Hip replacement surgery is a highly successful medical procedure that is very safe and effective. It is performed on thousands of patients every year and can help to relieve pain, restore joint function and significantly improve your overall quality of life. We understand that undergoing a surgical procedure can feel overwhelming, which is why we have multi-disciplinary teams on hand to support you every step of the way. We are dedicated to providing you with a safe and comfortable environment at every stage of your experience.

 Choosing your hospital

Deciding where to have your hip replacement surgery is one of the most important decisions you will make, and you should take some time to research your options carefully. Ask your doctor for some recommendations and find out any relevant information such as how many similar surgeries have been performed previously. Once you are happy with your decision, you can book a consultation appointment with your chosen specialist.

Specialist consultation

At this appointment your specialist will conduct a thorough examination and discuss the different types of hip replacement surgery available to you. You can use your consultation to ask any questions you may have about your condition, including how the surgery will be performed and what you can expect to happen. Once your doctor has advised on a course of treatment, you can begin to prepare for your hospital admission and surgery. 

 Preparation and admission

Your doctor will talk to you about what you need to do to prepare for hip replacement surgery. This may involve taking prescribed medications in advance of your procedure, completing regular strength exercises and preparing your house for your return. As you will not be able to drive for 4 weeks after surgery, it is helpful to think about making personal arrangements in advance that will help your recovery when you return home from hospital. A well-planned departure is the best way to ensure a faster recovery with a quicker return to independent living. When you arrive at hospital, our team will make sure you are comfortable, and your specialist will visit you to answer any final questions.

 The surgery

On the day of your operation, it is important to follow your surgeon’s fasting advice to prevent any delays to your surgery. Once at hospital, your anaesthetist will talk to you about the type of anaesthetic to be used and the procedure involved. The operation itself normally takes around 2-3 hours depending on the extent of the surgery. Once it is complete, you will transfer to the recovery ward.

 Your recovery

Soon after surgery you will be encouraged to start moving your hips and walking around with help from our nursing team. Physiotherapists will be on hand to teach you exercises that will aid the recovery process. Most patients spend 3-4 days in hospital before heading either back home, or onwards to rehabilitation.

 Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is a vital part of your recovery. It will help you quickly regain confidence and independence as well as avoid injury. The first stage is about comfortably taking those first steps with your new hip, learning what to avoid and how best to aid your recovery. The second stage focuses on building your strength back up. You will be prescribed a specific set of exercises as part of your rehabilitation programme which are designed to strengthen your muscles, improve your balance and increase your range of motion. The final stage of recovery is about restoring full function which includes more strenuous tasks and activities. Our rehabilitation team includes physicians, physiotherapists and occupational therapists that will guide you each step of the way as you regain your strength. 

Ask about any inpatient or outpatient, individual and group rehabilitation sessions that you can access through your hospital.