hip replacements (hip revision) in the future unnecessary and the majority of hip replacements at London Bridge Orthopaedics are now performed using uncemented implants.

Cemented hip replacement

Cemented hip replacements are generally carried out in older, less active people with weaker bones. This hip surgery involves replacing the damaged or diseased surface of the ball and socket joint with implants secured with special bone cement.

Hip replacement using durable bearing surfaces

The standard hip replacement uses a metal ball articulating against a plastic socket lining the cup of the pelvis. However in younger and active patients, this articulation may not last the lifetime of the patient, due to associated wear. Alternate bearing surfaces made of materials such as Ceramic last for much longer. At The London Bridge Hospital, we use durable bearing surfaces to for younger and active patients, in order to provide long term benefit to our patients.

Hip resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is an alternative to standard hip replacement surgery, and is more commonly performed in younger patients. Also known as metal on metal (MoM) hip resurfacing, hip resurfacing leaves the head and neck of the femur (thigh bone) intact.

After recovering from the operation, the patient will be able to enjoy good movement and participate in sports activities. Hip resurfacing is best suited to men under the age of 65 with osteoarthritis. In older patients (over 65 years), total hip replacements show better long term success rates than hip resurfacing.

Hip revision

Revision hip replacement surgery (revision arthroplasty) is performed when the original hip replacement fails, which may be due to loosening, wear, infection, fracture, instability or as the result of metal debris in metal on metal implants.

Hip revision surgery is a longer and more complex operation the first procedure. The revision surgery also requires specialist surgical equipment and skills. As our hip surgeons receive tertiary referrals for failed hip replacements from other units and surgeons, they are experience in these procedures.