Exploring Non-Surgical Treatments for Hip Pain
Hip pain is a common yet disruptive problem that affects people of all ages. It can limit mobility, interrupt sleep and cause discomfort even when sitting. Surgery is an option in more advanced cases, but there are many non-surgical approaches that improve joint function and reduce pain. Exploring these options early often prevents symptoms from […]
Costs of Hip & Knee Surgery: How Fees and Billing Work
The total cost of an operation is rarely a single fee; it’s made up of separate charges from different providers. As a public patient, medically necessary surgery is covered, though there may be a waiting period. As a private patient, you have more choice but there are costs involved. Your out-of-pocket cost, or “gap”, depends […]
A Painful Hip Replacement: Causes and Treatment Options
Hip replacement is generally highly successful, but in a minority of cases problems develop that cause ongoing pain, stiffness, limping, or instability. Possible causes include wear, loosening, infection, fractures, soft-tissue irritation, and muscle dysfunction, including gluteal tendon tears. Thorough investigation, such as X-rays, blood tests, and MRI, is essential before treatment, since operating without a […]
Radiofrequency Ablation (RF / RFA) for Hip and Knee Pain
Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a minimally invasive procedure that reduces joint pain by interrupting the nerves that carry pain signals to the brain. It treats pain signals rather than the underlying joint problem, which is why it’s used to manage pain rather than cure the condition. It may suit patients with hip or knee pain […]
Hip Resurfacing vs Replacement
Total hip replacement removes the femoral head and resurfaces the socket with artificial components. Hip resurfacing reshapes and caps the femoral head rather than removing it, preserving more natural bone. Resurfacing may suit selected younger, active patients with good bone quality, but is not recommended for everyone. Total hip replacement has over 20 years of […]
What Does A Worn-Out Hip Feel Like?
A hip is generally considered for replacement when the joint has deteriorated enough to cause persistent pain and limitation, and non-surgical treatments no longer give adequate relief. Deterioration is usually caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, or avascular necrosis. Common signs include pain walking, difficulty with stairs, disrupted sleep, stiffness, crunching sensations, and […]
Hip Labral Tear: Road to Recovery Without Surgery
A hip labral tear is damage to the ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket, often linked to femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or hip dysplasia. The majority of people with a hip labral tear can manage their symptoms without surgery. Conservative treatment can include pain-relieving medication, corticosteroid injections, physiotherapy, activity modification, and in some cases […]
Hip Replacement Waiting List In Australia
Hip replacement is generally classified as elective surgery: a planned procedure scheduled after specialist assessment, rather than an emergency. Since COVID-related surgery shutdowns, the public health sector has not fully recovered, with typical waits of around 2–3 years from GP referral. Public patients are placed on a waiting list and categorised by clinical urgency, with […]
How Much Does A Hip Replacement Cost Privately?
The total cost of a private hip replacement is made up of several separate fees: surgeon, anaesthetist, hospital, implant, and other clinicians. Your out-of-pocket cost, or “gap”, depends on your specific insurance policy, its tier and excess, the hospital, and the fees charged. You generally need Silver Plus or Gold hospital cover for joint replacement […]
Is A Hip Replacement Covered By Medicare?
As a public patient, medically necessary hip replacement is covered through the public system, though a waiting period applies (often 2–3 years). As a private patient, Medicare contributes towards medical fees via item numbers, but doesn’t cover everything, which is where private health insurance and out-of-pocket costs come in. Private cover for joint replacement generally […]