Contact number: 020 7806 4010
Contact number: 020 7078 3831
What is hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged or diseased parts of the hip joint and replacing them with a prosthetic implant, typically made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. This procedure is commonly recommended for severe arthritis, hip fractures, or other conditions that cause persistent pain and limit mobility.
Depending on your needs, you may require a total or partial hip replacement. Using modern surgical techniques, this procedure aims to reduce pain, restore movement, and enhance your overall quality of life. Conveniently located in St John’s Wood (NW8), we offer this procedure to patients across London with a focus on safety and compassionate care.
Hip Replacement Surgery at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we provide private hip replacement surgery in a calm and relaxing environment. Our experienced orthopaedic consultants are dedicated to supporting you through every stage of your treatment, using the latest techniques to improve your mobility and ease discomfort.
Why choose us for your hip replacement surgery?
- Specialist Consultants: Our surgeons are highly skilled in hip replacement procedures, offering expert care tailored to your individual needs.
- Timely Access: Same-day appointments and diagnostic imaging allow for prompt evaluation and treatment planning.
- Modern Facilities: Our hospital is equipped with advanced technology to support effective surgery and recovery.
- Convenient Location: Based in NW8, our hospital is easily accessible for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and beyond.
From your initial consultation to post-operative care, we prioritise your comfort and well-being at every step.
How Much Does Private Hip Replacement Surgery Cost?
£14,895
The price shown includes all hospital related costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge. The price does not include the cost of consultation, diagnostics, or the surgeon or anaesthetist fee.
Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Appointment
You will have an initial consultation with a lower limb orthopaedic surgeon.
Treatment plan
During this appointment, you’ll go through your medical history, the risk and benefits of surgery and what to expect from recovery. Together, you will decide whether a hip replacement is the best option for you.
Pre-op assessment
If you decide to go ahead with surgery, you will need to come in for a pre-assessment, which is a standard ‘fitness for surgery’ check.
Surgery
The surgery itself should take a couple of hours. You will be able to walk the same day or the day after and can go home after 24- 48 hours.
Aftercare
You will need to keep your wound clean and dry, take pain relief and have physiotherapy consistently. You will not be able to fly short-haul for six weeks or long-haul for 12 weeks. We have an excellent therapies team at our hospital that can support you throughout your recovery.
Follow-Up
You will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor at two weeks, where stitches will be removed. You should also have follow-ups at 6 weeks and 12 weeks, as well as 6 months and 1 year if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Replacement Surgery
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is located in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected area of North West London. We are conveniently located for patients from Hampstead (NW3), Kilburn (NW6), and the surrounding areas.
By Tube:
- St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital.
- Finchley Road (NW3) and Kilburn stations (NW6) on the Jubilee Line provide excellent connections.
By Bus:
- Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
- Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
- Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
Major Roads:
If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, major routes such as Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road offer a direct approach to the hospital.
Our location ensures convenient access for patients across London, particularly those in NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
After you have surgery, make sure you comply with your physiotherapy programme, take painkillers when needed and keep your wound clean and dry.
Sometimes, painkillers can make you constipated, so drink plenty of water and have a healthy intake of fruit and vegetables. It’s also important to have decent quality nutrition as this will help your body recover to the best of its ability.
In the longer term, you should be mindful of the activities you engage in because there is a small risk of hip dislocation. In addition, your new hip can wear out, so look after it! Most replacements last around 20 years.
To summarise, if you comply with your physio rehab – i.e. strengthening, stretching and balancing exercises, keep walking and moving, and follow your wound care guidelines, you can expect excellent outcomes after surgery.
If you choose surgery, we’ll help you prepare, but it’s also recommended to eat healthily and stop smoking if possible. You’ll need to attend a pre-assessment where we’ll check your fitness for surgery, including blood, heart, and lung function tests, and an MRSA test.
If you take blood thinners (like warfarin or aspirin) or NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), let your doctor know immediately, as you may need to adjust your intake a week before surgery. Your doctor will guide you on what’s needed.
From midnight on the day of surgery, please do not eat or drink anything, including water, chewing gum, or sweets. On the morning of surgery, you can brush your teeth with toothpaste only.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a small bag with essentials, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, your phone and charger, a book, any prescription medications, and a change of clothes. Your doctor will let you know if any medications can be taken with a sip of water before surgery.
The surgical team will insert an IV line for medications and fluids, and you’ll be given either a general anaesthetic or spinal sedation with a local anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep. The doctor will make a small incision on your hip, remove the damaged joint, and replace it with an artificial one. The surgery usually takes about two hours.
Hip replacement surgery typically takes one to two hours. The exact time may vary depending on whether a total or partial hip replacement is performed and the complexity of the procedure.
Once you’re stable, we’ll take you to your private room to begin recovery. You’ll usually be able to walk the same day or the next, with a crutch or walking sticks if needed. During your stay, our nursing team will make regular checks, and a physiotherapist will work with you on movement. Before discharge, you’ll need to be cleared by the physiotherapist, have an x-ray and blood tests, and meet with your surgeon.
Most patients go home within 24-48 hours.
Your wound will typically heal in two weeks, at which point your doctor will check on it and remove any stitches or clips. Full rehabilitation can take up to a year, but most patients are mobile within six weeks.
Patients are advised to avoid flying shortly after surgery. You should wait six weeks for short-haul flights and 12 weeks for long-haul flights. You’ll likely need around six weeks off work, but this varies based on your individual recovery.
Walking and gentle movement to keep your hip mobilised will be essential, along with your physiotherapy exercises. Staying consistent with these activities will aid in a smooth recovery.
During the first week, you may experience swelling, discomfort, and limited mobility. Pain management will be provided, and physiotherapy typically begins within a day or two to promote healing and prevent stiffness. You will likely use walking aids, such as crutches or a walker, to move around safely. Following your consultant’s instructions during this critical period is essential for a smooth recovery.
Medically reviewed by Mr Sujith Konan - MBBS MD(res) MRCS FRCS(Tr&Orth), Honorary Associate Professor (UCLH)