RapidRecovery Hip Replacement

  • Waiting Time Weeks
  • Typical Stay 1 night
  • Procedure Time 30 minutes
  • Anaesthetic General
  • Health Insurance No
  • Self-Pay Yes

Why Choose This Treatment?

  • 1 Rapid Recovery - 96% of our patients leave the hospital feeling comfortable within 24 hours of their hip replacement. In contrast, current UK statistics for traditional hip replacements show a recovery period of 3-5 days in the hospital.
  • 2 Safer Procedure - The surgery is performed through a 5 cm incision using a completely muscle-sparing technique. Within 4 to 6 months after the procedure, the vast majority of patients experience a “Forgotten Hip,” meaning the replacement feels completely natural.
  • 3 Globally Renowned Surgeon - Dr. Kristian Kley performs 750 joint replacements each year, including 450 total hip replacements using the RapidRecovery approach. He has developed and refined this technique from its original form, significantly enhancing its effectiveness in enabling a quicker recovery and a faster return to normal activities.
  • 4 Enhanced Precision - The surgery is performed twice! Initially, it is conducted virtually on a computer using cutting-edge software. Once the virtual operation is complete, the procedure is then replicated in the operating theatre with enhanced precision.
  • 5 No Restrictions - Following a RapidRecovery hip replacement, there are no physical restrictions on the hip. Low sitting is permitted, and there is no need for a raised toilet seat or adjustments to your home. If you wish, you can even sleep on the operated side the same day!

How It Works?

The RapidRecovery hip replacement involves making an incision of 5 cm or less on the front and side of the hip. After the muscles are identified and moved aside, the hip joint becomes accessible.

Since no soft tissues are damaged, there is minimal scarring and soft tissue damage, which facilitates a much quicker recovery. Over 95% of patients are able to go home on the day of surgery or the following day with minimal pain. Similarly, most patients can start walking without crutches on the day of surgery or the next day.

  • One of only a few UK clinics to offer this minimally invasive RapidRecovery approach.
  • 90% of patients discharged can walk without crutches within 24 hours.
  • Reduced post-operative discomfort and a faster return to everyday life.
  • Personalised support – from your initial consultation to post-surgery recovery.
  • World-class surgical team.
  • No waiting lists.
  • Expertise and care that prioritises your safety and recovery.
  • London-based state-of-the-art hospitals.
  • Industry-leading anaesthetic team for pain management.
  • An all-inclusive, straightforward fee structure.

Benefits

Benefits of the RapidRecovery approach include:

  • Minimally invasive and totally muscle sparing. Click here to hear Dr. Kley explain more.
  • Rapid recovery allows 96% of patients to be discharged within 24 hours.
  • More than 90% of patients are able to walk on the day of surgery or within 24 hours without crutches.
  • Lower risk of post operative complications.
  • Infection rate is 1 in 5000 which is the best case scenario in the UK according to the National Joint Registry.

Recovery & Care

Our team has developed a unique pathway to ensure your journey is managed with precision and compassion from start to finish. We focus on providing first-class treatments and solutions, beginning with a bespoke evaluation of your condition. We take the time to understand how your hip pain affects your life through a detailed consultation and evaluation of your X-rays and MRI scans. Once we confirm your suitability for this approach, we will guide you through our pre-operative process.

  • Comprehensive Evaluation: You will be met by the pre-op medical team and an assessment will be made according to your general health and personal requirements.
  • Minimally Invasive Procedure: With the RapidRecovery hip replacement approach, we take great care to respect and protect your anatomy. This results in less pain, fewer restrictions after surgery, and a faster recovery, as well as reduced potential risks associated with the procedure.
  • Expert Surgical Care: Dr. Kristian Kley is a globally renowned surgeon who has pioneered the RapidRecovery hip replacement technique, an advanced modification of the Röttinger approach known for its safe and rapid recovery. He frequently presents his innovative work at international conferences and performs live surgery demonstrations at leading global orthopaedic centres.
  • Post-Operative Support: Our team, comprising surgeons, anaesthetists, and clinical nurse specialists, will ensure your recovery is as smooth and tailored to your needs as possible.

Treatment Plans

Discover our all-inclusive package, designed to provide top-quality healthcare tailored to meet your needs.

    Essential Care Package from £16,999

  • Pre-operative diagnostics including X-Ray
  • Pre-operative assessment prior to admission
  • Nursing care
  • Catering during your day
  • Operating theatre charges
  • Drugs and dressings
  • Post-operative surgeon consultation
  • Post-Operative routine physio appointment
  • Physio protocol guide
  • 2 week nurse follow-up
  • 6 week consultant follow-up

Testimonials

Listen to real stories, from real patients

Lee's Hip Replacement

London

"It's a part of me, I don't think about it anymore"

Meet Michael

London

"It's lived up to everything I thought it would"

Meet Ceri

London

"Honestly, it's been incredible"

Meet Tom

London

"It's really made a World of difference"

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FAQs

Explore our FAQs to find answers to common questions and gain a deeper understanding of our surgery.

The RapidRecovery hip replacement approach which was developed, in the OC a famous clinic based in Munich, by Prof. Röttinger. The technique has been published and described in orthopaedic journals. Dr. Kley has taken this approach and created his own technique which he has shared with the world, both academically and by treating thousands of patients since starting his practice as a consultant in 2008.

The RapidRecovery hip replacement is an approach that is universally applicable to all patients requiring a total hip replacement. Patients who may be considered 'difficult cases', for example they have undergone previous hip replacement surgery, are able to have this procedure. During your initial consultation with one of our consultants, you’ll be able to discuss your own personal needs and understand how this approach can be applied to your particular issues and they will be able to advise you of the next steps.

Most people who opt for this minimally invasive hip replacement procedure aim to return to an active lifestyle, including sport, without any restrictions or a long recovery period. Most individuals want to undergo a less invasive type of hip replacement which allows them to get back on their feet quicker and back to their normal activities of daily living and sport. The main advantages of this approach is the rapid recovery without restriction and the greater level of safety compared to more traditional hip replacement procedures.

The most common technique used in the UK for total hip replacement surgery is via a posterior approach. In this approach a large incision is made through the muscle at the back of the hip. This gives access to the smaller muscles that allow rotation of the hip. These need to be detached at the start of the procedure and reattached at the end. Because of the more invasive nature of this procedure, patients are advised to follow certain restrictions for the first 6 weeks. These include avoiding low sitting positions, using a raised toilet and using walking aids for up to 6 weeks after the procedure. It is also not advised for you to lie on the operated side for the first 6 weeks. The national statistics show a 1 - 4% risk of hip dislocation with this approach.

The RapidRecovery approach has an excellent track record. Dr. Kley has been performing this procedure for over 15 years and performs 450 procedures per year. The vast majority of his patients are able to leave hospital within 24 hours with very little pain. Of the procedures Dr. Kley has performed 0% have had hip dislocations, there have been 2 cases of infection in the last 15 years with no deep infection since 2019. This is in contrast to the UK national statistics which quote a deep infection rate of between 1% - 5% and patients often needing to stay in hospital for 5 days to recover from a traditional hip replacement.

Modern hip replacement implants are designed to last a significant amount of time. The 10 year survivorship is close to 100% and there is now some excellent data showing implants lasting up to 20 years.

Please follow the recommendations given to you by your surgical team. You can rent a cryotherapy device from Physiolab to reduce swelling and enhance post operative recovery. Perform the exercises which are recommended and gradually build to a level where you feel comfortable without overdoing it. You will be monitored in the outpatient department and by the team to ensure you are progressing well following surgery.

Although the chance of a major issue following a RapidRecovery hip replacement are extremely low, there are however still some risks that need to be considered. These include the following:

  • Infection: It is possible for the wound to become infected or indeed for a deep infection to occur around the implant. The risk of this in Dr. Kleys‘ hands sits at 2 cases in the last 15 years. Steps are taken before, during and after the surgery to minimise the risk of infection. With this surgical technique and with the pathway that has been developed, the chance of an infection are extremely low. The national statistics with standard approaches at 1 - 5% for a deep infection. .
  • Blood Clots: Blood clots with any surgical intervention has a risk of a blood clot in the calf (DVT) or in the lungs (pulmonary embolism). Steps are taken before, during and after surgery to minimise your risk of a blood clot. Because you’re able to get up and move faster with this approach compared to traditional approaches your risk of a blood clot is significantly lower.
  • Dislocation: The national statistics sit between 1% - 4% of dislocation of an artificial joint once it’s been implanted. With the RapidRecovery hip replacement approach there have been no dislocations under the care of Dr. Kley.
  • Implant Loosening: Implants are designed to last for at least 10 years (recent data has shown up to 20 years). It is possible in a small percentage of individuals for the implant to fail earlier. This is know as aseptic loosening or early failure. Fortunately the risk of this is extremely low.
  • Fracture: It is possible to sustain a fracture as part of the hip replacement procedure. The risk of this is extremely low. If it was to occur this is dealt with at the time of surgery. In the unlikely occurrence of a fracture occurring in the first few weeks it is dealt with by further surgery intervention. The chance of a fracture with this procedure is significantly less than 1%.
  • Nerve and Vessel Damage: There is a risk to nerve and vessels during surgery. This is significantly higher with the anterior approach which is performed close to the femoral nerve and with the traditional posterior approach which is performed close to the sciatic nerve. With the RapidRecovery hip replacement, which is performed midway between the front and back nerves, the nerves are far from the surgical field. Dr. Kley has not seen a significant nerve injury as part of his practice and he’s been performing hundreds of these procedures every year for the last 15 years.

While recovery times can vary from person to person, many of our patients are walking unaided within a day. They can get back to work within a few weeks and get back to driving within a week or two.

There is no age limit for the RapidRecovery approach. While age can be a factor, your overall health, lifestyle and the amount of wear and tear on your hip joint are factors we’ll discuss at your first appointment to help determine if this is the right procedure for you.

Click here to watch video.