Total Hip Replacement Surgery in North Wales by Dr Amir Azam, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
Hip pain can severely affect your mobility, work and quality of life. As a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon with fellowship training in hip and knee replacement surgery (MBBS, MS Orth, MRCS, FRCS Orth), I offer world-class total hip replacement in North Wales. My goal is to help patients return to pain-free movement and regain their independence using evidence-based care and advanced surgical techniques.
What Is Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, replaces a damaged or diseased hip joint with a durable artificial implant made of metal, ceramic and high-grade polyethylene. It is one of the most successful orthopaedic procedures worldwide and is recommended when non-surgical treatments such as physiotherapy, medication or injections are no longer effective.
Who Benefits From Hip Replacement Surgery?
You may be a candidate for total hip replacement if you experience:
- Severe hip pain due to osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or avascular necrosis
- Hip stiffness limiting everyday activities such as walking, bending or climbing stairs
- Pain that persists despite painkillers, injections or physiotherapy
- Hip fractures or trauma leading to chronic pain and instability
Why Choose a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in North Wales?
As a hip replacement specialist trained and practising in the UK, I use up-to-date implants and techniques recommended by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). My experience in both NHS and private settings means patients receive continuity of care, thorough pre-operative planning and personalised rehabilitation advice.
The Procedure
During surgery, the worn-out ball (femoral head) and socket (acetabulum) are removed and replaced with prosthetic components. Depending on your age, activity level and anatomy, cemented or uncemented fixation may be used.
Recovery & Rehabilitation
Most patients stand and take their first steps on the first day after surgery under supervision of a physiotherapist. Typical timelines:
- Hospital stay: 2–3 days
- Walking with a stick: 4–6 weeks
- Driving: 6 weeks (after surgeon clearance)
- Full recovery: 6-12 months
A tailored physiotherapy programme helps restore strength, flexibility and confidence.
Benefits and Risks
Benefits:
- Significant pain relief
- Improved joint movement
- Enhanced quality of life
Risks (low):
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Dislocation
- Implant wear over time
Pre-operative assessment, meticulous surgical technique and modern implants help minimise these risks.
FAQs: Total Hip Replacement
Q1: How long does a hip replacement last?
Most modern implants last 10-15 years or more; many exceed 25 years with proper care.
Q2: When can I return to work?
Light office work may resume in 6-8 weeks; heavier jobs may require 3-4 months or more.
Q3:Can both hips be replaced at once?
In very selected cases, simultaneous bilateral hip replacement may be considered, but staged surgery is more common.
Hi, I am a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in North Wales, United Kingdom.
I help people regain their mobility and live pain-free lives through advanced hip and knee surgery. As a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, I specialize in hip replacement, knee replacement, and revision surgery (re-do surgery for failed hip and knee replacements), offering both NHS (National Health Service) and private practice expertise.
I am also registered with leading private medical insurers, including AXA Health, BUPA, Vitality Health, WPA, Aviva, Cigna, Allianz Partners, and Healix Health Services Ltd, enabling seamless access to private orthopaedic care for insured patients.
For appointments or any other enquiries, please email secretary@dramirazam.com.
Dr Amir Azam
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS, MS (Orth), MRCS, FRCS (Orth)
