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Expert opinion

Mako robot-assisted total hip replacement

Modern hip replacement surgery was pioneered by Sir John Charnley in the UK in the early 1960s. The procedure and implant used were developed and refined over the next 30…

Sarah reaches Everest Base Camp after hip surgery

Total hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful, cost-effective and safest operations in the world today. However, despite its overall success rate, hip replacement surgery is a major…

One of the most successful operations of the 20th century

With around 80,000 carried out each year, hip replacements are one of the most common elective surgical procedures in Britain. We speak to 41-year-old Rhys Gwilliam who managed 16 years…

Specialist Hip Unit

Matthew Burwell, the surgeon in charge of Circle Bath’s Hip Unit, has just finished his fifth hip replacement of the week. He explains that he and his fellow hip surgeons…

A patient’s perspective

Hip problems can arise at any time in life. Choosing to have surgery can be a life changing experience, however understanding the procedure and rehabilitation helps for a speedier recovery.

State-of-the-Art Hip Surgery

Hip replacement surgery has come a long way over the years

It’s now less invasive which shortens recovery time and implants are made of advanced materials that work better and last longer.

Matthew Burwell offers robotic-assisted surgery developed in the USA by Mako Surgical in 2006. Stryker, one of the largest Orthopaedic implant companies in the world, saw the potential of this technology and purchased Mako in 2013.

Robot-assisted hip replacement

Mako requires a pre-operative CT scan allow patient-specific 3-D digital planning which is far more accurate than 2-D planning.

During the operation, the Mako computer and robotic arm allow the surgeon the place the implants with much greater precision and to reduce any variability. There are already numerous papers in the Orthopaedic literature relating to Mako hip replacements confirming improved implant positioning and leg length equalisation resulting in enhanced recovery.

Advances in medical technology have made hip replacement surgery one of the simplest and most effective orthopaedic surgical procedures available. With very little pain and short recovery period the procedure is life-changing for many patients.

Today, less invasive techniques, including the procedure known as a direct anterior total hip replacement, allow surgeons to replace the joint through one small incision made at the front of the thigh.

This approach provides a significantly shorter and faster recovery period. With this approach, the large gluteal muscles remain intact, which reduces the chances of dislocation. This advancement also allows patients to resume their normal activities much more quickly.

Meet the team

Matthew is one of only a few orthopaedic surgeons in the UK specialising exclusively in treating hip conditions. Replacements are a large part of his practice. Many patients are referred to him from other orthopaedic specialists.

Matthew Burwell
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon

Dave Hepburn
Specialist Senior Physiotherapist

Dr Graham Robinson
Consultant Radiologist

Hannah Nestor
Specialist Theatre Nurse

Laura Davies
Medical Secretary