Frequently Asked Questions: Private Hip & Knee Surgery in South Yorkshire

Welcome to the Arthritis Specialists FAQ guide. Led by Mr Samir Ali Salih, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon. Our private practice provides rapid-access, patient-centred joint care for individuals across Sheffield, Barnsley, Rotherham, Doncaster, and the wider South Yorkshire region.

Living with chronic hip or knee pain can severely impact your quality of life. Whether you are investigating the cost of a private hip replacement, exploring the advanced benefits of MAKO robotic-assisted knee surgery, or looking for ways to bypass long local NHS waiting lists, we want to ensure you have all the facts.

Please Note: The information below is designed to answer our most frequently asked questions. However, because every patient is unique, these answers should complement, and not replace, a personalised, face-to-face consultation.

The Surgeon & Clinic

Who will manage my care at Arthritis Specialists?

One of the primary advantages of choosing private care with us is complete continuity. From your very first consultation through to your surgery and all post-operative follow-up reviews, your care will be with Mr Samir Ali Salih, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon.

What are Mr Salih’s qualifications and specialisations?

Mr Samir Ali Salih graduated with honours from the University of Oxford in 2012 and completed his higher surgical training on the South Yorkshire Trauma and Orthopaedics Rotation. He holds an NHS consultant post at Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the Mexborough Elective Orthopaedic Centre (MEOC). He specialises exclusively in the management of hip and knee arthritis and has undertaken advanced fellowship training in complex joint replacement surgery and robotic-assisted joint replacements.

Where are your clinics and surgical facilities located?

We see patients and perform procedures at two locations serving South Yorkshire, West Yorkshire, and further afield:

• • Spire Methley Park Hospital (South Leeds): For clinic appointments, advanced imaging, joint injections, and inpatient/day-case surgery.
  • Livingcare, Canon Medical Arena (Sheffield): For clinic appointments, advanced imaging, and joint injections.

I live in Barnsley, Rotherham, or Doncaster. Is your clinic accessible to me?

Yes, absolutely. We intentionally split our practices across Spire Methley Park Hospital (South Leeds) and Livingcare at the Canon Medical Arena (Sheffield) to provide seamless access for patients across South and West Yorkshire. Whether you are driving down from Barnsley or across from Rotherham and Doncaster, both facilities offer rapid access, state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging (MRI/X-ray), and free on-site parking.

Cost & Insurance & NHS transfer

How much does a private hip or knee replacement cost?

The exact cost depends on your unique anatomy and the specific surgical approach required. Typically, private self-pay prices start from £12,500 for a total hip replacement and £13,000 for a knee replacement. Mr Salih will discuss your options transparently and provide a fixed-price, all-inclusive quotation following your initial consultation.

Can I use my private medical insurance at your clinic?

Yes. Mr Samir Ali Salih is fully recognised by all leading health insurance companies. If you are using private medical insurance, we recommend contacting your provider prior to your first appointment to secure a pre-authorisation number for your consultation.

What are the benefits of choosing private arthritis care over waiting for the NHS?

Patients value private care with Arthritis Specialists because it bypasses long NHS waiting lists, meaning you spend less time living in debilitating pain. It also guarantees you see the same consultant surgeon at every stage, allows for longer and unhurried consultation times, and gives you direct access to the latest advancements in medical technology, such as robotic-assisted surgery.

How long is the wait for a private hip or knee replacement compared to local NHS waiting times?

NHS waiting lists for orthopaedic surgery in South Yorkshire can stretch from several months to over a year. At Arthritis Specialists, we can generally see you for an initial consultation within days, and if surgery is required, it can typically be scheduled at a partner hospital within 2 to 4 weeks, allowing you to get back to a pain-free life much faster.

Can I switch to private care with Mr Salih if I am already on an NHS waiting list?

Yes. Many patients choose to transfer their care privately to bypass long delays. Choosing private care with us does not impact your standing or right to receive other care on the NHS in the future.

Do I need a referral from my local South Yorkshire GP to book an appointment?

No, you do not. If you are a self-paying patient, you can self-refer and book a direct consultation with Mr Samir Ali Salih without a GP letter. If you are using private medical insurance (such as Bupa, AXA, or Aviva), your insurer will advise you if you need a referral letter.

Treatments & Procedures

What is MAKO Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement, and how does it help me?

A robotic joint replacement is still entirely performed by Mr Salih, but he utilises the state-of-the-art Stryker MAKO robotic system as a highly sophisticated tool. The system allows Mr Salih to create a 3D virtual model of your unique joint anatomy before surgery, ensuring the implant is positioned with greater accuracy. A patient centered approach to a joint replacement typically results in a more natural-feeling joint.

What is the difference between a partial and a total knee replacement?

A partial knee replacement is an excellent option if your arthritis is isolated to only one part of the knee joint. It has the significant advantage of preserving the healthy half of your knee along with your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), leading to a quicker recovery and a more natural-feeling joint. A total knee replacement is recommended when arthritis is widespread throughout the entire joint as it can replace all articular parts of the knee.

Do you offer non-surgical treatments for hip and knee pain?

Absolutely. Surgery is always a last resort. We offer rapid-access, non-operative treatments to manage pain and delay the need for surgery. This includes image-guided hip and knee joint injections performed in a clean, minor operating suite, which can provide relief for up to a year or more, as well as innovative Arthrosamid injections for knee osteoarthritis. Mr Salih also works closely with physiotherapists and weight loss specialists so that care can be more coordinated and holistic than a purely surgical option.

Am I too young for a joint replacement?

Answer: Traditionally, joint replacements were reserved for older patients because early implants wore out after 10–15 years. However, modern materials and techniques have radically changed this. Mr Salih utilizes advanced, highly durable bearing surfaces and uncemented implants where appropriate to tailor surgery for younger, more active individuals, meaning age is no longer a barrier to living without pain.

Recovery & What to Expect

What does the recovery process look like after joint surgery?

Mr Salih has a specialist interest in enhanced recovery pathways and day-case joint replacement surgery. By utilising evidence-based surgical techniques and modern anaesthesia protocols, we focus on minimising post-operative pain, accelerating your rehabilitation, and safely returning you to independence as quickly as possible. Many patients are able to safely return home the very same day or after a short hospital stay.

Will I receive physiotherapy or rehabilitation support after my procedure?

Yes, We work alongside a dedicated Specialist Rehabilitation Team, including Senior physiotherapists and Sports Rehabilitators. They provide expert, tailored physical therapy to ensure you build strength safely and make a fast, confident recovery. This also means patients can generally have their rehabilitation closer to home.

How long before I can return to activities like walking, cycling, or golf?

The goal of treating arthritis is to get you back to enjoying the things you love. Whether that’s walking in the Peak District, cycling through the Yorkshire Dales, or playing a round of golf. While every patient heals at a slightly different rate, our focus on enhanced recovery means most patients begin safely mobilising almost immediately after surgery, with a steady return to low-impact recreational activities within several weeks. More specific guidance will be given in your consultation.