Hip replacement surgery in Leeds

Why choose Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital for your hip replacement?

At Nuffield Health Leeds Hospital we treat every patient as an individual, offering bespoke care.

Your experienced orthopaedic consultant here in Leeds will support and guide you from your initial consultation through to your full recovery. You'll stay in your own private room with en-suite facilities during your time in hospital. We'll do everything we can to make sure your treatment is as smooth and efficient as possible. 

We also perform robotic arm assisted hip replacement surgery, which is our latest innovation in orthopaedic treatment. 

If you're suffering from hip pain and think you're suitable for hip replacement surgery, please contact us today to discuss your options.

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, (often a sporting injury)
• Osteoarthritis can become 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 pain
• Simple, everyday tasks such as going for a walk or even getting dressed can become difficult and cause discomfort
• There’s no cure for osteoarthritis and it can get worse with time
• However, joints can be replaced successfully, improving both mobility and reducing pain. 

What happens during a hip replacement?

• Your hip replacement will be performed under general anaesthetic (you'll be asleep).
• Your surgeon’s choice of prosthesis will be based on several factors such as age, your level of activity and current condition.
• Both cemented and uncemented replacements can be used.
• If you have concerns be sure and ask your surgeon about his prosthesis choice.
• Your surgical wound will be closed with stitches, staples or steri-strips.

Straight after hip surgery

• Once your 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 carefully monitored.
• You will have a large dressing covering your wound.
• If you feel some discomfort please let your nurse know.
• 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 drip is to keep you hydrated until you are able to drink, and can also be used to give you pain relief.
• This drip keeps you hydrated until you are able to drink, and can also be used to give you pain relief.
• When you are stable and comfortable, a nurse will take you back to your private room.

Back in your hospital room

• Once back in your room, our nursing team will continue to check on you to make sure you are comfortable and recovering well
• Try not to touch or disturb your dressings as this can cause infection
• If you notice any bleeding or have any pain, don’t hesitate to speak to one of our nurses
• After you’ve recovered from the effects of the anaesthetic, you can have something to eat and drink
• While you are in bed, you may have help with the circulation in your legs, in order to prevent blood clots
• The first day or so you be asked to wear boots on your legs that are inflated with air to help prevent blood clotting.
• You will also wear support stockings to help your circulation and may have daily injections or tablets to help prevent blood clotting
• We will encourage you to move your legs if you feel able.
• The day after hip surgery you will have an X-ray of your new hip to check its position

Getting up for the first time after your hip replacement

We understand that you may be anxious or worried about getting up after surgery, but we will do all we can to help and reassure you. Don’t worry, a member of our dedicated medical team here in Leeds will be there to help you, whenever you are ready. 

The reason for getting you moving is to improve your circulation and avoid stiffness. You may be feeling tender and sore, but you can get pain relief medication to deal with any discomfort - just ask.

Once out of bed, you will continue to wear support stockings to help your circulation. The physiotherapists will work with you during your stay to help give you the best start with your new joint.  

Going home after your hip replacement

A physiotherapist will give you some exercises to help get your new hip moving. These are important to help you make a full and thorough recovery. You may be using crutches or a walker for a period of time. When you are able to walk up and down stairs, you can go home. You won’t be able to drive, so you will need someone to pick you up from the hospital, once you have been discharged, or book our executive car service.

It’s usual to return to see your consultant as an outpatient after your operation. You may also need to have stitches removed. You’ll be given information about these appointments before you go home. We’ll also give you some pain relief medication to take with you.

When you get home, you will be tired and should rest. However, it’s also important to aim to gradually increase your physical activity each day, so you should continue with the exercises the physiotherapist showed you. These will help to reduce stiffness and strengthen your legs. Keep using a walker, crutches or a walking stick until you feel confident.
 
To help you regain mobility, it’s recommended that you take any pain relief medication we have prescribed. Continue taking this until you are pain free.

So you don’t damage your new hip and to help your wound heal, you may be asked to follow a few restrictions for the first 6 weeks of your recovery:

• Avoid bending your new hip beyond 90 degrees
• Avoid rolling your leg towards the other leg
• Avoid crossing your legs
• Avoid twisting on your new hip when standing
• Use the shower instead of the bath
• Keep wearing your support stockings - you may have to do so for 4 - 6 weeks
• If you have any questions or concerns about your restrictions be sure and ask a member of staff or your physiotherapist. 

Most people make a good recovery and return to normal activities following hip replacement. As with any surgery there can be complications:

• Split in the femur
• Nerve damage around the hip
• Damage to the blood vessels around the hip
• Infection in the hip
• Loosening of the replacement
• Bone forming in muscles around the replacement
• Dislocation
• Leg length difference.