Anterior Hip Surgeon London
Meet Mr Richard Field – Anterior Hip Specialist
When facing hip replacement surgery, selecting a specialist skilled in modern, tissue-sparing techniques makes your recovery much more manageable. Professor Richard Field, lead consultant at The London Hip Practice, is an internationally recognised orthopaedic surgeon and the UK’s most experienced practitioner of the direct anterior approach to hip replacement. He provides highly precise, muscle-sparing joint replacements designed to help patients regain their mobility and return to active daily living with minimal delay.
Understanding Anterior Approach Hip Surgery
Anterior hip replacement is a highly specialised surgical technique used to treat severe osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint conditions. Unlike traditional posterior or lateral approaches, which require the surgeon to cut or detach key muscles and tendons to access the joint, the direct anterior approach is entirely muscle-sparing.
During the procedure, the surgeon accesses the hip from the front of the leg. By carefully parting the natural intermuscular planes (the gaps between the muscles), the damaged bone can be removed and the new prosthetic implant securely positioned without severing the major gluteal muscles.
- Rapid Mobilisation: Because the major supportive muscles remain completely intact, patients experience immediate stability and can often walk independently on the day of their operation.
- Reduced Discomfort: Avoiding muscle trauma significantly reduces post-operative pain and the reliance on strong analgesia during rehabilitation.
- Decreased Dislocation Risk: Intact muscles and tendons hold the new joint firmly in place, fundamentally lowering the risk of dislocation during the early recovery phase.
- Cosmetic Incision: Professor Field utilises a discreet ‘bikini’ incision located in the natural crease of the groin, which heals to become highly inconspicuous.
Practice Locations and Hospitals
The London Hip Practice operates across several premier medical facilities in and around London, ensuring patients have convenient access to diagnostic consultations, advanced imaging and state-of-the-art operating theatres.
- The Lister Hospital (Chelsea): Located on Chelsea Bridge Road, this hospital provides advanced surgical facilities where Professor Field frequently utilises the Mako robotic-assisted system for joint replacements. Patients treated here enjoy some of the shortest average hospital stays in London.
- The Chelsea Out-Patient Centre: Situated on the Kings Road, this facility provides a convenient, central London setting for initial diagnostic consultations and routine post-operative follow-ups.
- Spire St Anthony’s Hospital (Cheam): Located in Surrey, this hospital offers comprehensive out-patient clinics and full surgical admission facilities for patients based outside of central London.
- South West London Elective Orthopaedic Centre (Epsom): Professor Field also leads the academic surgical team at SWLEOC, a major NHS orthopaedic centre where he undertakes complex hip surgeries and directs extensive clinical research.
World-Class Orthopaedic Expertise
Having introduced the anterior approach to The Lister Hospital in 2012, Professor Field has now completed over two thousand procedures using this technique. He combines this surgical experience with advanced technology, frequently employing Mako robotic assistance to ensure the alignment and placement of every implant is perfectly mapped to the patient’s unique anatomy.
His commitment to clinical excellence and ongoing research means patients receive care that is not only highly experienced but firmly grounded in the latest orthopaedic advancements.
Arrange a Consultation
To discuss hip pain, explore surgical options or book an assessment with Professor Field, please contact The London Hip Practice directly to find the most convenient clinic location and secure an appointment.