Hip Replacement Surgery
Consultation £275
Follow-up consultation £160
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Surgery Cost £14,000 - £15,000
Depending on location and procedure, inclusive of follow-up consultation, surgery, follow up and physio/aftercare)
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The hip replacement that Mr Garrett uses has a 2.24% chance of being revised at 15 years.
Total hip replacement is a procedure that removes a damaged or diseased hip joint is replaced with an artificial one. This procedure can make a substantial improvement in the quality of life for a patient post-surgery, as pain decreases along with increased mobility and overall function.
Total hip replacement is an option for patients suffering from severe hip pain or disability, refractory to other interventions. The process itself involves resection of damaged parts of the hip joint and replacing them with a prosthetic implant.
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The hip implants come in a variety of different forms, such as metal-on-metal, ceramic-on-ceramic, and metal-on-plastic. Choice of the type of hip implant depends on several factors, which may include the age of the patient, activity level, and the extent of the hip condition. Most patients will feel great relief from pain and heightened mobility after total hip replacement.
Although some risks and complications are related to this surgery, these will be discussed before receiving any treatment.
FAQ
What are the risks of the operation?
All surgery carries an element of risk. Hip replacement surgery is a very successful pain-relieving and function-restoring operation. The main risks are Infection (1%), Dislocation, leg length discrepancy, and Blood clots (2%) .
What else happens after the operation?
The physiotherapists will help you mobilise with the help of crutches, often on the day of your operation. They will ensure that you can mobilise adequately and get up and down stairs before you are discharged. Therapy will also continue for several sessions as an outpatient. A dissolvable suture is used, however, the ends need to be trimmed at about 10 days post-op. Local anaesthetic is injected into the tissues around the hip at the end of surgery to give you good pain relief for the first 16-24 hours.
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How long will I be in hospital?
Most patients will be able to leave after 2 or 3 days.
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How soon will I recover?
Patients vary enormously. At six weeks most patients are considerably more comfortable and walking greater distances than prior to the operation. Many patients will have returned to work by this stage. Your recovery will continue until four to six months after your operation. All patients are brought back to be assessed in a clinic at six weeks. Younger patients will be kept under review for a number of years, but most patients over the age of sixty will be discharged with the expectation their hip is likely to last them for as long as they will need it.
What about work?
Most patients return to work about six weeks after their operation. Some more physically demanding jobs may require a week or two longer off work. Often patients return well before six weeks.
What about driving?
Most surgeons advise their patients not to drive for 4-6 weeks after hip replacement surgery. It is important that in an emergency you are able to stop the car safely.
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What about sports?
Most patients are able to return to a high level of activity following hip replacement surgery. Repetitive loading such as running may be possible but is more likely to wear your joint more rapidly. Activities that involve deep bending of your hip, such as certain yoga movements are best avoided. After three months riding, golf etc. should be fine.
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What about day-to-day activities?
Whilst on the ward your physiotherapist will teach you how to safely get in and out of bed, and give you advice on dressing, toileting etc. In particular, you will be told how to get in and out of bed, in and out of a car and in and out of a bath. Do not be frightened to resume normal sexual relations, being careful not to force your hip into an uncomfortable position. Initially, it may be safer to lie on your operated side or back. You will be shown how to get in and out of bed on the ward. It is advisable to sleep on your back, though you may sleep on your operated side with a pillow between your knees to prevent your leg from turning in. For the first six weeks, you can only have a walk-in shower or strip wash sitting on a high stool. You should not attempt to have a bath until after your first outpatient appointment. Should you then require any aids to enable you to get in and out of the bath contact Occupational Health.
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What about the garden?
Patients are often keen to get back to gardening. The most important point is to remember to take care picking things up off the ground and your physiotherapist will advise you on how to avoid putting your hip at risk. Even heavy digging should be possible in three months. Movements to avoid following surgery. You should avoid bending at the hip, twisting your waist and crossing your legs.