:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/8/sVhm09ypYeQ9Qy5X03xJhmuglsmz6RAg.jpg)
When physiotherapy isn't enough for hip osteoarthritisHip osteoarthritis referral requires simultaneous criteria: Oxford Hip Score below 20, X-ray confirmation of moderate or severe OA, BMI optimisation, and inadequate response to conservative management—not automatic progression based on symptoms or time alone.Hip osteoarthritis referral requires simultaneous criteria: Oxford Hip Score below 20, X-ray confirmation of moderate or severe OA, BMI optimisation, and inadequate response to conservative management—not automatic progression based on symptoms or time alone.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/7/QaZeOQSA1X4Ygf03fN7OmeMI0cBOoBHr.jpg)
Hip osteoarthritis treatment before replacement surgeryUK clinical guidance requires documented completion of conservative care — physiotherapy, weight management, analgesia — before accepting a total hip replacement referral. Surgical timing is determined by functional impact, not imaging severity.UK clinical guidance requires documented completion of conservative care — physiotherapy, weight management, analgesia — before accepting a total hip replacement referral. Surgical timing is determined by functional impact, not imaging severity.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/6/Bhh3o5m0qraOe6feo1V3bieYkX0XMaaZ.jpg)
Early signs your hip may need a replacementHip replacement is determined by quality-of-life impact—how much the joint restricts sleep, movement, and daily function—rather than by age or imaging; it sits at the end of a care pathway, reached only after conservative measures fail.Hip replacement is determined by quality-of-life impact—how much the joint restricts sleep, movement, and daily function—rather than by age or imaging; it sits at the end of a care pathway, reached only after conservative measures fail.
:format(webp)/cdn.mskdoctors.com/storage/2026/6/VuFyYf6KFuBIWTHoEmzhBh0HWwiUsDtC.jpg)
Hip and back arthritis who to see and whenHip replacement is usually considered when pain and stiffness dominate daily life despite exercise, medication and physiotherapy, rather than when a single score or scan reaches a set threshold. Persistent groin pain, stiffness lasting 30 minutes or less, or mixed hip and back symptoms usually start with a GP or…Hip replacement is usually considered when pain and stiffness dominate daily life despite exercise, medication and physiotherapy, rather than when a single score or scan reaches a set threshold. Persistent groin pain, stiffness lasting 30 minutes or less, or mixed hip and back symptoms usually start with a GP or NHS MSK assessment, with rheumatology, orthopaedics or pain services added as needed.
