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What is Hip Replacement Surgery?

Hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a procedure in which a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial implant. This surgery is often performed to relieve pain and restore function in patients with severe hip joint damage, typically due to conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or trauma.

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Who needs Hip replacement?

Candidates for hip replacement surgery are usually individuals who experience significant hip pain that limits daily activities, have tried other treatments like painkillers or physiotherapy without success and have severe joint damage visible on imaging studies such as x-ray.

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What are the benefits and risks of Hip replacement?

  1. Benefits

    • Near-total resolution of pain and significant improvement in mobility for walking and other activities. However, it may not completely alleviate arthritis symptoms.

  2. Risks

    • Includes a 1 in 300 to 500 risk of death or serious disability from various complications such as heart attack, stroke, pneumonia, or thromboembolism. There is also a risk of morbidity from less severe events.

  3. Infection Risk

    • Approximately 1 in 100. In case of infection, the joint might need to be removed, leading to increased disability.

  4. Thromboembolic Prophylaxis

    • Administered post-surgery to reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

  5. Medication Management

    • Patients on antiplatelet or anticoagulant medications such as clopidogrel, warfarin and apixaban may need to stop them before surgery to minimise bleeding risk. However, discontinuing these medications can lead to a paradoxical increase in thrombotic events such as stroke and heart attack.

  6. Complications

    • Includes persistent pain, metalwork failure, dislocation, leg length discrepancy, perioperative fracture, soft tissue injury and neurovascular injury to the limb.

  7. COVID-19 Risk

    • Patients undergoing surgery face a risk of contracting COVID-19 in the hospital environment.

  8. Longevity of Artificial Hips

    • Typically, patients can expect 10–15 years of good function from a hip replacement, though this varies based on usage and age. Revision surgery may be necessary after this period due to wear or loosening of the artificial joint.

  9. Rehabilitation

    • Following surgery, rehabilitation and exercise are essential for optimal recovery and to regain strength, flexibility, and mobility in the hip joint.​

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Do I need to bring anything to the clinic?

When visiting the clinic for your hip replacement surgery consultation or follow-up appointments, it is important to bring certain items to ensure your visit goes smoothly. 

  1. Referral Letter from your general practitioner or other specialist (if applicable)

  2. Any relevant medical records, including past imaging studies (X-rays, MRIs), lab results and notes from other doctors.

  3. Medications list

  4. A written list of any questions or concerns you have about the surgery or recovery. This ensures you do not forget to ask anything important during your appointment.

  5. Wear comfortable clothing that is easy to remove for physical examination purposes.

  6. Consider bringing a family member or friend to help remember the information discussed and provide support.

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What happens at the clinic?

When you visit the clinic for a hip replacement consultation, several key activities take place to assess your condition, discuss treatment options and prepare for surgery if necessary. Here is what typically happens at the clinic:

  1. Check-In and Registration

    • You check in at the reception desk, where you confirm your appointment

    • You may need to fill or update medical forms​​​​​​​

  2. Consultation

    • Discussion of your hip symptoms and medical history

    • Physical examination of your hip

  3. Imaging Studies​

    • If not already done, ​you may be sent for imaging tests like X-rays to get a detailed look at the condition of your hip joint. These images help me to determine the extent of joint damage and plan the surgery if necessary

  4. Treatment Options​

    • A diagnosis and treatment options would be discussed with you

    • If hip replacement is recommended, I will explain to you about the procedure, risks, benefits and expected outcomes. 

  5. Questions​

    • You are welcome to ask any questions about your hip, the surgery and recovery process

  6. Scheduling​​

    • You will be informed when the surgery is likely to take place​

  7. Paperworks​

    • You may need to sign consent forms and complete other paperwork related to the surgery and hospital admission​​

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How do I prepare for Hip Replacement Surgery?

  1. Eat a healthy balanced diet

  2. Keep yourself mobile. Engage in low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling to strengthen the muscles around your hip. Stronger muscles can aid in your recovery.

  3. ​Speak to someone you know who has had hip replacement surgery and ask them about their experience

  4. You may need to arrange for help at home during your recovery period and make modifications to your living space to ensure safety post-surgery​

  5. Avoid activities that could result in cuts, scrapes, or bruises such as gardening or DIY projects because this can lead to increased risk of infection during and after the surgery

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Pre-Operative Assessment Clinic

You will be contacted to attend the pre-operative assessment clinic​ before your surgery.

This is a physical check up to ensure that you are medically prepared for the surgery 

  • Medical and Surgical history including medications and allergies​

  • Vitals check (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels and temperature)

  • Investigations such as blood tests and heart tracing (ECG) 

You will receive essential information about the surgery including fasting instructions, medications to be stopped prior to surgery and what to expect during your admission in the hospital​​

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What happens on the day of Surgery?

  • Please follow the fasting instructions

  • You will check in at the reception and be directed to your room​

  • Our team (Anaesthetist, Nursing Staff and Physiotherapist) will meet you before the surgery

  • I will confirm with you about the surgical plan and check your leg

  • The surgery itself takes between an hour and one and a half hours to complete. You will be lying on your side throughout the procedure​​​​​

  • Depending on the time of the day, our physiotherapists will see you after the surgery and you can start mobilising with a frame or crutches​

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Frequently Asked Questions

  1. When can I drive?

    • 6 weeks after surgery

  2. When can I go on holiday? 

    • If it is more than 4 hours of flight time, it is advisable to wait until 3 months following your surgery before flying due to the risk of blood clot (deep vein thrombosis) 

  3. How long does it take for the wound to heal?​

    • At least 2 weeks 

  4. What kind of anaesthesia can I expect for my surgery?

    • There are two types of anaesthesia which are general and spinal anaesthesia. Majority of our patients had spinal anaesthesia. Our anaesthetist will discuss this with you on the day of surgery

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