Hip replacement Surgery

A hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the damaged or worn portions of the hip are removed and replaced with a new, artificial implant made out of a metal alloy stem and ceramic head, and high-grade polymer. Hip replacements are proven, successful operations which improves quality of life for most patients

DO YOU NEED A HIP REPLACEMENT?

You may need a hip replacement if you have difficulties with day to day activities such as walking, climbing stairs or not being able to enjoy your leisure activities as much as you wish due to discomfort or an aching awareness of your hip and stiffness, such as difficulties getting in and out of a car.

A hip replacement is a quality of life procedure which should improve these symptoms significantly. Patients recover well and notice improvement in symptoms and function very quickly after the procedure.

IS HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY PAINFUL?

You will experience discomfort after a hip replacement but it is usually well controlled by simple painkillers. You will notice a different type of pain compared to the arthritic pain before surgery. These symptoms will improve day by day. The recovery after surgery may take weeks, and it may be 3 to 4 months before you are happy with the procedure. Much depends on your mobility, strength, confidence and fitness before surgery.

POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS

Although hip replacements are successful operations in the majority of patients, there are risks associated with the procedure you must be aware of and accept prior to surgery. These risks include infection, dislocation (risk of the hip ‘popping out’), leg length difference, clots (‘thrombosis’), stiffness, pain in spite of surgery, incomplete relief of pain after surgery, nerve and vessel damage, re-operation, fracture, medical, anaesthetic and mortality risks. However, you will be reassured we will take every precaution to minimise these risks, including but not limited to, giving you antibiotics before and after surgery, injections or tablets to reduce the risk of clots, surgical stockings and medical care and supervision before and after surgery. Your surgeon will discuss the above as well as reassure you of what is done to reduce risks for you during and after surgery.

THE ANAESTHETIC

You will typically have a regional anaesthetic (spinal anaesthetic), or occasionally for medical reasons a general anaesthetic, and sedation. We will of course, consider your wishes in relation to your preferred anaesthetic. The operation will take between 60 to 90 minutes.

THE PROCEDURE: ‘ROBOT ASSISTED HIP REPLACEMENT’

A curved cut is made, to the side of your hip. Using robotic assisted technology, the hip is excised after taking points around the hip to ensure accurate alignment and size of your new hip. We then fit the implants and trial and test your new hip to make sure they fit and the joint works well and is stable. The advantage of robotic assisted hip replacement is the reassurance that you will have a precisely planned and implanted hip replacement. It would be fitted to your anatomy, size and alignment, which in turn enhances the likelihood of equal leg lengths, a stable hip and a hip that lasts as long as it possibly could last without needing another operation.  

Once the new parts are fitted and working the wound will be closed using stitches or staples and covered with a large water-proof dressing, which is kept on for 10 to 14 days after surgery

RECOVERY FOLLOWING HIP REPLACEMENT

You will typically be in hospital between 2 to 3 days after surgery. You will need crutches or a walking aid for several weeks after surgery, depending on your confidence and strength.

Recovery is a balance between rest, taking appropriate precautions in the first few weeks after surgery (to reduce the risk of hip dislocation) and staying active with increasing walks and exercise. A trained physiotherapist and your Surgeon will guide you through your recovery. In general, listen to your hip. If you do too much, your hip will ache. If that happens, you must rest and take simple painkillers, allowing the inflammation and swelling to settle.

LEADING-EDGE TECHNOLOGY at MANCHESTER HIP AND HIP

Although hip replacements are generally successful in relieving pain and improving function, patient expectations, higher functional requirements and increasingly younger patients wish a ‘forgotten’/ functionally perfect hip which last their whole lifetimes, whilst enabling them to continue to enjoy an active lifestyle.

Robotic-assisted technology has come about as it is appreciated that the precision and accuracy of hip implant placement can be the difference between a ‘good’ and a ‘forgotten’/excellent hip. In robotic assisted hip replacement surgery, your Surgeon could very precisely (to fractions of a millimetre) implant a hip that is tailored to your anatomy, your hip size and alignment. The outcomes following robotic assisted partial hip replacement are promising, with patients happy that the technical approach to surgery is extremely accurate, so that they are left with just having to concentrate on the rehabilitation required after hip replacement.

TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL OUTCOME

Hip replacements are generally successful operations. However, as it is a technical procedure, it is advisable that your surgery is performed by a Surgeon who has the experience and surgical volume needed to reassure patients of an excellent outcome. Robotic assisted hip replacement may not be indicated for all patients but has the potential to reassure patients in relation to the precision and accuracy of prosthesis implantation.

After surgery, it is important to be patient, to follow surgeon and physiotherapy advice/instructions, to expect that recovery is a process ("good/bad days"), that it may take 4 to 6 months to see significant improvement to your symptoms and function. It is important you understand that compliance with physiotherapy and exercises after hip replacement correlates strongly with an excellent outcome. It is also crucial you understand what may or may not be achievable, that is, your expectations must match what the surgeon and physio believe can be achieved in terms of pain relief and improvement in function from having surgery, taking into account what you were like before surgery.

In short, be patient and rehab well to ensure a good outcome. Mr Kim and his team will ensure that you are seen by trained/specialist physiotherapist and you are fully aware of what is required before and after surgery in terms of patient education, exercises and a fitness and strengthening program of exercises tailored to your needs.

AFTER CARE FOLLOWING SURGERY

The advantages of having your surgery performed privately is that the whole of your care is provided by an experienced Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon assisted by his team. Your Surgeon will see you daily after your hip replacement, you will have your own room in highly reputable hospitals (BMI the Alexandra or Spire Manchester Hospitals), physiotherapy treatment, medical care will be readily available including High Dependency or Intensive Care facilities if required.

Furthermore, you will have ready access to your Surgeon and his team after discharge from hospital (via a phone call, e mail or outpatient visit, as required).

PRICING (GUIDE PRICE- PLEASE CALL FOR FURTHER DETAILS)

TERMS & CONDITIONS

This is a guide price for your consultation and treatment package. Your consultant will be able to discuss treatment options (e.g. conventional v robotic assisted surgery, and whether ITU care required) and costs with you (subject to your pre-assessment tests) so you are able to make an informed decision that's right for you. The fixed cost will be confirmed in writing at time of booking your treatment. Prices can be subject to change.

WAYS TO PAY

There are three ways to pay for your treatment via BMI Alexandra or Spire Hospital.

PAY FOR YOURSELF: Pay for yourself with our fixed price packages. This includes your pre-assessment, treatment, follow-ups and 6 months aftercare

SPREAD THE COST: Pay for yourself with the finance and spread the cost over 12 months, interest-free (terms and conditions apply)

PRIVATE MEDICAL INSURANCE: The cost of your treatment may be covered by private medical insurance (check with your insurer first)

Want to find out more? Speak to one of our team today

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