If hip pain, stiffness or reduced mobility is making everyday activities difficult, total hip replacement may be considered. Also known as total hip arthroplasty, the procedure involves removing the damaged surfaces of your hip joint and replacing them with artificial components designed to support smoother movement, improve stability and help restore function.
Dr Mark Inglis primarily performs total hip replacement using the anterior approach. This means he accesses your hip joint through an incision at the front of the hip and works between the surrounding muscles, rather than detaching certain muscles to reach the joint.
Total hip replacement may be recommended when hip pain, stiffness and reduced mobility are significantly affecting daily life and appropriate non-surgical treatments are no longer providing adequate relief.
Conditions that may lead to hip replacement include:
Before surgery is considered, treatment may include activity modification, physiotherapy, exercise, weight management, pain-relief or anti-inflammatory medication, walking aids or joint injections, depending on the diagnosis and individual circumstances.
Total hip replacement may be discussed when symptoms:
The decision to proceed with hip replacement is based on more than an X-ray. Dr Mark Inglis will consider your symptoms, physical examination, imaging findings, general health, treatment history and personal goals before recommending surgery. The potential benefits, risks, alternatives and expected recovery will be discussed during your consultation.
The anterior approach is one of several surgical techniques used to access the hip joint during total hip replacement surgery. With this technique, the joint is reached through an incision at the front of the hip, rather than from the side or back.
Dr Mark Inglis works between natural muscle planes to access the joint, allowing the procedure to be performed without detaching major muscles from the bone. The damaged surfaces of the hip are then removed and replaced with artificial components designed to recreate the ball-and-socket movement of the joint, improve function and reduce pain.
Because the anterior approach works between the muscles, it is often described as a muscle-sparing technique.
Potential advantages for appropriately selected patients may include:
These advantages are generally most noticeable during the early stages of recovery, and longer-term outcomes are often similar across established surgical approaches. The anterior approach is not necessarily suitable for every patient, and recovery and outcomes vary between individuals.
Anterior hip replacement may be suitable for patients with significant hip pain, stiffness and reduced mobility caused by arthritis or other damage to the hip joint, particularly when non-surgical treatment is no longer providing adequate relief. Not every patient who is suitable for total hip replacement will necessarily be suited to the anterior approach.
Dr Mark Inglis will consider factors such as:
Surgery may need to be delayed if there is an active infection, an unhealed wound or an uncontrolled medical condition that could increase the risk of complications. Suitability is assessed on an individual basis. Dr Inglis will examine your hip, review your imaging and discuss whether anterior approach total hip replacement is appropriate for your circumstances.
Total hip replacement can be performed through several different surgical approaches. The anterior and posterior approaches are among the most commonly used. Both allow the damaged hip joint to be replaced with artificial components designed to improve movement, stability and pain.
The main difference is the direction from which the surgeon accesses the hip joint and which muscles and soft tissues are encountered during surgery.
Anterior Hip Replacement
With the anterior approach, the hip joint is accessed through an incision at the front of the hip. Dr Inglis works between natural muscle planes to reach the joint, rather than detaching major muscles from the bone. Because the procedure passes between the muscles, it is often described as a muscle-sparing approach. In appropriately selected patients, this may support earlier movement and mobility after surgery. The patient is generally positioned on their back, which may also assist with assessing component position, hip stability and leg length during the procedure.
Posterior Hip Replacement
With the posterior approach, the hip joint is accessed through an incision at the back of the hip. This is a well-established technique that provides direct access to the joint. The procedure involves passing through the muscles and soft tissues at the back of the hip. These structures are carefully repaired after the hip replacement components have been inserted.
Choosing the most appropriate Surgical Approach
Both approaches are established techniques, and neither is automatically the best option for every patient.
The most appropriate approach will depend on factors such as:
During your consultation, Dr Mark Inglis will assess your symptoms, examine your hip, review your imaging and discuss which surgical approach may be most appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Careful planning is an important part of total hip replacement surgery. Before your procedure, Dr Inglis reviews detailed X-rays of your hip and may arrange additional imaging when further information is required about the shape, alignment or condition of the joint. Digital planning software may be used to develop a personalised surgical plan based on your individual hip anatomy.
This can help Dr Inglis assess:
This information helps guide decisions about implant selection, alignment and positioning before surgery. The aim is to tailor the procedure to your anatomy and support stable movement, appropriate leg length and balanced hip function after the replacement.
During surgery, technology may also assist with checking the position and alignment of the components. Digital planning does not however, replace the surgeon’s assessment and experience.
The final implant choice and position may be adjusted during the procedure according to the condition of the bone, soft tissues and hip joint. Dr Inglis will discuss the proposed surgical plan, the technology being used and how it applies to your individual procedure during your consultation.
During total hip replacement surgery, the damaged surfaces of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components designed to recreate the ball-and-socket movement of the hip. These components work together to support smooth movement, stability and function.
The main components of a total hip replacement include:
Hip replacement components are made from materials selected for their strength, durability and suitability for use within the body. Different implant designs and material combinations may be considered depending on the patient and the surgical plan.
Dr Mark Inglis selects the implant type, size and method of fixation based on factors such as your hip anatomy, bone quality, age, activity level and the condition being treated. The final choice may also be adjusted during surgery according to the condition of the bone and soft tissues.
Total hip replacement is a commonly performed orthopaedic procedure. As with any surgery however, there are potential risks and complications. The likelihood of these risks varies between patients and may be influenced by your general health, medical history, bone quality and the condition of your hip joint.
Potential risks may include:
Dr Mark Inglis and the surgical team take steps before, during and after surgery to reduce the risk of complications. These may include pre-operative medical assessment, personalised surgical planning, antibiotics, blood-clot prevention, early mobilisation and close monitoring during recovery. Your individual risks, the potential benefits of surgery and available alternatives will be discussed with you before making a decision about treatment.
A step-by-step guide to your hip replacement procedure
If you and Dr Mark Inglis decide that total hip replacement is an appropriate treatment for your condition, it can be helpful to understand what happens before, during and after surgery. The following guide outlines the main stages of your care, from your first consultation and personalised surgical planning through to the procedure and early recovery.
Effective pain management is an important part of recovery after total hip replacement. Dr Mark Inglis works with the anaesthetic and hospital care team to develop an individual pain-management plan designed to keep you comfortable, support early movement and help you begin rehabilitation safely. A multimodal approach is usually used, which means several forms of pain relief are combined rather than relying on one medication alone. Your plan will depend on your general health, medical history, the anaesthetic used and your individual needs.
Anaesthesia and Early Pain Relief
The anaesthetist will discuss the most appropriate anaesthetic for your procedure. This may include:
A spinal anaesthetic numbs the lower part of the body and is often combined with sedation to help you remain comfortable and relaxed. In some patients, a general anaesthetic or regional nerve block may be recommended instead. These techniques can also contribute to pain relief during the early recovery period, helping you begin standing, walking and physiotherapy when it is safe to do so.
Local Infiltration Analgesia
During surgery, Dr Inglis may use local infiltration analgesia, where long-acting local anaesthetic medication is injected into the tissues around the hip.
This provides targeted pain relief around the surgical area and may help:
Pain Relief After Surgery
After the procedure, your pain will be regularly assessed by the hospital team. Medication may include a combination of:
It is important to take your medication as directed, particularly during the first few days, as adequate pain control can help you move more comfortably and participate in rehabilitation. Some stronger pain medications may cause side effects such as nausea, drowsiness or constipation, and the hospital team can provide advice to help manage these. Pain generally improves as healing progresses, although the timing and level of discomfort vary between patients. Dr Inglis, the anaesthetic team, nursing staff and physiotherapists will monitor your recovery and adjust your pain-management plan when required.
Recovery takes place gradually over the weeks and months after surgery. Most patients begin standing and walking soon after the procedure, with support from the physiotherapy team and a walking aid if required. Early movement helps improve circulation, reduce stiffness and support the return of hip strength and function.
Most patients remain in hospital for a short period while pain is managed and mobility is assessed. Before you go home, you will receive guidance about:
It can be helpful to arrange support at home during the early stages of recovery, particularly for household tasks, meals and transport. Continue taking your medications as directed and contact your GP if you need further prescriptions after discharge.
Physiotherapy and rehabilitation begin in hospital and continue after you return home. Exercises are gradually progressed to improve:
Walking distance and activity levels should be increased gradually. Recovery timelines vary between patients and depend on factors such as general health, strength before surgery and the complexity of the procedure. Dr Inglis and your physiotherapist will guide your return to driving, work, exercise and other activities.
Total hip replacement surgery usually takes approximately one to two hours, although this can vary depending on your anatomy and the complexity of the procedure. Additional time is required before and after surgery for anaesthetic preparation and monitoring in recovery.
Most patients remain in hospital for approximately two to four days. During this time, the hospital team will monitor your recovery, manage pain and help you begin walking and physiotherapy safely. Your discharge timing will depend on your general health, mobility, pain control and whether you can manage safely at home.
Some pain and discomfort are expected after surgery, particularly during the early recovery period. A combination of anaesthetic techniques, local anaesthetic and pain-relief medications is used to help keep you comfortable. Many patients find that the original arthritic hip pain improves after the damaged joint has been replaced, although surgical soreness and muscle discomfort may take time to settle.
Most patients are encouraged to stand and begin walking within the first day after surgery, with assistance from a physiotherapist. A walking frame or crutches may be used initially to provide support while your strength, balance and confidence improve.
The time required varies between patients. Some people use a walking aid for only a few days, while others may need one for several weeks. Your physiotherapist will advise when it is safe to progress from a frame or crutches to a walking stick and then to walking independently. This will depend on your strength, balance, walking pattern and overall recovery.
Initial improvements in pain and mobility often occur over the first several weeks. Many patients make substantial progress during the first six to twelve weeks, although strength, balance and function may continue to improve for several months. Recovery varies according to your general health, mobility before surgery, the condition of the hip and your progress with rehabilitation.
Driving may be considered when you can:
Many patients wait until their follow-up review before returning to driving. Dr Mark Inglis will provide guidance based on your recovery, and you should also check any requirements with your motor vehicle insurer.
The timing depends on the physical demands of your role and how your recovery progresses. Patients with desk-based work may be able to return within approximately four to six weeks, while those with physically demanding jobs may need a longer period away or a staged return to modified duties. Dr Inglis will consider your mobility, strength, pain levels and work requirements when advising you about returning to work.
During the early recovery period, you may be advised to avoid:
Lower-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming and golf may be introduced gradually once your wound has healed and your recovery has progressed. Dr Inglis will provide advice based on your surgery, activity goals and individual circumstances.
Light daily activities can usually be resumed gradually as your comfort and mobility improve. Walking distances, household tasks and recreational activities should be increased in stages rather than all at once. Recovery should be guided by function and comfort rather than a fixed timeframe. Dr Inglis and your physiotherapist will advise when it is appropriate to progress your activity.
The timing of air travel depends on your recovery, general health, mobility and the length of the flight. Longer flights may increase the risk of blood clots, particularly soon after surgery. Before booking travel, discuss your plans with Dr Inglis. You may be advised to:
Modern hip replacements are designed to function for many years. Many continue to perform well for 15 to 20 years or longer, although implant longevity varies. Factors that may influence how long a hip replacement lasts include age, activity level, bone quality, body weight, implant type and general health.
Restoring appropriate leg length and joint stability is an important part of surgical planning. Dr Inglis uses pre-operative planning and checks during surgery to help balance leg length and hip stability. A small perceived difference may occasionally be noticed after surgery, particularly while swelling settles and the muscles adapt. In some cases, a true difference may remain because maintaining joint stability and implant fixation must also be considered.
The size and appearance of the scar depend on the incision, your anatomy and how your skin heals. With the anterior approach, the incision is made at the front of the hip. Scars usually fade and soften over time, but the final appearance varies between patients. Dr Inglis can discuss the likely incision position during your consultation.
The cost of total hip replacement varies depending on your private health insurance, hospital excess, anaesthetic fees and other provider charges. For privately insured patients, Dr Mark Inglis operates with NO SURGEON GAP. You may still however, have out-of-pocket costs for your hospital excess, anaesthetist, assistant surgeon, imaging or other services. Depending on your policy and level of cover, total out-of-pocket costs may be approximately $3,000 to $4,000.
Patients without private health insurance may choose to self-fund the procedure. The total cost is commonly around $20,000 to $30,000, which may include:
These figures are indicative only. Dr Inglis’s rooms can provide a personalised fee estimate, and you should confirm your hospital cover and excess with your private health insurer before surgery.
When considering a surgeon, you may wish to ask about:
During your consultation, Dr Inglis will assess your symptoms, review your imaging and explain the treatment options available so you can make an informed decision about your care.
No. Although Dr Inglis primarily performs hip replacement using the anterior approach, it may not be suitable for every patient. The most appropriate approach will depend on factors such as your anatomy, body shape, bone quality, diagnosis, previous surgery and the complexity of the procedure.
The anterior approach requires specific training, experience and familiarity with the technique and equipment used to access the hip from the front. Orthopaedic surgeons may also prefer other established approaches based on their training, surgical experience and the needs of their patients.
Bilateral hip replacement may be considered in selected patients with significant arthritis affecting both hips. It is not, however, appropriate for everyone and may involve additional medical and rehabilitation considerations. Dr Inglis will consider your general health, the severity of symptoms in each hip and the potential risks before discussing whether staged or simultaneous surgery may be appropriate.
Contact the treating team, Dr Inglis’s rooms or your GP if you develop:
Call 000 if you experience chest pain or shortness of breath.
If you are experiencing hip or knee symptoms or would like further information about orthopaedic treatment options, please complete the contact form. Our team will review your enquiry and help arrange an appointment with Dr Inglis to discuss your concerns and available treatment pathways.
