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What is hip replacement surgery?
Hip osteoarthritis is the most common cause for requiring a hip replacement. This surgery is recommended if you have severe hip pain, have damaged the ball and socket joint in the hip, or have broken your hip bones badly – and if physiotherapy, medications or steroid injections are no longer working or are not an option. A hip replacement involves completely replacing the ball and socket joint in your hip with an artificial implant, which is usually made of metal alloy, plastic and /or ceramic.
Doctors will always try to manage a hip problem with non-surgical treatments first. For someone with hip osteoarthritis, non-operative options include modifying activity, lifestyle changes and weight-loss if appropriate, pain-relief, physiotherapy and hip injections. However, if the problem gets to a point where the pain is so severe you’re having difficulty with walking, experiencing a general reduction in mobility, pain at night or difficulty putting on shoes and socks – and non-operative options are no longer working, then a hip replacement may be the best option. Hip replacements are a major operation so if your doctor has recommended one, it’s natural to be concerned. However, a hip replacement will only be recommended if it will reduce symptoms such as chronic pain, stiffness and reduce mobility, and in turn improve your quality of life.
What is the cost of hip replacement surgery?
£14,895
The price shown includes all hospital related costs associated with your treatment, from admission to discharge. The price does not include the cost of consultation, diagnostics, or the surgeon or anaesthetist fee.
Our hospital fee is guaranteed at the price quoted and valid for one month from the date issued, subject to pre-assessment.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… insured
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.
Appointment
You will have an initial consultation with a lower limb orthopaedic surgeon.
Treatment plan
During this appointment, you’ll go through your medical history, the risk and benefits of surgery and what to expect from recovery. Together, you will decide whether a hip replacement is the best option for you.
Pre-op assessment
If you decide to go ahead with surgery, you will need to come in for a pre-assessment, which is a standard ‘fitness for surgery’ check.
Surgery
The surgery itself should take a couple of hours. You will be able to walk the same day or the day after and can go home after 24- 48 hours.
Aftercare
You will need to keep your wound clean and dry, take pain relief and have physiotherapy consistently. You will not be able to fly short-haul for six weeks or long-haul for 12 weeks. We have an excellent therapies team at our hospital that can support you throughout your recovery.
Follow-Up
You will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor at two weeks, where stitches will be removed. You should also have follow-ups at 6 weeks and 12 weeks, as well as 6 months and 1 year if needed.
Frequently asked questions about hip replacements
After you have surgery, make sure you comply with your physiotherapy programme, take painkillers when needed and keep your wound clean and dry.
Sometimes, painkillers can make you constipated, so drink plenty of water and have a healthy intake of fruit and vegetables. It’s also important to have decent quality nutrition as this will help your body recover to the best of its ability.
In the longer term, you should be mindful of the activities you engage in because there is a small risk of hip dislocation. In addition, your new hip can wear out, so look after it! Most replacements last around 20 years.
To summarise, if you comply with your physio rehab – i.e. strengthening, stretching and balancing exercises, keep walking and moving, and follow your wound care guidelines, you can expect excellent outcomes after surgery.
If you choose surgery, we’ll help you prepare, but it’s also recommended to eat healthily and stop smoking if possible. You’ll need to attend a pre-assessment where we’ll check your fitness for surgery, including blood, heart, and lung function tests, and an MRSA test.
If you take blood thinners (like warfarin or aspirin) or NSAIDs (like ibuprofen), let your doctor know immediately, as you may need to adjust your intake a week before surgery. Your doctor will guide you on what’s needed.
From midnight on the day of surgery, please do not eat or drink anything, including water, chewing gum, or sweets. On the morning of surgery, you can brush your teeth with toothpaste only.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a small bag with essentials, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, your phone and charger, a book, any prescription medications, and a change of clothes. Your doctor will let you know if any medications can be taken with a sip of water before surgery.
The surgical team will insert an IV line for medications and fluids, and you’ll be given either a general anaesthetic or spinal sedation with a local anaesthetic, so you’ll be asleep. The doctor will make a small incision on your hip, remove the damaged joint, and replace it with an artificial one. The surgery usually takes about two hours.
Once you’re stable, we’ll take you to your private room to begin recovery. You’ll usually be able to walk the same day or the next, with a crutch or walking sticks if needed. During your stay, our nursing team will make regular checks, and a physiotherapist will work with you on movement. Before discharge, you’ll need to be cleared by the physiotherapist, have an x-ray and blood tests, and meet with your surgeon.
Most patients go home within 24-48 hours.
Your wound will typically heal in two weeks, at which point your doctor will check on it and remove any stitches or clips. Full rehabilitation can take up to a year, but most patients are mobile within six weeks.
Patients are advised to avoid flying shortly after surgery. You should wait six weeks for short-haul flights and 12 weeks for long-haul flights. You’ll likely need around six weeks off work, but this varies based on your individual recovery.
Walking and gentle movement to keep your hip mobilised will be essential, along with your physiotherapy exercises. Staying consistent with these activities will aid in a smooth recovery.
Medically reviewed by Mr Sujith Konan - MBBS MD(res) MRCS FRCS(Tr&Orth), Honorary Associate Professor (UCLH)