When do I need a hip replacement? And how long does it take to recover?

Whether you’re a golfer, salsa dancer or keen gardener or just enjoy a relaxing walk, staying mobile is important so we can make the most of our lives. Sadly, our bodies sometimes let us down, leading to surgical intervention. If you’re in need of hip replacement surgery, the good news is that recovery can now be much faster than you might think.

Mr Hugh Apthorp is one of the UK’s foremost hip replacement surgeons and has spent his career perfecting his practice to enable the best results for each and every one of his patients. So much so that his methods have been adopted across the country, improving the lives of tens of thousands of patients.

Two of the main concerns for patients are the length of time they’ll be in hospital and out of action, and the pain and discomfort they will feel. In response to these concerns, Mr Apthorp developed the Rapid Recovery Programme for joint replacements. Along with his pioneering surgical methods, this programme has led to his patients having the shortest stays in hospital as well as extremely low complication rates.

Where it used to be common for patients to spend around nine days in hospital after a hip replacement, under Mr Apthorp’s care, patients are usually up and walking on the day of surgery and frequently return home the next day. This means they are able to drive again within a couple of weeks and can return to their favourite sporting activities in around six to eight weeks.

Hugh Apthorp | HCA Healthcare UK — Image credit: HCA Healthcare UK

Based at London Bridge Hospital as part of HCA Healthcare UK, Mr Apthorp told us: “I realised the best patient outcomes are achieved when surgical excellence is combined with a specialist, team-working approach. By bringing the same quality of care to preoperative and postoperative care, we’ve been able to revolutionise the patient experience.

“My goal when treating patients is to minimise the recovery time taken, while maximising the benefits surgery brings, to help patients regain full hip function. In the words of one incredible 101-year-old patient, ‘I have things I need to do!’”

To help with improved recovery times, Mr Apthorp developed his own methods for surgery to make hip replacements less invasive. He says: “My sole focus on hip replacement has allowed me to refine and develop pioneering approaches throughout my career. This includes my own minimally invasive technique, which spares the main muscles of the hip and leads to a faster recovery with less bleeding and less pain.”

For the best outcome Mr Apthorp suggests that patients have surgery before they become very immobile. “Consider surgery sooner rather than later, before you lose the capacity to do the things you enjoy and life becomes difficult. Have the surgery when it is inevitable but before it becomes a crisis. “

To discuss your hip surgery, you can phone his office on 07921 874922 or email for further information at apthorphips@hcahealthcare.co.uk.

You can also read further information about Mr Apthorp’s pioneering hip replacement work and read patient testimonials.

Find out more about Mr Apthorp’s work

HCA Healthcare UK offer patients the freedom to self-pay or pay through private medical insurance, recognising all major UK insurers.

How will I know when I need a hip replacement?

Hip problems can have a huge impact on your quality of life. When symptoms are persistent and progressive, surgery often becomes necessary. Generally, it’s better to consider surgery when your symptoms are keeping you from carrying out day-to-day activities.

My X-ray shows signs of osteoarthritis. Does this mean I need a hip replacement?

No. Many patients have signs of arthritis on their X-ray, but few symptoms. We’ll look at the X-ray, your symptoms and any examination findings to determine whether a replacement is right for you.

How long will I need to stay in hospital?

Most patients are sufficiently recovered to return home the next day.

How long will I have to use crutches or a walking stick?

By the two-week mark, most patients will have given up their walking aids for short distances. For longer walks, a stick can help prevent your muscle from fatiguing.

Will I have to have a general anaesthetic?

We try to avoid a general anaesthetic where possible. Most patients have an injection in their back to numb their legs for a few hours, combined with some sedation so that they’re unaware of the surgery. This allows patients to be mobile within a few hours of the surgery without the side effects of a general anaesthetic.

Is there a higher risk having both hips replaced together?

If both hips are equally symptomatic, replacing both together can be a safe and effective way of returning your quality of life. I haven’t found there to be an increased risk, and the recovery time is much shorter than if you were to have them replaced separately. But it’s important to note that this surgery won’t be suitable for every patient.

When can I resume sport?

You’ll be able to return to activities such as golf after about six weeks. For tennis, it’s usually 10 to 12 weeks and four months for skiing. To return to impact sports that include a lot of running, around six months is usual.

Hugh Apthorp: biography

Mr Hugh Apthorp trained at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London and then carried out orthopaedic training at Guy’s and St Thomas’ Hospital. After that he travelled to Perth, Western Australia, to further develop his expertise in complex hip and knee surgery. He chose to specialise in hip surgery early in his career, which allowed him to improve upon standard practices and, in turn, much better outcomes for his patients.

Mr Apthorp now sees hundreds of patients every year. He’s also constantly working on ways to improve his craft and also ‘pays it forward’ by lecturing on hip surgery internationally, and training consultants from around the world in minimally invasive hip-replacement techniques and rapid recovery.

Written in partnership with HCA Healthcare UK. The content was written in response to a brief and fact-checked by our commercial partner.