A hip replacement is an artificial joint that completely replaces the natural hip joint.

To restore normal joint function, a hip prosthesis consists of two main components: a femoral component (stem) inserted into the thigh bone and an acetabular component (socket) placed in the pelvis. Between these components is a durable bearing surface made of highly wear-resistant polyethylene (medical-grade plastic). The prosthetic femoral head is typically made of ceramic, although metal may be used in certain cases. Together, these components provide smooth, low-friction movement, replacing the function of the natural joint cartilage.

The hip joint consists of the acetabulum (hip socket) and the femoral head, which is connected to the femur (thigh bone) by the femoral neck. Both joint surfaces are covered with smooth cartilage, allowing the joint to move freely with the help of synovial fluid. The hip joint is enclosed by a strong joint capsule and supported by surrounding muscles, which provide stability and enable movement.

Hip osteoarthritis may develop for a variety of reasons. Common causes include congenital conditions such as hip dysplasia, excessive mechanical stress, previous injuries to the bones or cartilage (for example, fractures of the femoral head, femoral neck or acetabulum), and impaired blood supply to the femoral head (avascular necrosis). Obesity and high-level athletic activity may also increase the risk of developing osteoarthritis. In many cases, however, no specific cause can be identified.

Osteoarthritis is usually a slowly progressive condition that develops over many years. As the cartilage gradually wears away, inflammation occurs within the joint, followed by changes in the underlying bone, including the formation of bone cysts and bone spurs (osteophytes). This process leads to increasing pain and reduced mobility. Symptoms often begin as pain during physical activity but may eventually occur at rest or at night, significantly affecting quality of life.

If hip osteoarthritis is suspected, your orthopaedic specialist will perform a thorough clinical examination. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by X-ray imaging. In selected cases, additional imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required.

Treatment usually begins with conservative measures, including exercise therapy, muscle-strengthening exercises, pain medication and physical therapy. While these treatments cannot reverse or stop the progression of osteoarthritis, they can often provide effective symptom relief for a considerable period.

When pain can no longer be adequately controlled or mobility becomes severely restricted, resulting in a significant loss of quality of life, hip replacement surgery may be recommended. During the procedure, the damaged femoral head and hip socket are replaced with an artificial joint, restoring function and relieving pain.

Hip replacements are the most commonly performed joint replacement procedures in Germany.

Surgery is usually scheduled during an outpatient consultation, where the indication for the procedure is carefully assessed and the treatment plan is discussed. The operation itself is performed during a short inpatient stay.

In most cases, the procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia. In selected cases, and in consultation with our Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, spinal anaesthesia may also be an option if preferred by the patient.

The operation is performed using a minimally invasive, muscle-sparing surgical technique. During the procedure, the damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with artificial components. Surgery typically takes between one and one and a half hours.

Our surgeons use a minimally invasive posterior approach that preserves important muscles surrounding the hip joint. This technique supports rapid postoperative mobilisation and facilitates a faster recovery.

A variety of implant systems are available from different manufacturers and are selected according to each patient's individual anatomy and clinical needs. All implants are designed to replace the worn joint surfaces and restore smooth, natural movement. They are typically made from high-quality metal alloys (such as cobalt-chromium or titanium), highly cross-linked polyethylene and ceramic.

Hip prostheses can be fixed to the bone using either cementless or cemented techniques. In many cases, a combination of both methods (hybrid fixation) is used. The choice of fixation depends primarily on the quality of the patient's bone, particularly the presence or absence of osteoporosis.

Our department exclusively uses well-established, clinically proven implant systems developed in collaboration with leading implant manufacturers. All procedures are performed in accordance with current clinical guidelines and the latest scientific evidence to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality and long-term outcomes.

Current studies show that modern hip replacements can function well for more than 20 years. However, the lifespan of an implant varies from patient to patient and depends on factors such as physical activity, the level of mechanical stress placed on the joint and individual bone quality.

Following surgery, a structured physiotherapy programme helps restore muscle strength, mobility and normal joint function. You will also learn how to protect your new hip joint during everyday activities. Regular follow-up appointments and postoperative care are essential to ensure the long-term success of your treatment.

In most cases, you will be able to bear full weight on your new hip on the day of surgery, as guided by your medical team and physiotherapists. However, high-impact sports that place excessive stress on the joint should be avoided. Low-impact activities such as swimming, Nordic walking and cycling are generally recommended.

A hip replacement can enable patients to return to an active, pain-free lifestyle and, in many cases, resume their professional and everyday activities.

During your consultation, your orthopaedic surgeon will review your symptoms together with your X-rays and, if required, your CT or MRI scans to determine whether hip replacement surgery is the most appropriate treatment option. If surgery is recommended, a suitable date will be scheduled, and any necessary preoperative examinations will be arranged.

You will usually be admitted to the hospital on the day before your operation. During your admission, you will undergo a comprehensive medical assessment, including a review of your medical history, blood tests, an ECG (if indicated), a consultation with the anaesthesia team and a detailed discussion with your surgeon about the procedure. Additional X-rays will be taken to precisely plan your hip replacement.

The operation is performed under either general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia, depending on your individual circumstances and in consultation with the anaesthesia team.

Early mobilisation begins on the day of surgery with the support of our physiotherapists, following our enhanced recovery programme to promote a safe and rapid recovery.

The average hospital stay is between five and eight days. If further rehabilitation is recommended, our Case Management team will work closely with you to organise and arrange an appropriate inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programme before your discharge.

Our enhanced recovery programme
The goal of our Enhanced Recovery Programme is to help you regain mobility as early as possible while keeping pain to a minimum. An important part of this concept is your active involvement in the recovery process. We see you as a partner in your treatment and encourage you to participate actively from the very beginning.

On the day of your operation, you will be assisted by specially trained staff to get out of bed and, depending on your individual condition, take your first steps in your room. During the following days, our physiotherapists will help you learn to walk safely with crutches and practise climbing stairs. In most cases, full weight-bearing is possible immediately, according to your comfort level and guided by your medical team. You will also be able to sit comfortably in a chair or on the toilet and lie on your side as tolerated.

Your rehabilitation continues after discharge and can take place either as an inpatient or outpatient programme, depending on your individual needs and preferences.

From your very first consultation, you will receive comprehensive information about the medical and organisational aspects of your treatment. In addition, we offer voluntary preoperative education sessions to help you prepare for your hospital stay and recovery with confidence.

After surgery, your rehabilitation includes both individual physiotherapy sessions and, where appropriate, group therapy. Group sessions provide an opportunity to share experiences with other patients while benefiting from supervised exercises. You will also learn a series of home exercises that you can perform independently in your room between therapy sessions to strengthen your muscles and maximise the function of your new joint.

Modern intraoperative and postoperative pain management techniques allow most patients to stand up and begin walking with assistance on the day of surgery while experiencing as little discomfort as possible. Daily physiotherapy, including both individual and group sessions, supports your progress throughout your hospital stay.

Before your admission, our Case Management team will work with you to organise a rehabilitation programme tailored to your individual needs. If inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation is not required, a personalised physiotherapy plan for your recovery after discharge can also be arranged.

If you experience loosening of your joint replacement, an infection or persistent pain, revision surgery may be necessary to restore the function and stability of your artificial joint.

There are several reasons why a joint replacement may require revision surgery, including:

Loosening of the implant
Recurrent joint dislocation
Wear of the bearing components
Infection
Progression of osteoarthritis following partial joint replacement
Periprosthetic fractures (fractures occurring around the implant)
Persistent pain
Allergic reactions to implant materials
No joint replacement lasts forever. Although modern implants typically function well for 15 to 20 years or longer, their lifespan depends on several individual factors. Over time, microscopic wear particles can trigger an inflammatory response that gradually leads to bone loss around the implant. As a result, the prosthesis may loosen and lose its secure fixation. Because this process weakens the surrounding bone, timely treatment is recommended once implant loosening has been diagnosed.

As a Certified Maximum Care Joint Replacement Center, our department has extensive expertise in complex revision hip and knee replacement surgery.

Depending on the individual situation, either a single implant component (such as the cup or stem) or the entire prosthesis may need to be replaced.

Following a comprehensive evaluation and careful preoperative planning, we develop an individual treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Using state-of-the-art revision implants, including partial component replacement and modular prosthetic systems where appropriate, our goal is to restore mobility, relieve pain and help you return to an active life as quickly as possible.

A knee replacement is an artificial joint that partially or completely replaces the natural knee joint.

To restore normal joint function, a knee prosthesis consists of a femoral component attached to the thigh bone and a tibial component fixed to the shin bone. Between these metal components is a highly wear-resistant polyethylene insert that serves as the new bearing surface, replacing the function of the natural joint cartilage. Depending on the individual patient's condition, the kneecap (patella) may also be resurfaced as part of the procedure.

The knee joint consists of three compartments: the medial (inner) compartment, the lateral (outer) compartment and the patellofemoral joint, where the kneecap articulates with the femur. Stability is provided by the collateral ligaments, the anterior and posterior cruciate ligaments, and the strong patellar tendon. The joint surfaces are covered with smooth cartilage and move freely with the help of synovial fluid. Two crescent-shaped cartilage structures, the medial and lateral menisci, act as shock absorbers and help distribute weight evenly across the joint.

Knee osteoarthritis can develop as a result of several contributing factors, including leg misalignment (bow legs or knock knees), obesity, inflammatory joint diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, or previous injuries involving fractures, ligament damage or meniscal tears. In many cases, however, no specific cause can be identified.

Osteoarthritis is usually a slowly progressive condition that develops over many years. As the cartilage gradually wears away, inflammation occurs within the joint, followed by changes in the underlying bone, including the formation of bone cysts and bone spurs (osteophytes). This process leads to increasing pain and reduced mobility. Symptoms often begin as pain during physical activity but may eventually occur at rest or during the night, significantly affecting quality of life.

If knee osteoarthritis is suspected, your orthopaedic specialist will perform a thorough clinical examination. The diagnosis is usually confirmed by X-ray imaging. In selected cases, additional imaging such as computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be required.

Treatment usually begins with conservative measures, including exercise therapy, muscle-strengthening exercises, pain medication and physical therapy. Although these treatments cannot reverse or stop the progression of osteoarthritis, they can often provide effective symptom relief for a considerable period.

The decision to recommend surgery is based on your individual symptoms, functional limitations and the impact on your quality of life, together with the clinical findings and X-ray results.

If osteoarthritis has progressed to the point where the protective cartilage has worn away and bone rubs against bone, causing severe pain and a significant reduction in quality of life despite conservative treatment, knee replacement surgery is generally recommended.

Surgery is usually scheduled during an outpatient consultation, where the indication for the procedure is carefully assessed and the treatment plan is discussed. The operation itself is performed during a short inpatient stay.

In most cases, the procedure is carried out under general anaesthesia. In consultation with our Department of Anaesthesiology, spinal anaesthesia may also be an option if preferred by the patient.

The operation is performed using a minimally invasive, muscle-sparing surgical technique. During the procedure, the damaged joint surfaces are removed and replaced with artificial components. Surgery typically takes between one and one and a half hours.

A variety of implant systems are available from different manufacturers and are selected according to each patient's individual anatomy and clinical needs. All implants are designed to replace the worn joint surfaces and restore smooth, natural movement. They are typically made from high-quality metal alloys (such as cobalt-chromium or titanium), highly cross-linked polyethylene and ceramic.

Knee prostheses are usually fixed to the bone using bone cement. In selected cases, cementless fixation may also be appropriate, depending on the patient's bone quality and individual clinical situation.

The choice of implant depends on the extent of osteoarthritis, the condition of the ligaments and surrounding muscles, as well as the anatomy and bone quality of the knee joint. As a general principle, the more stable the patient's own ligaments are, the less constrained the prosthesis needs to be. Conversely, if the natural stabilising structures are compromised, a more constrained implant design is selected to provide the necessary joint stability.

During surgery, any deformities of the leg axis are corrected, and limitations in joint movement are addressed to restore optimal alignment and function.

Our department exclusively uses well-established, clinically proven implant systems developed in collaboration with leading implant manufacturers. All procedures are performed in accordance with current clinical guidelines and the latest scientific evidence to ensure the highest standards of safety, quality and long-term outcomes.

If osteoarthritis is limited to a single compartment of the knee—most commonly the inner (medial) compartment—and the ligaments remain intact, a partial knee replacement (unicompartmental knee replacement) may be a suitable option. Our specialists will be happy to advise you on whether this procedure is appropriate for your individual situation.

Current studies show that modern knee replacements can function well for more than 20 years. However, the lifespan of an implant varies from patient to patient and depends on factors such as physical activity, the level of mechanical stress placed on the joint and individual bone quality.

Following surgery, a structured physiotherapy programme helps restore muscle strength, mobility and normal joint function. You will also learn how to protect your new knee joint during everyday activities. Regular follow-up appointments and postoperative care are essential to ensure the long-term success of your treatment.

Full weight-bearing is usually possible after approximately four to six weeks, depending on your individual recovery and the recommendation of your surgeon. High-impact sports that place excessive stress on the knee joint should be avoided. Low-impact activities such as swimming, Nordic walking and cycling are generally recommended to promote long-term joint health while maintaining an active lifestyle.

During your consultation, your orthopaedic surgeon will review your symptoms together with your X-rays and, if required, your CT or MRI scans to determine whether knee replacement surgery is the most appropriate treatment option. If surgery is recommended, a suitable date will be scheduled, and any necessary preoperative examinations will be arranged.

You will usually be admitted to the hospital on the day before your operation. During your admission, you will undergo a comprehensive medical assessment, including a review of your medical history, blood tests, an ECG (if indicated), a consultation with the anaesthesia team and a detailed discussion with your surgeon about the procedure. Additional X-rays will be taken to precisely plan your knee replacement.

The operation is performed under either general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia, depending on your individual circumstances and in consultation with the anaesthesia team.

Early mobilisation begins on the day of surgery with the support of our physiotherapists as part of our Enhanced Recovery Programme, helping you regain mobility safely and as quickly as possible.

The average hospital stay is between five and ten days. If further rehabilitation is recommended, our Case Management team will work closely with you to organise and arrange an appropriate inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation programme before your discharge.

If you experience loosening of your knee replacement, an infection or persistent pain, revision surgery may be necessary to restore the function and stability of your artificial joint.

As a Certified Maximum Care Joint Replacement Center, our department has extensive expertise in complex revision knee replacement surgery.

Following a comprehensive evaluation and careful preoperative planning, we develop an individual treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. Using state-of-the-art revision implants, including partial component replacement and modular prosthetic systems where appropriate, our goal is to relieve pain, restore mobility and help you return to an active life as quickly as possible.