A North-East hospital wants to become a test centre for revolutionary hip surgery.

Earlier this week, it was announced that an elderly women from Hertfordshire had made European medical history by leaving hospital only 27 hours after having a hip replaced.

Now, orthopaedic surgeons at the James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough, want to investigate the technique.

Surgeons at Chase Farm Hospital in London used advanced microsurgery techniques which allows patients to go home the day after an operation.

Experts believe the surgery could save the NHS millions of pounds by reducing hospital stays. Currently, the average stay for a patient who has a conventional hip replacement is 11 days.

John Anderson, head of orthopaedic surgery at the James Cook hospital, said: "One of our surgeons is very interested in becoming part of the evaluation team. He has been to an introductory meeting and is keen on following this up."

Mr Anderson stressed that such an innovatory technique would take years to become established.

"This new approach has not been evaluated at all. If something new comes along it has to scientifically tested by a group of experienced and specially trained surgeons," he said.

Mr Anderson, who has 28 years experience as a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, said the new approach would involve considerable investment.

He predicted that if the new approach is adopted it could take between five and ten years to become established.

Surgeons at James Cook hospital carry out about 500 joint replacements every year.