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Other Hip Treatments
Rottinger Hip Replacement in London
What Are Posterior Minimally Invasive Approaches?
The posterior minimally invasive approach is a refined surgical technique that allows for a total hip replacement to be performed using smaller incision and with minimal soft tissue trauma. Unlike traditional hip surgeries that involve cutting through bigger hip muscles and tendons, these approaches work around or between key structures, preserving muscle function and reducing postoperative pain, any smaller tendons that are released are securely repaired prior to wound closure.
Our clinic offers both:
Modern mini posterior approaches: Muscle-preserving adaptations of the traditional technique
Rottinger anterior based rapid recovery approach: A minimally invasive, anterolateral method developed in Munich in 2004, which avoids cutting through any muscles at the front of the hip.
These procedures are carefully chosen and adapted based on your individual anatomy, goals, and lifestyle needs.
The Rottinger Approach: Finally available to patients in London
The Rottinger approach is an innovative muscle-sparing surgical technique pioneered by Dr Michel Rottinger 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 Arjuna 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.
Rottinger Hip Approach
The Benefits of the Rottinger Hip Replacement Technique
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Faster recovery with earlier mobilisation and discharge
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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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Quicker return to daily activities and active lifestyles
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
Our enhanced recovery protocol supports you every step of the way:
- Same-day walking with a physiotherapist, including up and down stairs
- Return to driving and daily activities within 2–4 weeks
- Light exercise usually by 4–6 weeks
- Full recovery often achieved by 8-12 weeks
Patients benefit from reduced use of pain medications, fewer complications and a much quicker return to active lifestyles — whether that’s jogging, football, HIT classes, cycling, or more relaxing pursuits such as golf and long walks.
Understanding the Rottinger Approach
Clear, expert guidance to help you feel confident about your surgery.
If you're considering a Rottinger 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 Rottinger 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 Rottinger 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 Rottinger approach
- Leg length discrepancy or implant-related issues, which are carefully planned to avoid
The Rottinger 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 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 Mr Arjuna 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 Rottinger 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 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 Imbuldeniya at The West London Knee & Hip Clinic to discuss whether a Rottinger 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 Rottinger approach:
The Rottinger approach is a muscle-sparing surgical technique that allows access to the hip joint by working between natural anatomical planes rather than cutting through muscle. This can help reduce pain after surgery and support a faster, more stable 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
Rated by Our Patients
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.