Hip replacement

Why might I need a hip replacement?

Over time, the surfaces on the hip joint can start to wear. This can be caused by osteoarthritis or a previous injury to the hip. Osteoarthritis is painful as joints become stiff and inflamed when the smooth lining between the joints gets damaged or wears away. Without the protection of this lining, the rough surfaces of your bones rub together as you move, causing the pain that is all too common to sufferers. Simple, everyday things like going for a walk or even getting dressed become difficult. There’s no cure for osteoarthritis and it can get worse with time. However, joints can be replaced successfully, improving mobility and reducing pain. 

What happens during hip replacement?

✓ A variety of anaesthetic techniques can be used. Prior to your operation the anaesthetist will discuss these options with you
✓ Your surgeon’s choice of prosthesis will be based on several factors such as your age, your level of activity and your current condition. If you have concerns be sure and ask your surgeon about his prosthesis choice and the reasons behind it
✓ Both cemented and uncemented replacements are used at Nuffield Health Hospitals
✓ Your surgical wound will be closed with stitches, staples or steri-strips.

After your hip replacement surgery

Once your hip operation is over, you’ll be taken to the recovery room where you will wake from the anaesthetic. Your wound, blood pressure and pulse will be checked carefully and you will have a large dressing covering your wound. You may have a small tube coming out of your wound, this is to drain away any excess fluid from the inside of the wound. You may also have a drip (infusion) going into your arm. This will keep you hydrated until you are able to drink, and it can also be used to give you pain relief. When you are stable and comfortable, a nurse will take you back to your room.

Back in your room

Once back in your room, our nursing team will continue to check on you to make sure you are recovering well. After you’ve recovered from the effects of the anaesthetic, you can start to do a number of things; you can have something to eat or drink, we may encourage you to move your legs if you are able and you may have some deep breathing exercises to do, to help prevent any chest problems after surgery. 

While you are in bed, you may have help with the circulation in your legs, in order to prevent blood clots (DVT). The first day or so you may wear boots on your legs that are inflated with air and you may also wear support stockings to help your circulation. Daily injections or tablets to help prevent blood clotting that may continue for up to 6 weeks may also be advised.

The day after surgery you will have an X-ray of your new hip to check its position. Try not to touch or disturb your dressings as this can introduce infection, and if you notice any bleeding or have any pain, don’t hesitate to speak to one of our nurses

Getting up for the first time

We understand that you may be anxious or worried about getting up, but we will do all we can to help and reassure you as a member of our team will be there to help you, whenever you are ready. Getting you moving is to improve your circulation and avoid stiffness and once out of bed, you will continue to wear support stockings to help your circulation. You may be feeling tender and sore, but you can get pain relief medication to deal with any discomfort and to help you further, physiotherapists will work with you during your stay to help give you the best start with your new joint.

Going home after a hip replacement

At Nuffield Health we like to fully make sure you are ready to go home. We assess your condition and we believe that when you are able to walk up and down stairs, you can go home. Before leaving, you may need to have your stitches removed, then because you are still recovering you won’t be able to drive, so you will need someone to come and take you home from the hospital and you may have to still use crutches or a walker.

After your operation we also like to make sure you have everything you need to recover and in time it’s usual to also return to see your Nuffield Health consultant as an outpatient after your operation.

✓ Our physiotherapist will give you some exercises to help get your new hip moving. It’s important to gradually increase your physical activity each day, so you should undertake the exercises the physiotherapist shows you. These will help to reduce stiffness and strengthen your legs and help you regain mobility.
✓ You’ll be given information about appointments before you are discharged.
✓ Pain relief medication provided to take with you. It’s recommended that you take any pain relief medication we have prescribed. Continue taking this until you are pain free.