The Covid pandemic has put unprecedented pressure on our NHS here in the UK resulting in the cancellation of many non-essential procedures. Many thousands of people are waiting more than 52 weeks for NHS hip replacement surgery. If you are in this position, sadly this has meant that your pain, your physical health and psychological wellbeing, your ability to carry out day to day activities and ultimately, your quality of life, have been seriously affected.
With the prospect of a lengthy wait for treatment, some people are considering other options. Bearing all these factors in mind, we have created a guide to assist with all you need to consider if you decide to pay for private hip replacement surgery.
We will show you what facilities, hospitals, surgeons and types of treatment are available in your area. You will also be able to compare the cost of hip replacement surgery in each hospital and ways you can pay for your treatment.
Table of Contents
- 1. Compare the Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery
- 2. What are the benefits of private hip replacement surgery?
- 3. What are the different types of hip replacement in the UK?
- 4. What are the latest developments in hip surgery?
- 5. How long does it take to recover from hip surgery?
- 6. What are the possible risks and complications?
- 7. FAQs
Compare the Cost of Hip Replacement Surgery
The cost of private hip replacement surgery in the UK is in the region of £9,400 to £15,800 depending on the area you live in, the individual surgeon and the type of surgery you need.
In our Comprehensive Directory you will find the ratings and you can compare the cost of hip replacement surgery in every hospital in your area.
You will also find the profile and details of some of the surgeons who operate there.
Click on your region to compare the hospitals, the surgeons and the cost of hip replacement surgery in your area.
Here is a brief summary of the cost of private hip replacement surgery in the UK:
| Region of the UK | Range of Prices |
|---|---|
| NW England | £11,370 to £14,707 |
| NE England | £9,433 to £14,480 |
| Yorks & Humberside | £9,435 to £14,180 |
| East Midlands | £10,145 to £14,050 |
| West Midlands | £10,145 to £15,625 |
| East Anglia | £12,140 to £15,625 |
| London | £10,145 to £15,625 |
| SE England | £10,145 to £14,660 |
| SW England | £10,145 to £15,785 |
| Wales | £11,495 to £12,793 |
| Scotland | £11,293 to £14,913 |
| Northern Ireland | £12,726 to £13,658 |
Private hip surgery can be funded in a variety of ways. The major private healthcare providers such as Spire Healthcare, BMI Healthcare (now Circle Health), Nuffield Health and Ramsay Health offer packages including no deposit and interest free periods.
Here are examples of the Self Pay Packages offered by some of the major healthcare providers:
| PROVIDER | Spire | Circle/BMI | Nuffield | HCA | Ramsay | Practice Plus Group |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheme Name | Self Pay | Paying for Yourself | Nuffield PricePromise | HCA Self Pay | TotalCare | Self Pay |
| First consultation included? | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Initial outpatient diagnostic services? | No | No | No | No | No | No |
| Pre-admission assessments and tests? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| All hospital charges from admission to discharge? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Surgeon and anaesthetist fees included? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost of prosthesis included? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Post operative consultation? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cost of take home drugs included? | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Post-operative care? | Clinically necessary follow- up physiotherapy, radiology and pathology | Yes. Up to 6 months aftercare, based on Consultant advice | Yes. No time limits if clinically required | Not included | Unlimited Aftercare | Yes |
| Re-admission, if required? | Up to 12 months, for clinically-related reasons | Up to 6 months, for clinically-related reasons | Yes, if arising from the original procedure | No extra charge should complications develop | Not stated | Yes, if arising from the original procedure |
| Finance available? | 10 months 0% interest free, with Zebra Health Finance | 12 months 0% interest free with the BMI Card | 10 months 0% interest free, with Zebra Health Finance | 12 months 0% interest free, with Chrysalis Finance | 10 months 0% interest free, with Zebra Health Finance | 12 months 0% interest free, with Chrysalis Finance |
| Cancellation Policy? | Not stated | Not stated | Minimum of 14 working days’ notice – full refund | Minimum of 3 working days’ notice – full refund | Not stated | Minimum of 5 working days’ notice – full refund |
| Hip replacement Cost | £9,400 to £15,050 | £11,263 to £14,269 | £10,275 to £15,625 | £14,050 | £10,761 to £14,000 | £10,720 |
All details and prices are correct at time of publication but are subject to change.
What are the benefits of private hip replacement surgery?
The greatest benefit of having private hip replacement surgery is the reduced waiting time to alleviate your hip pain and restore your mobility. Other benefits also include having a greater choice and flexibility, continuity of treatment, increased comfort and privacy and access to the latest technology.
Let’s explore these in more detail:
- The longer you wait for hip replacement, the poorer the outcome may be. This is the greatest benefit as the deterioration of your health prior to the surgery, can have a huge impact on the resulting outcome. The sooner you start to experience a relief from pain and an increase in your mobility, the better your overall mental health and wellbeing will be. Although private healthcare is becoming increasingly popular, and waiting times are becoming longer, it’s unlikely that the private sector will ever experience the same pressure as the NHS. As a result, you can anticipate a greatly reduced waiting time, which is advantageous if you’re experiencing a lot of pain with your hip and want to address the problem sooner rather than later.
- Greater choice of Hospital: One of the most significant advantages of private hip replacement surgery is that you are entitled to “shop around” in order to find the right medical establishment for your operation. You can also find out which surgeons come highly recommended and which operate in your local area.
- Greater comfort and privacy. Private hospital facilities usually include a private room with en-suite bathroom, more flexible visiting times and higher quality food. You may also be allowed more time to recover before being discharged.
- Choose your surgeon: You can choose the best surgeon for your individual needs. This will be based on their experience and success rates. Your surgeon can highlight what prostheses and treatments are available on the private market. These may not be available on the NHS. They will customise your treatment depending on the individual nature of your diagnosis.
- Continuity of treatment: The reassurance of seeing the same consultant throughout your treatment cannot be underestimated. The consultant that you choose will see you from start to finish and oversee all aspects of your treatment. The consultant himself, rather than one of his team, will perform your operation and supervise your recovery process depending on your individual circumstances.
- Access to a wider choice of custom fit implants. All hip joints vary in size and shape. Therefore, to achieve the best result from your hip replacement surgery, you need an implant which is the best possible fit. Your consultant will take many factors into account when deciding which implant is most suitable for your individual needs. Types of hip replacement implants vary by material and design. Each one has different benefits depending on your age, weight, health status and activity level. Therefore standard “off the shelf” implants may have limitations. A custom fit implant may be able to function closer to the natural hip and be a better solution for you. These types of personalised custom fit implants may not be available on the NHS.
- Access to the Latest Technology- Custom fit implants and access to the latest technology in the form of scans and robotic assisted procedures, can have a huge bearing on your recovery. The ultimate decision regarding which method and which prosthesis is best for you, will come after a detailed consultation with your surgeon who will make the decision based on your individual diagnosis and needs.
- Personal one to one treatment and follow up. This may include one to one physiotherapy sessions after your hip surgery.
What are the different types of hip replacement in the UK?
Total hip replacement or hip arthroplasty is the most common type of hip replacement in the UK. Partial hip replacement and hip resurfacing are alternative procedures. The replacement parts or prostheses are generally made of metal, plastic, ceramic or a combination of these materials.
For more detailed information, read our new article……….Types of Hip Replacement Surgery in the UK
What are the latest developments in hip surgery?
The latest technological advances aim to help improve the accuracy of hip replacement surgery and lead to faster recovery:
- CT scans used to create a 3D model of the patient’s hip. Hip joints are different shapes and sizes so with the help of a detailed CT scan, surgeons can create hi-tech virtual models of their patients’ hip joints before operating. This allows a more exact fit and means less bone has to be cut to fit the prosthesis. This can radically improve the effectiveness of the surgery and reduce the recovery time.
- Computer assisted navigation. During surgery, the surgeon uses a computer to generate a virtual model of your hip. This then helps guide the surgeon to place the joint implants more accurately.
- Mako robotic 3D assisted procedure. With this robotic system, the surgeon uses a 3D camera to give an enhanced, magnified view of the area to be operated on. The surgeon controls the movement of the robotic arms holding the surgical instruments. This higher degree of accuracy and precision improves the repairing of the damaged joint, the positioning of the implant whilst ensuring minimal injury to neighbouring tissues.
- Developments in the materials used for the manufacture of the implants. This should ensure that any possible problems with the longevity of the implant are addressed.
- Zimmer Biomet are continuing the development of their “Rosa” robotic surgery which is pioneering robotic assistance in minimally invasive hip replacement surgery.
- Dual mobility hip replacement. Stryker has developed a new prosthesis with an additional load bearing surface. Early studies have shown that this may reduce the risk of dislocation and improve the range of motion after surgery.
What does a hip replacement operation involve?
The hip replacement operation will involve the removal of portions of the pelvis and femur(thigh bone) and the replacement with plastic, metal or ceramic parts or prostheses. The surgery will take about one and a half hours and you will usually stay in hospital for between two and five days after the procedure.
Horder Healthcare has compiled an excellent guide with lots of practical advice to assist before, during and after your hip replacement surgery. We recommend that you download their PDF guide and refer to it regularly.
Click on the following link:
Horder Healthcare: A Patient’s Guide to Total Hip Replacement
How long does it take to recover from hip surgery?
Everyone recovers differently but the majority of people who undergo hip replacement surgery are able to return to light activities and regain full independence within around 6 weeks.
For more details on the recovery from hip replacement surgery, what it involves and how to speed it up to regain full mobility as soon as possible, click on the link to our guide:
Recovery from Hip Replacement Surgery: How to Speed it up…..
How can I monitor my recovery?
New technology has enabled patients to have more confidence in monitoring their progress after hip replacement surgery. One such development is the Huma App pioneered by Huma in conjunction with Smith & Nephew.
This mobile phone app allows you to receive guidance on rehabilitation, remotely track your symptoms, report any signs of infection and even hold video calls with your surgical team.
Additionally, the app also monitors you prior to surgery to assess your readiness for the procedure. Better preparation before your surgery may lead to a better outcome and a reduction in the time it takes for you to recover from your surgery. Patients have described the app as “like having your own digital doctor at home.”
What are the possible risks and complications?
Whilst hip replacement surgery has excellent success rates, there are still risks involved. The main risks and complications include blood clots, infection, fracture, unequal leg length, dislocation, limping, bleeding and damage to the blood vessels or nerves surrounding the site of the surgery.
Let us look at these risks in more detail:
- Blood clots. As an invasive procedure, there are always risks but these can often be treated with blood-thinning medications. A new study shows that aspirin is effective in preventing blood clots after hip replacement surgery. You will be encouraged to move soon after your surgery to minimise the risk of blood clots and compression stockings can also help.
- Infection. Most infections can be successfully treated with antibiotics.
- Fracture. Sometimes, healthy sections of your hip joint may fracture as a result of surgery. In most cases, the bone will heal by itself. However, there are occasions where the fracture needs to be corrected which may involve further surgery.
- Unequal leg length. Again, this is rare, but can happen. If one leg is shorter than the other after surgery, this is normally a result of weakened muscles surrounding the joint. The problem can normally be resolved with physiotherapy treatment to help strengthen the muscles over time.
- Dislocation. Dislocating the ball of the new hip joint is always a risk, especially soon after the procedure. Normally, your surgeon will recommend steps you can take to avoid this, such as not bending more than 90 degrees from your hip and not crossing your legs too ‘high’. Dislocation can normally be resolved by wearing a brace. However, if it keeps occurring, you may need further surgery to correct it.
- Limping. Some patients are left with a limp after the operation. This is normally due to weakened muscles and can generally be corrected with muscle strengthening exercises.
- Loosening. This is rare in newer implants but surgery may be needed if the implant becomes loose over time.
- Continued pain. As previously mentioned, the vast majority of patients’ pain is greatly reduced, or even eradicated entirely. However, for a small proportion, the operation will not make a difference, or may even make the pain worse.
- Nerve damage. This is rare but can cause numbness, weakness and pain in the area where the implant is placed.
FAQs
How long is the waiting list on the NHS?
Before the Pandemic, the NHS had a target waiting time of up to 18 weeks for hip replacement surgery. Currently however, many people are actually waiting more than 52 weeks. This has resulted in the prospect of many additional months or even years of suffering for those waiting for hip replacement surgery.
According to figures from The Health Foundation the NHS in England typically carries out 330 elective hip replacements a day. This fell to an average of between 1 and 2 a day at the start of the pandemic and in 2020 as a whole 58,000 fewer people than usual had a hip replacement.
People who are affected describe feelings of frustration, distress and anger and also cite the lack of information and communication from the hospitals. The problem is exacerbated by people who previously delayed seeking help during the pandemic now coming forward.
According to the Royal College of Surgeons of England, figures in April 2021 show the scale of the problem –
- 4.7 million people waiting for hospital treatment
- 387,885 waiting for more than 52 weeks
- Just 1,643 people waiting for more than 52 weeks in February 2020 before the pandemic
- The 18 week maximum target for treatment hasn’t been met for 5 years
Mr Tim Mitchell, Vice-President of the Royal College of Surgeons of England said:
“The NHS had a brutal start to the year because of the second wave of COVID-19 and this is reflected in today’s figures.
“Although the most urgent operations, for cancer and life-threatening conditions, went ahead, hundreds of thousands of patients waiting for routine surgery such as hip and knee operations, cochlear implants and vascular operations had their treatment cancelled or postponed.”
How do I know if I need a hip replacement?
- You have chronic pain & stiffness
- Painkillers, injections & physical therapies fail to provide relief
- Everyday tasks are difficult
- Your pain is making you depressed and affecting your mental wellbeing
- Tests reveal advanced arthritis or joint damage
- Alternative therapies have not helped
What are the alternatives to a hip replacement?
- Physical therapy such as physiotherapy and exercises
- Walking aids
- Cortisone or steroid injections
- Joint supplements
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Hip resurfacing – the implant is smaller and less normal bone is removed. However, there have been concerns with this type of procedure.
- Hip Osteotomy – a procedure to realign the bones of the hip joint.
- Partial Hip Replacement – although this is generally not a good option for patients with severe hip arthritis.
- Stem cell therapy – this is a treatment whereby your body’s own healthy cells are used to help repair damaged joint tissue by encouraging regeneration of the surface layer of damaged cartilage. This treatment may not be suitable for all patients and may not provide a long term solution to your hip pain.
What does it feel like when you need a hip replacement?
If you have severe hip pain or stiffness that is not relieved by medication and that makes it difficult to walk or interferes with your work, sleep or daily life, you should consider a hip replacement.
Is a hip replacement a major operation?
Although a hip replacement is a major operation, it has been shown to be safe and have huge benefits and successful outcomes in relieving pain and restoring mobility. However it should only be considered when other treatments have not helped to improve mobility and reduce pain.
How long will the new hip last?
A modern artificial hip joint is designed to last for at least 15 years. Indeed, new materials, more advanced technical procedures and new knowledge would suggest that this figure will be even longer in the future. A detailed study in The Lancet found that patients and surgeons can expect a hip replacement to last 25 years in around 58% of patients.
Are there things I can’t do after hip replacement surgery?
- Don’t cross your legs at the knees for 6 to 8 weeks after your surgery
- Don’t lean forward or try to pick up something from the floor while sitting down
- Don’t raise your knee higher than your hip
- When bending down, don’t turn your feet inward or outward too much
- Don’t bend too much from the waist
Can you wait too long for hip replacement surgery?
The longer you wait, the less effective the surgery will be. As your joint deteriorates, your mobility will decrease, you may put on weight and you may develop cardiovascular problems. The less healthy you are, the worse the surgical outcome tends to be.
When can I resume driving after hip surgery?
It should be safe to return to driving four to six weeks after your hip replacement operation. Ideally, you should be off any pain relief medication and you should be fully fit and be able to control the car and the pedals safely. You should also be able to perform an emergency stop. Ease yourself back into driving by gradually increasing the time spent at the wheel and the journey time.
Finally………
We are huge fans of the National Health Service and feel privileged to know that it is there for us, no matter what. But Covid has turned the world upside down and placed an ever increasing burden on our beloved NHS.
Could one way to ease this burden be to pay to have private treatment?
Some people aren’t happy about appearing to “jump the queue” by paying for private treatment. But in doing so, you just might be freeing up a space for someone else.
The private healthcare system never competes with the NHS, rather it complements it and works hand in hand with it.
You may actually be reducing the strain on the NHS freeing it up to deal with emergencies and life saving treatments.
The decision to pay for your own private treatment is a serious one but many people feel that their continuing pain and deteriorating health are worthy of making the investment.
People have described the decision to pay for surgery as “Life changing”, “Opening up a new life” and “Money so well spent.”
