Hip replacement surgery may be suggested for arthritis of the hip joint, though not everyone with hip arthritis will need surgery. It may also be needed if you have a hip fracture. Read more

Freedom from pain and improved mobility are the main advantages of hip replacement surgery. Read more

An artificial hip does have some limitations compared to a natural hip, and the outcomes of surgery can vary from person to person. Read more

The two main types of hip replacement are total hip replacement and hip resurfacing, but there are also a number of different types of component that can be used. Read more

Most hospitals will invite you to a pre-admission clinic and you should take this opportunity to ask any questions you still have and ask advice on how you will manage when you return home after your operation. Read more

The process of recovery varies from person to person. Most people are ready to leave hospital within about a week. You will need pain relief initially and you will need physiotherapy to help you get back to normal. Read more

You'll need to take care with certain movements for the first few months to avoid dislocating your new hip, but you should keep up your exercises to strengthen your muscles. Read more

Regular exercise is important, but you should seek expert advice if your preferred sports involve sudden turns or impacts. Read more

All surgery carries some risk of complications. In the case of hip replacement, these include blood clots or bleeding from the wound, dislocation, wear or loosening of the new joint, infection and nerve damage. Read more

This varies, but around 80% of cemented hips last for 20 years. Repeat hip replacements are possible if needed although these aren't usually as successful as the original operation. Read more

Newer techniques include minimally invasive surgery, which causes less tissue damage. Research into which implants work best for which patients is ongoing, based on data from the National Joint Registry. Read more