Advances in technology and orthopaedic surgery have led to greater choice than ever before when it comes to hip replacements.
In this article, we consider the benefits of Mako robotic arm assisted, minimally invasive and conventional hip replacement surgery.
While it can be helpful to understand the different options when it comes to hip replacement, not every option may be suitable for you. It’s essential to discuss your particular circumstances with an orthopaedic surgeon who will be able to explain the best possible treatments for you.
Why Might I Need Hip Replacement Surgery?
You are likely to need a hip replacement if hip pain and stiffness is interfering with your day-to-day life. For example, you may be experiencing pain when you walk, climb stairs or exercise. Maybe hip pain is keeping you awake at night. Damage and deterioration to the hip joint can lead to grinding, popping or clicking sensations within the joint which can interfere with normal hip function. Alongside pain in the joint itself, you may experience pain in the groin, buttocks, thigh or knee.
Symptoms like these are typically associated with a degenerative disease like osteoarthritis. Normally hip replacement surgery is recommended when other, less invasive treatments no longer work, which means it’s used to treat moderate to severe osteoarthritis rather than the disease in the early stages.
Mr Carrothers made the experience of having a hip replaced as good as it possibly could be, because of his professional, but at the same time friendly, caring and relaxed manner. I trusted him to give me a good outcome. After 6 weeks I feel very well and ready to “go”
I Want Great Care Review – 6 April 2026
What’s the Difference Between a Total and a Partial Hip Replacement?
You may hear the terms ‘partial hip replacement’ and ‘total hip replacement’. With a partial hip replacement – also known as hemiarthroplasty – the natural hip socket is preserved and only the femoral head (the ball at the top of the thigh bone) is replaced. In a total hip replacement, the entire hip joint is replaced with an artificial implant.
With a partial hip replacement there’s a greater risk of needing future surgery as only part of the joint has been replaced, and partial hip replacements generally do not last as long as total hip replacements. In some circumstances, however, a partial hip replacement may be recommended, often for elderly patients with poorer function with isolated hip fractures.
What is Mako Hip Replacement Surgery?
Mako hip replacements were developed by Stryker to support orthopaedic surgeons to improve accuracy, as well as enhancing long-term performance of the prosthetic implant. It begins with a CT scan of the patient’s hip joint. Mako system software uses the scan to create a detailed 3D virtual model of the patient’s unique anatomy. From this, the orthopaedic surgeon can create a personalised pre-operative plan, showing precisely which bit of the diseased joint needs to be removed and which can be retained. In the operating room, the surgeon can use Mako’s state-of-the-art robotic arm to prepare the hip socket and position the implant, based on the pre-operative plan. Mr Carrothers refers to this as ‘Patient Personalised Implantation’.While the system allows the surgeon to make adjustments to the plan as needed, it guides them to remain within the pre-defined area. The result is more accurate placement and alignment of the prosthetic implant. In the long-term, this leads to greater comfort for the patient and superior performance of the implant.
Mr Andrew Carrothers has performed over 1000 Mako robotic arm assisted joint replacements.
Andrew and his team were excellent from the initial consultancy to my last visit yesterday (sign off). As this was my very first operation ever (not bad for 64 years) to say the least I was a bit nervous. I sort out Mako Robotic surgery for a total Hip replacement following advice from a friend. The best I could find within driving distance was Andrew Carrothers and his team at the Nuffield Cambridge. On the day of my operation I was welcomed by the Nuffield Staff and made to feel at home and stress free. Both Andrew Carrothers and Prof Razeen Mahroof (Consultant Anaesthetist) talked me through the process and the next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery room. From that point on the nursing staff took very good care of me and that afternoon the Physio got me up and I walked a few steps no problems. Had a comfortable night and the next morning the Physio got me to walk with sticks down the corridor then up and down 20 steps and agree I could go home. I followed all the instructions re exercise and 6 weeks later back driving and walking normally pain free. I am a fit individual and probably ahead of the normal curve but will heed Andrew’s advice from yesterdays consultation to wait to the magic 12 weeks before I golf and ride bikes just in case. All in all a great experience and would recommend the team.
I Want Great Care Review – 3 January 2025
What is Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery?
Traditional hip replacement surgery entails making a large incision – about 10 inches – at the level of the hip joint. Minimally invasive hip replacements use keyhole surgery and involve making one or two much smaller incisions. The advantage of this is there’s less disruption to the soft tissues and muscles around the joint, which leads to faster recovery times. However, this type of surgery is not suitable for everyone. If you are overweight, have previously undergone hip surgery or have osteoporosis you may not be eligible. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss your particular circumstances and let you know if you might be able to have minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. As a pelvic and acetabular specialist, having performed over 1000 Mako surgeries Mr Carrothers uses a minimally invasive type technique for his Mako hip replacement surgeries.
What is Conventional/Traditional Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is a highly successful procedure that helps people with severe hip pain to regain their quality of life. While it is a routine procedure, nevertheless a hip replacement is major surgery and is normally only recommended once other, less invasive forms of treatment have ceased to be effective.
During conventional hip replacement surgery, an incision of around 10 inches is made on the side (lateral approach) or back (posterior approach) of the hip. Surrounding muscles and tendons are cut or detached from the joint and the damaged head of the femur (the ‘ball’ part of the joint) and the acetabulum (the socket in the pelvic bone) are removed. In their place, the surgeon inserts a metal stem into the thigh bone. A replacement ‘ball’ made of metal or ceramic is attached to the stem. Next, a new socket – usually a metal shell with a lining made of plastic or ceramic – is fixed to the pelvis. Once the artificial joint has been inserted and correctly aligned, the detached muscles and tendons are stitched back into place and the incision is closed.
Most patients stay in hospital around two to three days after a hip replacement. You will normally be encouraged to stand up and start using your new hip on the same day as the surgery. Physiotherapy exercises will help you to rehabilitate and gain full function of your new hip joint.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of conditions is hip replacement surgery used for?
Hip replacement surgery is used to treat moderate to severe hip damage. This may be due to a degenerative condition like osteoarthritis, or avascular necrosis, or the result of a serious hip or socket (acetabulum) fracture.
How quickly will I recover?
Recovery depends on a range of factors including the type of surgery you had, your age and general state of health and how well you were able to engage with the recommended physiotherapy exercises. Typically, initial recovery takes around 10-12 weeks, however, you will continue to heal and strengthen for up to 12 months after surgery.
Should I Choose Mako, Minimally Invasive or Traditional Hip Replacement Surgery?
Not every option will be available for all patients. Your orthopaedic surgeon will talk to you about your particular circumstances and recommend the most suitable type of hip replacement surgery for you. For the majority of patients, Mr Carrothers will endeavour to use Mako Robotic Assisted Surgery where possible.
I have travelled for 3 hrs to be treated by Mr Carothers, he did my replacement knee and I wouldn’t want to choose anyone else for orthopaedic problems. That is why I came back for a hip replacement. He makes everything easy to understand, and has a very down to earth approach while maintaining a professional manner. I felt very reassured that I was in good hands. The results have been very good and I was soon on the way to feeling better. The after care has been very good and I knew I could contact him if I had any problems, which I didn’t need to. First class care for which I am very grateful.
