Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement surgery transforms lives by relieving pain, and restoring mobility. This video explains what hip replacement involves - why it may be needed, and what to expect throughout your treatment journey. Hip replacement is usually recommended when the hip joint has been damaged by arthritis or degenerative conditions. Common symptoms include persistent pain at rest or at night; stiffness that limits movement; difficulty with everyday activities, and a limp. Surgery involves replacing the damaged ball and socket with a prosthesis. This can be cemented into the bone or may sit on the bone surface, depending on your age, bone quality, and activity level. I use minimally invasive techniques whenever possible. This approach involves less muscle cutting and more muscle splitting - compared to traditional methods. Benefits include less blood loss; faster recovery; and smaller scars. Before surgery, you will attend a pre-assessment appointment for medical review and relevant tests. Investigations including blood tests; x-rays; urine analysis; Skin swabs for MRSA, which is an antibiotic resistant bacteria; and an echocardiogram, as appropriate. Occupational therapist advice will be provided, and assessment if necessary, regarding your home environment and specialist equipment required. This might include raised toilet seats, long-handled aids, and bath seat equipment. Please check with your insurance company to confirm coverage. If you smoke - reducing or stopping before surgery significantly reduces your risk of chest infection. Also, the more you strengthen your muscles before surgery, the better your outcome will be. If you use a machine at home to assist your breathing, make sure to bring this with you. You will be given specific fasting instructions to follow before your admission - and advice on any medications to omit. Also do not shave the incision area - as this will be done at surgery - to reduce the risk of infection. The operation typically takes between one and two hours. You will receive either spinal or general anaesthesia, and be given prophylactic antibiotics. You will also receive blood clotting medication to reduce the risk of blood loss. During surgery an anaesthetic cocktail is infiltrated from the bone to your skin to reduce your post-operative pain - aiding faster mobilization. Further pain relief is provided orally and intravenously, and your wound will be closed with a dissolvable stitch. After surgery, you will be given antithrombotic stockings; medication and /or a calf pump to reduce blood clots; and a cold pack around the hip to minimise swelling. If used, the catheter will be removed once you are mobilising satisfactorily. Pain relief will also be provided regularly throughout. Physiotherapy begins on day one. You start with a Zimmer frame, progressing to crutches, and walking sticks as strength improves. Most patients are discharged home around day two, once they can manage stairs and mobility aids confidently. At home - avoid crossing your legs; twisting or pivoting on the operated leg; or bending your hip more than ninety degrees, for three months after surgery. These precautions help prevent dislocation while your hip heals. Sexual activity can resume approximately two weeks after surgery, though dislocation risk exists at extreme ranges. Driving usually resumes between six and ten weeks. You must be pain-free and able to perform an emergency stop. At discharge you will be provided with relevant painkillers and blood thinning medication. Your wound will be reviewed at two weeks by your GP or hospital nurse. Please do not disturb your wound dressing in the interim. Your first check-up with me will be at six weeks, with reviews at three months, and further if required. For additional information about hip replacement surgery and recovery, the NHS website provides comprehensive patient resources. To discuss your specific circumstances, please contact my secretary to make an appointment.