Concierge hip surgery · UK
Arthroscopic hip debridement, by a consultant hip preservation surgeon.
A proper arthroscopic clean of the hip joint — loose bodies out, inflamed synovium trimmed, damaged cartilage smoothed — by a named consultant who does this every week, not every quarter.
Why patients choose us
- 01
A consultant hip surgeon, in theatre
Not a knee surgeon dabbling in hips. A named hip preservation specialist who does arthroscopic debridement week in, week out.
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Honest patient selection
Debridement helps mild-moderate joints. If the MRI shows advanced arthritis, we say so — a scope won’t rescue a joint that needs replacing.
- 03
Independent, and free
We are paid by no clinic, so the recommendation is impartial and costs you nothing.
Indicative pricing
What private hip debridement surgery costs in the UK.
Indicative ranges across our partner clinics. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three surgeons.
In short
Arthroscopic hip debridement in our network: £5,000–£8,500, home the same day.
| Procedure | Indicative range | Typical duration | Stay / turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthroscopic hip debridement (single joint) | £5,000–£8,500 | 60–90 min | Same-day discharge |
| Arthroscopic debridement + synovectomy (PVNS) | £7,000–£10,000 | 90–120 min | Same-day discharge |
| Open arthrotomy for large mass excision | £8,500–£12,000 | 2–3 hrs | 1–2 night stay |
| MRI hip arthrogram (pre-op) | £600–£950 | 45 min | 48–72 hrs |
| CT hip (bony fragments) | £450–£750 | 15 min | 48 hrs |
| Consultation only | £250–£450 | 30–45 min | Same visit |
Prices vary by clinic, by which surgeon does the case, by whether a full synovectomy is added on the day, and by whether pre-op MRI arthrogram is already done. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
The right surgeon, the right imaging, the right patient.
Hip arthroscopy is a technical procedure with a real learning curve. Done on the wrong joint — or by the wrong surgeon — it doesn’t work. We line all three up before you commit.
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Groin pain, catching, giving-way?
MRI arthrogram plus a hip preservation opinion — before anyone reaches for the shaver.
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Told you need surgery already?
A second opinion from a hip arthroscopist confirms the indication — or points out when a scope won’t help.
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Want it done properly?
A named consultant hip preservation surgeon, proper theatre, capsular closure and a physio plan from day one.
The journey
From enquiry to recovery — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to six-week review — including the physio plan.
Phase 1 · Before your procedure
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
A few hours at the clinic
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Groin pain, catching, clicking, giving-way — how long, what triggers it, what you’ve already tried.
- 02
Before
We come back with a recommendation
Within one working day: the right imaging (MRI arthrogram, CT if bony fragments), the right surgeon, an indicative price. If a scope isn’t the right step, we say so.
- 03
Before
We arrange the appointment
Usually within two to three weeks. Blood-thinning medication is reviewed with the team and you are told exactly how to prepare and fast.
- 04
On the day
Arrival at the clinic
Arrival, consent and a chat with the hip surgeon and anaesthetist. GA plus a fascia iliaca block for post-op pain, on a hip distraction table.
- 05
On the day
The procedure itself
60 to 120 minutes in a proper theatre. Two to four small portals, joint irrigation, shaver, loose-body retrieval, capsular closure where indicated.
- 06
On the day
Home the same day
A short recovery, crutches fitted, written aftercare and a physio plan. LMWH prophylaxis and someone to collect you.
- 07
After
Recovery and review
Partial weight-bearing on crutches for one to two weeks, physio four to six weeks. A surgeon review is arranged around six weeks.
Typical end-to-end: 2–3 weeks from enquiry to theatre. Full return to sport: 4–6 months.
When it helps
When arthroscopic debridement is the right step.
The situations we see most, plus the one red flag that means an emergency rather than an appointment.
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Loose bodies in the hip
Chondral fragments or synovial chondromatosis causing mechanical catching, locking or sudden giving-way.
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Synovitis (PVNS, RA, gout)
Inflamed joint lining producing pain and effusion — debridement plus targeted synovectomy is often definitive.
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Focal chondral defects
Symptomatic Outerbridge grade 2–3 cartilage lesions in an otherwise reasonable joint — chondroplasty for the right patient.
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Degenerative labral tears
Painful labral tears without significant cam or pincer impingement — trimmed or repaired arthroscopically.
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Post-septic residual debris
After a treated hip infection, retained fibrinous debris and inflamed synovium can be washed out and cleaned.
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PVNS (pigmented villonodular synovitis)
Bloody aspirate on the MRI report — needs total synovectomy and may need adjuvant radiotherapy to reduce recurrence.
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Adhesive capsulitis of the hip
A rare, stiff, painful hip that has failed injections and physio — capsular release can restore range.
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Red flag: hot, febrile, painful hip
A hot swollen hip with fever is septic arthritis until proven otherwise — same-day A&E and aspiration, not a clinic booking.
Procedure options
A scope isn’t one procedure — it’s a menu.
What each option actually involves — and which fits which problem inside the hip.
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Arthroscopic debridement
Two to four small portals, joint distraction, mechanical shaver and radiofrequency chondroplasty. The default for most cases.
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Loose-body retrieval
Fragments of cartilage or synovial chondromas fished out through a portal — often gives immediate mechanical relief.
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Partial or total synovectomy
For inflamed synovium — partial for focal disease, total for diffuse PVNS. Biopsy sent to histology every time.
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Chondroplasty for focal defects
Radiofrequency (Vulcan, Coblator) or mechanical smoothing of unstable cartilage flaps to reduce mechanical symptoms.
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Labral trim or repair
Ragged degenerate labrum is debrided; a repairable tear is anchored back to the acetabular rim.
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Capsular closure
The interportal capsulotomy is closed with sutures to protect against post-operative micro-instability.
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Open arthrotomy (rare)
For extensive PVNS, large synovial osteochondromatosis mass, or where arthroscopic access is inadequate.
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Consultation only
An honest discussion of whether a scope is the right step at all — including when to consider a hip replacement instead.
Our vetted UK network
A small panel of hip surgeons, we picked them.
Consultant hip preservation surgeons across London, the South East and major UK cities. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every surgeon in our network.
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Consultant hip preservation surgeons — arthroscopic hip volume of 50+ cases a year
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BHS (British Hip Society) or BOA (British Orthopaedic Association) membership
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MDT input on PVNS cases — orthopaedic, rheumatology and clinical oncology
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Honest advice on when to preserve, and when a hip replacement is the better answer
Safety and recovery
What to expect afterwards — honestly.
Arthroscopic hip debridement is a safe day-case procedure in the right hands. The things worth planning are your anaesthetic, the physio plan, and knowing what is normal versus a red flag.
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GA plus a regional block
General anaesthetic with a fascia iliaca block for post-operative pain — most patients need only paracetamol and codeine at home.
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Thigh numbness is common and settles
A patch of numbness over the outer thigh (LFCN neuropraxia) is common after distraction and almost always resolves in weeks to months.
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Perineal numbness from the traction post
A transient perineal or genital numbness (pudendal neuropraxia) is uncommon and usually settles — rare persistent cases affect pelvic floor function.
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Crutches for one to two weeks
Partial weight-bearing with crutches, then wean as physio guides. Physio starts within a few days and runs for four to six weeks.
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Return to work, cycling and running
Office work 1–3 weeks, cycling 4–6 weeks, running 3–4 months, competitive sport 4–6 months — patient dependent.
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DVT and PE prophylaxis
Routine low-molecular-weight heparin, TEDs and early mobilisation. Report calf swelling, chest pain or breathlessness urgently.
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Heterotopic ossification
Extra bone forming around the joint is rare — indomethacin or targeted radiotherapy prophylaxis is considered if PVNS radiotherapy is planned.
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Recurrence and progression
Loose bodies and PVNS can recur. PVNS 5-year recurrence is 10–20% with local treatment and higher without a full synovectomy.
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Red flags after surgery
Fever, spreading redness, a hot swollen calf, chest pain or breathlessness are not normal — call the clinic or A&E the same day.
Reading your operation note
Your operation note in four parts. Read the last one first.
Whichever surgeon does the case, the arthroscopy note keeps to the same shape.
A quiet reminder
Arthroscopy language is precise and can read coldly — we translate it for you.
If you would like us to talk you through the note before your six-week review, just ask.
- 01 Header
Indication and consent
Why the scope was done — loose bodies, synovitis, PVNS, chondral defect — and the risks discussed and accepted at consent.
- 02 Technique
Portals, distraction and instruments used
Which portals, how long distraction was applied, which shavers and radiofrequency devices, and whether the capsule was closed.
- 03 Findings
What the surgeon actually saw inside
Cartilage grade (Outerbridge), labral condition, synovium, any loose bodies retrieved, and biopsy specimens sent to histology.
- 04 Impression
Recovery plan and follow-up
Read this first: weight-bearing status, physio plan, return-to-activity timeline and when your surgeon review is booked.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Cover for hip arthroscopy varies by insurer and by indication — usually funded when there is a clear mechanical or inflammatory diagnosis. We confirm cover before booking.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about hip debridement.
Quick answers on when it works, when it doesn’t, cost, PVNS, and how long you’ll be on crutches.
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Is hip debridement the same as a hip arthroscopy?
They overlap. A hip arthroscopy is the access technique — small portals into the joint. A debridement focuses on cleaning: loose bodies, inflamed synovium, torn cartilage. Reshaping cam or pincer bone for impingement is a different arthroscopic procedure (see hip impingement surgery).
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When is debridement worthwhile, and when isn’t it?
It helps mild-to-moderate joints with a clear mechanical or inflammatory problem — loose bodies, PVNS, focal chondral defects, degenerate labral tears. It rarely helps a hip with widespread arthritis and preserved joint space is the biggest predictor of a good outcome. Patient selection is everything.
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What’s the success rate?
Around 60–80% of well-selected patients report a good or excellent result at two to five years. Results are worse in significant osteoarthritis. Five to ten per cent of patients go on to a hip replacement within five years, which is why realistic selection matters up front.
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How much does private hip debridement cost in London?
Roughly £5,000–£8,500 for a standard arthroscopic debridement, £7,000–£10,000 if a full synovectomy for PVNS is added, and £8,500–£12,000 for open arthrotomy. MRI arthrogram runs £600–£950. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
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How long is the recovery?
Crutches with partial weight-bearing for one to two weeks, physio four to six weeks. Office work in one to three weeks, cycling four to six weeks, running three to four months, competitive sport four to six months. Slower for PVNS or open arthrotomy.
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What are the main risks?
Transient outer-thigh numbness from the traction is common. Rarer risks include perineal numbness, iatrogenic cartilage injury from instruments, joint instability if the capsule isn’t repaired, deep vein thrombosis (routine LMWH), heterotopic ossification, infection under one per cent, and needing a hip replacement later.
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What is PVNS and why does it need different treatment?
Pigmented villonodular synovitis is a benign but locally aggressive proliferation of the joint lining — a bloody aspirate is the classic clue. It needs a total synovectomy rather than a simple debridement, and often adjuvant radiotherapy. Even so, five-year recurrence sits at 10–20% with full treatment and 30–50% without.
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Is this available on the NHS?
Yes, via specialist hip preservation and orthopaedic oncology units, but waits are often long — nine to eighteen months in many trusts. Private routes typically get to theatre in two to three weeks with a named surgeon of your choice.
Related treatments
Looking for something else?
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Hip arthroscopy
Keyhole access to the hip joint — the umbrella technique.
Learn more -
Hip impingement surgery
Cam and pincer reshaping (osteoplasty) for FAI.
Learn more -
Hip preservation surgery
The full range of joint-preserving hip procedures.
Learn more -
All tests & procedures
Every test and procedure we arrange.
Learn more