How Healthcare Abroad helps with

Hip Keyhole Surgery

Get Treatment In As Little As

20 Days

Hip Arthroscopy

A Hip Arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical technique that allows surgeons to diagnose and treat hip problems through tiny incisions (typically 5-10mm). Using a small camera (arthroscope) and specialised instruments, our consultant orthopaedic surgeons at Vithas can address various hip conditions with minimal tissue damage and faster recovery compared to open surgery.

Questions about this Treatment

Arthroscopy is most commonly used on the Knees, Shoulders, and Hips. Arthroscopy equipment is very small, so only small cuts in the skin are needed. This means it has some advantages over “open” surgery, including:

Less pain after the operation
Faster healing time
Lower risk of infection
You can often go home the same day
You may be able to return to normal activities more quickly

After the procedure, the arthroscope and any attachments are removed, along with any excess fluid from the joint. The incisions are usually closed using special tape or stitches and covered with a sterile dressing. An arthroscopy usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on the type of procedure carried out. You’ll be able to go home on the same day as the surgery or the following morning.

An arthroscopy is usually carried out under general anaesthetic although sometimes a spinal or local anaesthetic is used. Your anaesthetist will explain which type of anaesthetic is most suitable for you. If you have a local anaesthetic, your joint will be numbed so you do not feel any pain. You may still feel some sensations during the procedure, such as a slight tugging, as the surgeon works on the joint. Antibacterial fluid is used to clean the skin over the affected joint and a small cut, a few millimetres long, is made in the skin next to the joint so that an arthroscope (a thin, metal tube with a light and camera at one end) can be inserted. One or more additional incisions will also be made so that an examining probe or other fine surgical instruments can be inserted. The joint is sometimes filled with a sterile fluid to expand it and make it easier for the surgeon to view. The arthroscope sends images to a video screen or eyepiece, allowing the surgeon to see inside your joint. As well as examining the inside of your joint, if necessary, your surgeon will be able to remove any unwanted tissue or repair damaged areas using tiny surgical instruments inserted through the additional incisions.

After your arthroscopy, you’ll be taken to a room to recover from the effects of the general anaesthetic, if it was used during the procedure. You may have some pain in the affected joint. If you do, tell a member of the hospital staff, who will be able to give you painkillers. Before leaving, you will see a physiotherapist who will discuss exercises for you to do at home. Depending on your procedure, you may need a temporary sling, splint or crutches to support and protect the joint while you recover. Special pumps or compression bandages are sometimes used to help improve blood flow.

Dramatic pain relief and improved mobility.
A more active lifestyle, allowing you to get back to doing what you love.
Faster recovery when paired with intensive post-operative physiotherapy.

An arthroscopy is generally considered to be a safe procedure, but like all types of surgery there’s a risk of complications. It’s normal to have short-lived problems such as swelling, bruising, stiffness and discomfort after an arthroscopy. These usually improve in the days and weeks after the procedure. More serious problems are much less common (less than 1 in 100) and include:

A blood clot that develops in a limb – known as deep vein thrombosis, it can cause pain and swelling in the affected limb
Infection inside the joint – known as septic arthritis, it can cause fever, pain and swelling in the joint
Bleeding inside the joint – which often causes severe pain and swelling
Accidental damage to the nerves near the joint – which can lead to temporary or permanent numbness and some loss of sensation

Speak to your surgeon about the possible risks before agreeing to have an arthroscopy.

An individual programme is always tailored to a single patient, but it does offer the following:

Supervised individual physio exercise sessions.
Hotel exercise programme for the patient to perform individually after the sessions.
Postoperative surgical site care & medication supervision.
Application of different therapies such as diathermy, electrotherapy, manual therapy, kinesitherapy, therapeutic exercise, dry needling and ultrasound-guided monitoring.
Study of gait mechanics and individualized program for a functional and efficient gait, guiding the patient from the use of a walker, crutches and later, the use of one or no crutches.
Physio “homework” programme to bring back home.
Continuous passive motion therapy (CPM) for passive knee and hip movement

Before your procedure, you'll complete:

Comprehensive health assessment including blood tests

Medication review to prepare for surgery

Prehabilitation exercises to strengthen hip muscles

Smoking cessation advice if applicable

How long it takes to recover from an arthroscopy depends on the joint involved and the specific procedure you had. It may be possible to return to work within 7 days if your job involves sitting at a desk, but if it’s more physical, you may need to stay off work for up to 2 weeks. You may not be able to do more demanding physical activities, such as lifting and sport, for several months. Your surgeon or care team will let you know how long it’s likely to take to recover and what activities to avoid until you’ve fully recovered. While recovering, contact your GP or surgical team for advice if you think you may have a complication, such as an infection or blood clot.

Hip replacement surgery involves removing damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with artificial components. This procedure is often recommended for:

Osteoarthritis (most common cause of hip pain)
Rheumatoid arthritis
Hip fractures or injuries
Osteonecrosis (avascular necrosis)

Post-Operative Recovery

24/7 medical support during your hospital stay

Walking with crutches begins same/next day

1-2 night hospital stay typically required

Personalised recovery plan provided at dischar

Contact a GP or the clinic where you had your operation if you have:

High temperature
Severe or increasing pain
Severe or increasing redness or swelling
Discoloured or foul-smelling discharge from your wounds numbness or tingling

These could be symptoms of a complication of surgery, such as an infection or nerve damage.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) Our surgeons reshape abnormal bone structures causing painful hip impingement, restoring smooth joint movement.
Labral Tears We repair or reconstruct the hip labrum (cartilage ring) using advanced arthroscopic techniques.
Loose Bodies Removal of bone fragments or cartilage pieces floating in the joint space.
Early Arthritis Joint preservation procedures to delay progression of arthritis in suitable candidates.

Healthcare Abroad UK helps patients access high-quality, affordable private medical treatment with the Vithas Group—one of Spain’s leading hospital providers. We support you at every step, making the process seamless.

We match you with the best surgeons and hospitals for your needs, organise diagnostics (scans, blood tests, etc.), handle travel and accommodation, and provide airport transfers. Our team ensures everything runs smoothly so you can focus on recovery.

Vithas Hospital Group: Spain's leading private healthcare provider
Dedicated care team with you every step of your treatment journey
Complete treatment package including:
- Luxury accommodation
- Transfers from the airport in Spain
- Transfers between hotel and hospital for the duration of your stay
- 24/7 English-speaking support

Any UK resident can access care with Healthcare Abroad UK. You don’t need private insurance or a GP referral (though one may be required for certain treatments).

We cover a wide range of procedures, including:

Dental Surgery
Orthopaedic Surgery
Hip/Knee Surgery
Cataract Surgery
Weight Loss Surgery
Shoulder Surgery
...and more.

If you experience any complications after your surgery, rest assured that you are in excellent hands. Our partner hospitals maintain exceptionally low infection rates and emergency care is available 24/7 to ensure your safety and well-being. At Healthcare Abroad UK, we provide continuous support throughout your recovery. Our dedicated team is always on hand to assist you—whether coordinating follow-up care, arranging urgent medical attention, or simply offering guidance. You’ll never be alone; we’re just a call away, ensuring you receive prompt, expert care whenever needed.

Before returning to the UK, you'll have a final consultation with your surgeon in Spain to review your progress. Our Harley Street clinic offers follow-up appointments, and we provide your GP with detailed discharge summaries. You'll have access to our 24/7 UK support line throughout your recovery.

We’re here to help you at each stage of your treatment.

Transparent Costs and Finance Options: We provide clear, upfront pricing for all treatments, including consultations, ECGs, blood tests, X-rays, and any necessary diagnostics. While patients cover these medical fees, the total cost remains significantly lower than private healthcare in England, without compromising on quality or efficiency. We also offer assistance with financing options to help manage expenses.
Flights & Accommodation: Patients are responsible for booking their flights, but we ensure a seamless stay by arranging luxury 4 or 5-star hotels. Your comfort is our priority, with private airport transfers and dedicated hospital transport included in your package.
Premium Care at Vithas Alicante: Experience expert medical care in a state-of-the-art facility with English-speaking staff, private rooms, and comprehensive aftercare. Your dedicated liaison ensures smooth coordination, while our 24/7 care team supports you throughout your stay.
Seamless Travel & Companion Support: From the moment you land, we take care of your transfers—you and your companion will be collected from the airport and provided with private transport for the duration of your stay. Patient liaisons accompany you during hospital visits for effortless coordination.
High-Quality, Efficient Treatment: Our focus is on delivering exceptional surgical outcomes with minimal waiting times. The combination of advanced medical expertise, personalised care, and cost savings makes Spain an ideal choice for your healthcare needs.

Patient Pathway

Identification of Treatment Needed

Your General Practitioner or Consultant will identify the need for treatment based on your condition.

Contact Us

Call our team or visit our Harley Street clinic to start your seamless healthcare journey—no referrals needed.

Personalised Consultation

Choose from a video or in-person consultation with one of our medical specialists to design your treatment plan.

Plan Your Trip

We arrange your 4 or 5-star hotel, private airport collection/drop-off, and dedicated transfers between the hospital and accommodation.

Constant Care & Support

Our 24/7 care team assists you throughout your stay, with patient liaisons accompanying you in-hospital for seamless coordination.

Seamless Treatment in Spain

Receive expert care at Vithas Hospitals, with English-speaking staff, private rooms, and comprehensive aftercare— facilitated by your dedicated liaison.

Aftercare & Follow-Up

Return home with UK-based virtual check-ins, digital records, and priority access for future needs.

Healthcare Abroad

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Let us help you get the treatment you need.

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