Hip Replacement Surgery
A common surgical procedure, hip replacements are often performed due to either rheumatoid arthritis or a damaged hip joint from wear-and-tear caused predominantly by age. Hip replacement surgery consists of removing the existing ball-and-socket hip joint and replacing it with an artificial one. A hip replacement can also be necessary in the event of a fractured hip, as the joint is fragile, and once damaged, it can be difficult for the joint to heal.
If you’re looking for hip replacement surgery in Kent, Spencer Private Hospitals has the finest Consultants on hand to assist patients through each step of the procedure. We also look after you after the procedure, with our Physiotherapists who will get you back on your feet so you can enjoy life as usual.
Book your first appointment with our specialists on 0330 019 4890.
If you’d like to get some more information first, click one of the links below to jump to the section you want to learn about, or simply keep reading:
What is Hip Replacement Surgery?
What are the benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery?
What is the recovery Time for Hip Replacement Surgery?
What is Hip Replacement Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery involves the total removal of a patient’s hip, often because the original hip is damaged beyond other treatment methods or if an orthopaedic condition has made the hip too painful to endure and is interfering with the patient's day-to-day lifestyle.
A patient’s hip is replaced with an artificial prosthesis designed to simulate a healthy hip as closely as possible. The aim is to help the patient return to a healthy, happy lifestyle free from hip joint pain.
Do I need my hip replaced?
If you’re experiencing consistent hip pain, we recommend that you talk to your GP, who can refer you to an orthopaedic specialist. If your hip pain doesn’t subside from pain medication or is consistent and ruining your quality of life, it is paramount that you get the support you need so that you can move freely.
Other signs to monitor:
Hip pain that feels worse after activity
Difficulty and pain walking up and down stairs
Difficulty getting up from a chair
Limping when walking
Grating or crackling noises coming from your hip
Why might I need my hip replacement surgery?
Throughout life, we experience bumps, falls and even more traumatic injuries. They may present their damage then, or may come up as we get older. As we age, our bones get weaker and it is common to treat parts of the body to help alleviate pain and enable better movement.
It’s not exclusive to age, however. Hip replacement surgery can also be required after a traumatic injury, such as a hip fracture, as these can be difficult to heal. Hip replacement surgery is a common and well-practiced procedure, with over 100,000 being performed annually in the UK. Many of us in our lifetimes will require or be eligible for hip replacement surgery.
What are the benefits of Hip Replacement Surgery?
The surgery can reduce pain and swelling in the hip, improving mobility and hip function. As the conditions that necessitate a total hip replacement are very painful and debilitating, the surgery can vastly improve a person’s quality of life, especially when followed up with a proper physiotherapy and post-surgery check-up regime.
What is the recovery time for Hip Replacement Surgery?
Each patient's hip replacement recovery differs, so it's difficult to make a general judgement about recovery timeframes. Depending on circumstances, most patients should be able to walk freely and participate in normal daily activities again anywhere between six to twelve weeks, although extra care should be taken during this period. Full and complete recovery can take up to six months.
A total hip replacement is a procedure that must be given due time and respect for recovery. During this process, it is absolutely vital that patients give themselves time to fully recover and let their bodies heal, as well as actively participate in the physiotherapy sessions that Spencer Private Hospitals will arrange. While the recovery time can be long, rushing or over-exerting can slow the healing process.
During recovery, most patients will require the use of a walking aid, but again, this is dependent on your own situation. You will be able to consult with your specialist during this time for encouragement, help, and advice.
How painful is Hip Surgery?
During the surgery itself, you will be under anaesthesia and will not experience any pain.
Due to the severity of the surgery, however, you will likely experience some broad, dull, or severe aches immediately after surgery and for some time afterwards, although patients will have their pain relieved by post-surgery treatments and medication. Our specialists will provide medication that meets your pain levels, and this will be part of an ongoing discussion with you upon discharging from one of our hospitals to ensure you are feeling great and able to return to your usual lifestyle.
Long term effects and care
In the long term, keeping up exercises as prescribed by your physiotherapy regime will be important, as this will help mitigate feelings of stiffness and aches. Our specialists will uniquely tailor all of this to your situation.
How much will it cost?
Visit our prices page to get an estimated cost. If you require a formal quote, please email customerservices@spencerhospitals.com, and our Team will send you a quote that is valid for 30 days.
Value can't be empty or consist only of white-space characters. (Parameter 'text')
FAQs
Making an appointment with Spencer Private Hospitals is easy. Our helpful staff will handle all your needs. We pride ourselves on providing our patients with high service and comfort.
You can use our online contact form or call us on 0330 019 4890 to begin your enquiry.
Each patient’s circumstances are different and any special concerns or worries can be addressed by either your Consultant during your appointment or with one of our Nurses at any step of the process.
We will do our utmost to mitigate risks, but as with any major surgery, there may be some lasting prominent scarring or spots of numbness.
Your Consultant will make you aware of any additional side effects due to any special circumstances before proceeding with your operation and will work with you on an effective recovery plan to help further mitigate these effects which will ensure you have a high chance of a healthy recovery through post-treatment Physiotherapy and exercise.
Going private for your hip replacement will allow you to access consultation, treatment, and a new lease of life quicker. By choosing Spencer Private Hospitals, you will access some of the best Consultants in the field promptly, who will personalise your treatment to your needs.
