Hip replacement surgery

Total hip replacement is one of the most successful operations in medicine – it has changed millions of lives. It involves replacing the ball and socket of the hip with an artificial joint made from metal, plastic or ceramic. The aim of the surgery is to reduce pain and enable mobility – although, a replacement hip may not provide the same mobility as a natural one.

There are two parts to the implant: The socket, which is attached to the pelvis, and the femoral part, which is attached to the thigh bone. During surgery, the damaged or problem area of the hip is removed, and the new implant is attached.

Hip surgery has very good outcomes. 90% of patients with moderate pain experience mild or no pain for five years after hip surgery. Of course, no surgery is without risk, which can include dislocation of the hip, fractures, blood clots, infection at the injection site or in the deep tissue, damage to the nerves, a loosening of the implants or a change to leg length.

We do know that the risks associated with hip surgery can be increased if you are older, overweight, smoke or have health problems such as heart disease, diabetes or lung disease. Our team will be able to talk you through the potential complications of surgery and anaesthetic during your consultation.

Most hip replacement surgeries involve a total replacement of the ball and socket joint. We have a range of replacement implants available at the hip unit and your surgeon will choose the most appropriate one for your hip and lifestyle.

In addition, some surgeons now use innovative robotics to assist with planning and delivering hip replacements with enhanced accuracy.

Our theatres have been fitted with the industry-leading, Stryker Mako robots. Not every surgeon uses robot-assistance technology, and it isn’t suitable for all patients.

Minimally invasive hip surgery is a technique designed to reduce damage to muscles and promote a shorter recovery time. Your surgeon will discuss whether either of these surgical approaches is suitable for you during your consultation.

The surgery itself usually takes around two hours, during which you will be placed under general or spinal anaesthetic.

During surgery, the damaged ball and socket are removed, the area prepared, and the replacement joint fitted. Your surgeon will use a software programme to help identify the hip replacement system that best suits your hip and lifestyle. Once fitted, the surgeon will mobilise your leg to make sure the new joint enables your normal range of motion.

We have created a video of a total hip replacement surgery performed at our hospital, so that you can get a better feel for what’s involved.

If total hip replacement surgery is the right course of action, you will be invited to ‘attend’ our Joint School, which is an online seminar about hip surgery. It includes everything you need to know before your stay, including exercises you can do ahead of and after the operation to promote a speedy recovery.

You will need to let our team know about any medications you are taking. We also recommend that you try to keep to a healthy weight, give up smoking and make sure you’re up to date with your Covid-19 vaccinations. You will be provided with more detailed information about how to prepare for surgery as part of our patient care process.

You might be surprised to learn that you’ll be back on your feet as quickly as possible – in fact, many patients begin physiotherapy in as little as two hours after surgery. Our physiotherapists will show you how to move in a way that supports faster rehabilitation.

Most patients can go home the day of or the day after surgery – in fact, the Sulis Hospital Hip Unit is working towards ‘same day discharge’ for joint replacement. You will be given pain relief but may still find some tasks difficult during the recovery period. For this reason, it’s best that a family member or friend is at home with you for those first few days after surgery. Most patients feel ready to return to work and their normal activities after 6-12 weeks.

You may be covered by private medical insurance, or you may wish to consider spreading the cost of your surgery by opting for a monthly payment plan.

We aim to make our costs as transparent as possible, but it’s important to talk everything through in detail with your consultant at the time of your appointment. Some costs may be paid directly to the hospital, while others, such as your consultant fees, may be paid directly to the consultant.