Susan
If you’re living with arthritis in both hips, you’re not alone — up to 60% of people who come to us with hip pain are affected in both joints. And for around 30% of our patients, both hips need replacing from the very first consultation. Traditionally only 0.5% of patients are offered simultaneous bilateral total hip replacements under one anaesthetic due to the normal surgical time being three to four hours. This would mean two separate surgeries, two recoveries, and months of disruption. But at Orthopaedic Innovation, there's another way.
While bilateral hip replacements are not as common— less than 0.5% of UK hip replacements are done at the same time — our team offers a safer, faster approach using our Rapid Recovery 'Kley Rapid Hip' technique. We routinely perform both hip replacements under one anaesthetic, with the total procedure taking just under an hour.
Unlike the traditional method, which can take between 3-4 hours, our surgeons can perform a bilateral hip replacement on both sides in approximately 60 minutes. The result? A smoother recovery, less time in hospital, and no need to face surgery twice.
What to expect:
Not every patient is suitable for a same-day double hip replacement. But for those who are medically fit and struggling with significant pain in both hips, this can be a life-changing option worth exploring.
We believe in making high-quality surgical options available to more people — and this is one of the ways we do that.
Very few UK surgical teams are able to offer bilateral hip replacement using a true rapid recovery protocol. Our Kley Rapid Hip approach gives us the ability to perform both hips safely, efficiently, and with such a high next-day discharge rate it is something we’re incredibly proud of.
If you have been told you need both hips done, or you are putting off surgery because two operations feels overwhelming, get in touch. We will help you understand your options and decide what’s right for you.
Book an assessment today and find out whether bilateral hip replacement with rapid recovery is the right step forward.
At Orthopaedic Innovation, our international surgical team pioneered the Kley Rapid Hip technique for hip replacement surgery.
Originally, this surgical approach was described in the UK by Mr Watson-Jones in the 1930s. This was later modified into the Rottinger Approach in the 1990s by Professor Rottinger.
Over the past 15 years, Dr Kristian Kley has pioneered the further advancement of this technique (the Kley Rapid Hip procedure) to make it one of the safest and most effective surgical hip replacement procedures available globally.
Our leading surgical team have perfected the Kley Rapid Hip method - a minimally invasive, muscle-sparing total hip replacement technique, designed as a day-case procedure that’s appropriate for a wide range of patients.
Here’s why we think it’s the best choice:
| Feature | Kley Rapid Hip | Traditional Posterior Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Incision & Approach | Small 4–6 cm incision, placed midway between the front & side of the hip (anterolateral approach) | 10–20 cm incision, located towards the back of the hip (posterior approach) |
| Muscle Preservation | All muscles are preserved, leading to faster recovery & less pain | Muscles are detached & reattached, prolonging healing and increasing post-op pain |
| Surgical Time | 60 minutes approx | 180 - 240 minutes |
| Time Under Anaesthetic | 60 minutes, reducing risks associated with prolonged anesthesia | 180 - 240 minutes |
| Hospital Stay | 98% of patients discharged within 24 hours | 2–5 days, depending on pain levels |
| Recovery Time | Faster recovery: Most patients walk unaided within hours, 50% can return to work and most activities within a few weeks. | Patients use crutches or frames for up to 6 weeks, must avoid lying on the operated side, and follow strict movement restrictions for 6 weeks |
| Movement Restrictions | No restrictions post-surgery; patients can sit and lie as they like from day one | Patients must avoid deep flexion (low sitting, lying on the operated side) for 6 weeks due to dislocation risk |
| Infection Rate | Lower risk due to small incision, muscle preservation, and shorter surgical time; Kristian Kley’s rate: 3 infections in 7,000 cases (0.0004%) | UK national infection rate: 1–5% |
| Blood Clot Risk | Less than 1% risk, including both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) | Higher risk according to the National Joint Registry |
| Blood Loss & Transfusion | Virtually no blood loss, therefore no requirement for transfusion in standard cases | Most patients across much of the NHS require a transfusion |
| Dislocation Risk | Significantly lower due to preserved muscle & joint integrity; Dr Kristian Kley has never seen a dislocation in 15 years | National statistics: 2% of patients (2,000 per year) suffer dislocation, often requiring further surgery |
| Nerve or Vessel Damage | Midway between major nerves (femoral & sciatic), reducing risk; Kristian Kley has never seen a nerve injury with this approach | National statistics: 0.5% risk of permanent nerve injury (500 patients per year). Lateral approach has a 15% risk of nerve damage leading to limping & disability |
| Scarring | Smaller incision results in minimal scarring | Longer incision leaves a larger, more tender scar |
Our team of innovative, internationally renowned surgeons is the only team in the UK performing the Kley approach - the Rapid Recovery Hip technique that gets you home the same day as your surgery.
| Hip replacement | £12,500 |
| Bilateral hip replacement | £22,000 |
NB Complex cases require individual pricing.
We offer a fixed price, all inclusive cost of £22,000 for our double hip replacement surgery. To discuss the pricing of surgery for your specific case, please get in touch with our dedicated admin team.
While the likelihood of major complications following a rapid recovery hip replacement is low, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks involved. Here’s what you need to know:
No recorded nerve or vessel injuries in the last 15 years at Dr Kley’s practice having performed over 3000 hip replacements
With the rapid recovery technique, you will benefit from an advanced surgical procedure that prioritises safety and minimise risks, ensuring the best possible outcomes for you.
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.
