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Other Hip Treatments
Röttinger® Hip Replacement in London with Dr Arj Imbuldeniya
Röttinger® Hip Replacement: Advanced Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery
The Röttinger® approach is a minimally invasive hip replacement technique designed to preserve muscle and support faster recovery after surgery. Developed in Munich, Germany, the procedure allows the hip joint to be accessed through natural anatomical planes rather than by cutting through major muscle groups.
At The West London Knee and Hip Clinic, this advanced technique is offered to carefully selected patients seeking a modern approach to hip replacement surgery. Following a detailed consultation, Dr Arj Imbuldeniya will determine whether the Röttinger® approach is appropriate based on your anatomy, symptoms, lifestyle and long-term goals.
Watch Dr Arjuna Imbuldeniya explain hip arthritis, when a hip replacement is needed, and the benefits of the Röttinger® minimally invasive technique.
Your Surgeon – Dr Arj Imbuldeniya
Dr Arj Imbuldeniya is a Consultant Orthopaedic Knee and Hip Surgeon with more than 25 years of experience in orthopaedics and over 10 years as a consultant. He learned the Röttinger® approach at OCM Munich, the centre where the technique was developed, through clinical visits with Professor Robert Hube and Dr Michael Sostheim. He has also completed dedicated Röttinger® cadaver training and gained further operative experience alongside Mr Kristian Kley.
Dr Arj Imbuldeniya subsequently introduced the technique into NHS practice under formal governance from his Trust’s New Interventional Procedures Board, supported by written protocols, standard operating procedures and audited outcomes. In his series of Röttinger® hip replacements, around 95% of patients return home within 24 hours of surgery and recover without traditional hip precautions such as restrictions on bending, sleeping position or crossing the legs.
This approach reflects his wider Ortholongevity™ philosophy: matching the right treatment to the right patient at the right time to support long-term joint health and mobility.
The Röttinger® Approach: Finally available to patients in London
The Röttinger® approach is an innovative muscle-sparing surgical technique pioneered by Dr Heinz Röttinger in Munich, Germany.
It allows the surgeon to access the hip joint through a small incision without cutting any muscles — working between natural anatomical planes instead between the tensor fascia lata and gluteus medius muscles.
This technique is particularly well-suited to both active patients and those with a raised BMI and offers significant advantages:
- Less post operative pain
- Shorter operative times
- Lower risk of dislocation
- Minimal scarring
- Faster mobilisation and discharge
At The West London Knee and Hip Clinic, Dr Arj Imbuldeniya was among the first orthopaedic surgeons in the UK to train on and offer this approach, having visited the OCM centre of excellence in Munich.
He first learned the technique in 2022 bringing this European innovation to his patients in London. The technique has since been recognised for its effectiveness — and was even featured in the Daily Mail for its role in accelerating recovery times and reducing post-operative pain.
The Benefits of the Röttinger® Hip Replacement Technique
Röttinger Hip Approach
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Faster discharge – In Dr Arj Imbuldeniya's audited series, around 95% of patients return home within 24 hours of their operation, and many leave the same day
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Muscle-sparing approach with less soft tissue trauma
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Lower risk of dislocation due to preserved stabilising structures
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Reduced post-operative pain and need for medication
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Earlier mobilisation and a quicker return to daily activities through Dr Arj Imbuldeniya's rapid recovery pathway
Our goal is to support early movement and reduce complications associated with traditional surgery, helping you recover safely, regain confidence in your hip, and return to normal life as quickly as possible.
Rapid Recovery and Outstanding Outcomes
Dr Imbuldeniya's enhanced recovery protocol supports you through every stage of your recovery:
- Walking with a physiotherapist on the day of surgery, including practising stairs where appropriate.
- Many patients return to driving and everyday activities within 2–4 weeks, depending on individual recovery and medical guidance.
- Light exercise is often possible by 4–6 weeks.
- Most patients experience substantial recovery within 8–12 weeks, although recovery timelines vary between individuals.
In Dr Arj Imbuldeniya's audited series, around 95% of patients return home within 24 hours of surgery. Patients also benefit from a recovery pathway that avoids many of the traditional restrictions associated with hip replacement, helping them return to normal movement more quickly and confidently.
Understanding the Röttinger® Approach
Clear, expert guidance to help you feel confident about your surgery.
If you're considering a Röttinger® hip replacement, it's natural to have questions about how the technique works, who it’s suitable for and what recovery looks like. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions to help you feel informed and prepared.
The Röttinger® approach is a muscle-sparing technique that accesses the hip joint by working between natural anatomical planes, rather than cutting through muscle. This helps preserve strength and stability around the hip, contributing to less pain after surgery and a faster early recovery. It differs from traditional approaches by minimising disruption to key structures while still allowing precise placement of the implant.
Suitability depends on your individual anatomy, overall health and lifestyle goals. The Röttinger® approach can be particularly beneficial for active patients and those seeking a faster return to movement, but it is not the right option for everyone. Your consultant will carry out a thorough assessment and recommend the most appropriate surgical approach for you, ensuring the best possible outcome.
Recovery following the Rottinger approach is typically quicker than with more traditional techniques. Most patients are able to stand and walk on the same day, with a return to daily activities within a few weeks. Because muscles are preserved, there are usually fewer movement restrictions, allowing you to regain confidence in your hip sooner while following a structured rehabilitation plan.
Potential Risks and Considerations
Hip replacement surgery is generally safe and highly effective when performed by an experienced specialist. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks that your consultant will discuss with you in detail:
- Temporary pain, swelling or bruising around the incision site
- Risk of infection, which is minimised through strict surgical protocols
- Blood clots (deep vein thrombosis), with preventative measures taken before and after surgery
- Rare risk of dislocation, although this is reduced with muscle-sparing techniques such as the Röttinger® approach
- Leg length discrepancy or implant-related issues, which are carefully planned to avoid
The Röttinger® approach is specifically designed to reduce some of the risks associated with traditional hip replacement, particularly by preserving muscle and supporting early stability.
Your care team will guide you through every stage of treatment, ensuring you understand both the benefits and potential risks so you can make a fully informed decision.
What to Expect: The Minimally Invasive Procedure
Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery is typically performed under spinal anaesthetic with light sedation. Dr Arj Imbuldeniya makes a small incision, uses specialised instruments to preserve muscle and tendon integrity, and implants a carefully selected prosthetic joint.
Key features of the procedure:
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Use of high-performance implants (ceramic, titanium, or polyethylene) from leading global manufacturers. -
No post operative hip precautions so you can move the hip comfortably in any direction you choose and sleep in any position and bend forwards. -
Shorter surgery and lower blood loss compared to traditional methods -
Faster recovery
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Less early post operative pain
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No hospital stay beyond 24–48 hours in 95% of cases
Why Choose The West London Knee and Hip Clinic?
At The West London Knee and Hip Clinic, we deliver care built on innovation, compassion and clinical excellence. Led by Dr Arj Imbuldeniya, our clinic uses advanced therapies within our holistic Ortholongevity™ approach to help patients regain mobility and improve their quality of life. With access to the latest technologies and a dedicated, compassionate team, we focus on finding the right treatment for every individual.
Real Experiences of Hip Replacement Recovery
Choosing hip replacement surgery is a significant decision. Read how patients treated with advanced techniques, including the Röttinger® approach, have experienced reduced pain, faster recovery and a confident return to daily life.
Hip replacement recovery
After a hip replacement operation I was back in the gym 6 weeks later and am now training for an across Britain bike ride.
Niall
Hip replacement success
I was delighted to have had Dr Arj Imbuldeniya do my hip replacement. I was recommended to use him by my husband who had, had a hip replacement a couple of years ago.
Patient
Book Your Consultation
If hip pain is affecting your mobility or quality of life, a specialist consultation is the first step towards finding the right solution.
Meet with Dr Arj Imbuldeniya at The West London Knee & Hip Clinic to discuss whether a Röttinger® hip replacement is suitable for you. You’ll receive a thorough assessment, clear guidance and a personalised treatment plan tailored to your goals, lifestyle and long-term joint health.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many patients considering hip replacement surgery want to understand what to expect before proceeding. Here are some of the most common questions we’re asked about the Röttinger® approach:
The Röttinger® approach, developed by Heinz Röttinger in Munich, is a muscle-sparing hip replacement technique that accesses the joint by working between natural muscle planes rather than cutting through muscle. This approach aims to minimise soft-tissue disruption, which may help reduce pain after surgery and support a faster recovery.
Most patients are able to stand and walk on the same day as surgery, with a return to many daily activities within 2–4 weeks. Full recovery typically progresses over 8–12 weeks, depending on your overall health and rehabilitation.
In most cases, there are fewer movement restrictions compared to traditional hip replacement techniques. Because muscles are preserved, patients can often move the hip more freely, though your surgeon will guide you on safe activity during recovery.
Not all patients are suitable for this technique. Your consultant will assess your anatomy, medical history and lifestyle goals before recommending the most appropriate surgical approach to achieve the best outcome.
Independent Reviews
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We’re proud of the feedback we receive. Read verified reviews from patients on Doctify, reflecting their experience of our care, communication and surgical outcomes at The West London Knee & Hip Clinic.