About Hip Replacement

Hip pain has many causes. Osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, post-traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are some of the causes of arthritic hip pain. Total Hip Replacement may be an excellent solution to these conditions.

RECOVERY FOLLOWING TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

In my practice I aim to stand the patient up immediately following surgery and have them walking as soon as possible. This is possible because I use modern techniques of ‘enhanced recovery’ and ‘multimodal analgesia’ as well as a local anaesthesia infiltration (LIA) technique during surgery to minimise pain. I also work closely with my anaesthetic and physiotherapy team to assess each individual patient in order to achieve good pain relief and a smooth recovery.

Typically a patient is discharged either home, or to a rehabilitation unit for more physiotherapy, on or before Day 3 of surgery.

The wound takes around 2 weeks to heal – it should be kept clean and dry.

It is important that the physiotherapy instructions are followed carefully and exercises are performed, in order to get the best out surgery.

Normally a patient may drive 6 weeks following a total hip replacement.

Depending upon their occupation, most patients can return to work between 6-12 weeks following surgery.

In summary, Total Hip Replacement can be an excellent solution to hip pain and vastly improve the quality of life of a patient with hip arthritis.