Hip replacement surgery in Newcastle

Why choose Nuffield Health Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital for your hip replacement? 

At Nuffield Health Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital our experienced orthopaedic surgeons specialise in lower limb joint repair surgery, ensuring that all patients receive the individual care and attention they need, through an individually personalised treatment plan.

Our private hospital is conveniently situated in Jesmond, a suburb which is only 5 minutes away from Newcastle's city centre. Our quiet location enables us to provide plenty of free parking, as well as excellent access to public transport.

Our hospital has been providing patients in the North East unrivalled primary care since opening in 1973. Our recent £7.5 million hospital refurbishment ensures that patients will receive first-class orthopaedic care through our state-of-the-art facilities and stylish in-patient rooms.

How to book a private consultation at Nuffield Health Newcastle upon Tyne Hospital

If you are suffering from hip pain and want to discuss your treatment options with one of our consultants in Newcastle, you will need to book a private consultation via our dedicated hospital enquiry team on 0191 281 6131.

Please let the enquiry handler know if you have had any recent X-rays or scans when booking your consultation, as there will be additional charges for any diagnostic imaging required.

Why might you need hip replacement surgery?

• Over time the surfaces on the hip joint can start to wear
• This can be caused by osteoarthritis or a previous injury
• Osteoarthritis is painful as the hip joint becomes stiff and inflamed when the smooth lining between the joints gets damaged or wears away
• Without the protection of this important lining, the rough surfaces of your bones rub together, causing pain
• Everyday tasks like going for a walk or even getting dressed become difficult
• Unfortunately there’s no cure for osteoarthritis and it can get worse with time
• However joints like the hip/s can be replaced successfully, improving your mobility and reducing pain.

During the procedure

• A variety of anaesthetic techniques are used and prior to your operation the anaesthetist will discuss these options with you
• Your surgeon’s choice of prosthesis will be based on several factors such as age, level of activity and current health
• Both cemented and uncemented replacements are used at our Newcastle Hospital
• 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.

After your hip surgery

• Once your operation is over, you’ll be taken to the recovery room until you awake
• Your wound, blood pressure and pulse will be checked carefully
• You will have a large dressing covering your wound
• Let our nurse know if you are in pain
• You may have a small tube coming out of your wound, this is to drain away any excess fluid
• You may also have a drip (infusion) going into your arm
• The trip will keep 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 patient room.

Back in your private room

• Once back in your room, our nurses will continue to check on you
• Try not to touch or disturb your dressings as this can introduce infection
• If you notice any bleeding or are experiencing pain, please speak to one of our nurses
• After you’ve recovered from the effects of the anaesthetic, you are free to 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 clots (DVT)
• The first day or so you could wear boots on your legs that are inflated with air
• You will also wear support stockings to help your circulation and may have daily injections or tablets to help prevent blood clotting that may continue for up to 6 weeks
• We may encourage you to move your legs if you are able
• You may have some deep breathing exercises to do, to help prevent any chest issues post-surgery
• The day after surgery you will have an X-ray of your new hip to check its position
• Don’t forget to wash your hands with soap after going to the toilet.

Getting up for the first time post surgery

• We understand that you may be anxious about getting up for the first time, however we will be available to support and guide you
• 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 if required
• Once out of bed, you will continue to wear support stockings to help your circulation
• Physiotherapists will work with you during your hospital stay to help give you the best start with your new hip joint.

Going home after your hip replacement procedure

• A physiotherapist will give you some exercises to carry out 
• These are important to help you make a good recovery
• You may require crutches or walker
• When you are able to walk up and down stairs, you will be free to go home
• You won’t be able to drive initially, so you will need someone to collect you from hospital
• It’s usual to return to see your consultant as an outpatient
• You may also need to have stitches removed. You’ll be given information about these appointments before you are discharged
• We’ll also give you some pain relief medication
• When you get home, you will be tired and should rest
• However it’s also important to gradually increase your physical activity each day, (using the exercises our physiotherapist showed you)
• These will help to reduce stiffness and improve strength
• Keep using a walker, crutches or a walking stick until you feel confident
• To help you regain mobility, we recommend 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 six 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 four to six weeks.

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

• Pain
• Bleeding
• Infection of the surgical site (incision)
• Scarring
• Blood clots (DVT - deep vein thrombosis)
• Difficulty passing urine
• Chest infection
• Heart attack
• Stroke.

Specific complications of hip replacement might include:

• 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.