Wrightington Hospital's status as a Centre of Excellence in the treatment of musculo-skeletal disease has its origins in the seminal work of Professor Sir John Charnley , who pioneered hip replacement surgery involving the techniques of low-friction arthroplasty and also innovative advances to counter post-operative infection.The first ever hip-replacement operations were performed at Wrightington in the early 1960s.

Wrightington's reputation for excellence attracts highly talented Consultants who specialise in joint surgery, and in the medical disciplines of rheumatology and rehabilitation. This multi-disciplinary approach produces important synergies.