Knee Cartilage
Demo Author One
Cartilage repair options for lasting joint health
A practical overview of cartilage repair, injection therapy, rehabilitation planning, and the clinical evidence that guides joint preservation care.
Condition · Hip
Hip Arthritis
Pain, stiffness and a progressively shorter walking distance from cartilage wear in the hip joint. Assessed and treated at London Cartilage Clinic by Professor Paul Lee, with biological and joint-preserving options first and hip replacement when it is the right next step.
Reviewed byProf Paul Lee MBBch, FRCS (Tr & Orth), PhDLast reviewed 1 May 2026
What hip arthritis
actually does to the joint
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint covered by a smooth layer of cartilage that allows the femoral head and acetabulum to glide against each other almost frictionlessly. Arthritis is the progressive wear of that cartilage.
- Groin or buttock pain on weight bearing, often worst first thing in the morning or after sitting still.
- Progressive stiffness, particularly noticed when putting on socks and shoes, or twisting in bed.
- Shorter walking tolerance over months and years, often unnoticed until you compare what you used to do.
- Night pain as arthritis advances, sometimes waking you or affecting your sleep position.
Many patients live with hip arthritis for years before seeking specialist advice. The earlier we see you, the more options remain on the table.
Biological and
joint-preserving options first
Hip replacement is a well-proven operation, but it is a major operation with a finite implant lifespan. For many patients with hip arthritis, biological treatments and the right physiotherapy can reduce pain, restore function and delay or replace the need for surgery.
- ChondroFiller — a collagen scaffold injection that supports cartilage repair.
- Stem-cell hip therapy for the right patient and the right stage.
- mFat regenerative injections and PRP for pain and inflammation control.
- Tailored physiotherapy to offload the joint, build supporting muscle and protect what is left.
When hip arthritis is advanced and biological options are no longer enough, hip replacement led by Professor Paul Lee at the 5-star Weymouth Street Hospital is the right next step.
Not sure which option fits your hip?
Take the readiness self-assessment, or book a consultation with Professor Paul Lee to walk through the full range of options for your hip arthritis.
You may have more options than you think
Most patients have more treatment options than they have been told
At London Cartilage Clinic we follow a structured clinical framework across four areas of treatment. Before recommending a single procedure, we assess which combination of approaches gives you the best outcome.
Preserve
Protect what you have. Slow degeneration and manage symptoms.
Repair
Fix specific damage. Torn tissue, unstable joints, structural problems.
Regenerate
Rebuild lost tissue. Biological treatments that stimulate new growth.
Replace
When other options are exhausted. Joint replacement as a last resort.
Explore the full range of treatments available for your joint. Each hub page shows every option we offer, organised by clinical approach.
Related pages
Explore more about hip replacement at London Cartilage Clinic
Hip replacement
Hip replacement at London Cartilage Clinic
Led by Professor Paul Lee at the 5-star Weymouth Street Hospital. Muscle-sparing technique, patient-specific planning, and a published 0% safety record.
Read moreSelf-assessment
Am I ready for hip replacement?
Nine questions, around three minutes. A shared decision-making tool to frame a conversation with Professor Lee.
Read moreIn London
Private hip replacement in London
Harley Street consultations with surgery a short walk away at the 5-star Weymouth Street Hospital.
Read moreEvidence & outcomes
Hip replacement evidence and outcomes
The 0% safety record, SPAIRE technique citation and long-term implant survival data, reported plainly.
Read moreRecovery
Hip replacement recovery week by week
What to expect from the overnight stay through to long-term strength gains in the first year.
Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
What is hip arthritis?
Hip arthritis is degeneration of the cartilage surfaces in the hip joint. The most common type is osteoarthritis, but post-traumatic, inflammatory and dysplastic patterns are also seen. As cartilage thins, the underlying bone is exposed, causing pain on movement, stiffness and a progressively shorter walking tolerance.
What are the early signs of hip arthritis?
Hip arthritis often starts as groin or buttock pain, especially first thing in the morning or after sitting for a long time. Patients often report difficulty putting on socks and shoes, a shorter walking distance, and pain on the affected side when turning in bed.
Can hip arthritis be reversed?
Damaged cartilage does not regrow on its own, but the trajectory can be changed for many patients. Biological treatments such as ChondroFiller, stem-cell hip therapy, mFat and PRP can reduce pain and improve function. Tailored physiotherapy can offload the joint and protect what is left. None of these reverse advanced arthritis, but together they can delay or replace the need for hip replacement.
Do I always need a hip replacement for hip arthritis?
No. Hip replacement is the right answer when arthritis is advanced and biological options are no longer sufficient to support the life you want to live. For many patients, especially earlier in the disease, biological and joint-preserving treatments are a better first step. London Cartilage Clinic assesses every patient for these options before recommending replacement.
Will Professor Paul Lee see me about my hip arthritis?
Yes. Professor Lee leads hip arthritis assessment and treatment at London Cartilage Clinic, including the full range of biological treatments as well as hip replacement when that becomes the right step.
What imaging do I need for hip arthritis?
An X-ray is the usual first step and is often enough to confirm the diagnosis and stage the arthritis. MRI may be requested if there is also suspected labral or soft-tissue damage, or if the picture on X-ray does not match the symptoms. You can bring any recent imaging to your consultation, and we can arrange imaging if you do not have any.
Still have more specific concerns?
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