Hip replacement surgery in Plymouth

Why choose Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital for your hip replacement surgery?

At Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital, our experienced orthopaedic surgeons specialise in a range of lower limb treatments, including hip joint replacement surgery. We pride ourselves on the extremely high levels of clinical care which our consultants and matron led-nursing team consistently adhere to.

Patient comfort is paramount at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital. All of our private patent rooms are fully equipped with spacious en-suite facilities, widescreen TV's, telephones and free wireless internet connectivity.

If you are still unsure about hip replacement surgery and whether the procedure is right for you, feel free to attend one of our free hospital orthopaedic open events. Here you will get the opportunity to meet one of our orthopaedic surgeons and ask ant questions you may have.

Why might you require hip replacement surgery?

• As we get older the surfaces of the hip joint can begin to wear
• This is often caused by osteoarthritis or a previous injury
• Osteoarthritis can become painful as joints become stiff and inflamed
• Without the protection of the lining in the hip, the rough surfaces of your bones rub together as you move, causing pain
• Everyday tasks can become difficult and cause discomfort, having a negative affect on our quality of life
• There’s no cure for osteoarthritis and it tends to get worse over time
• We also offer hip revision surgery, where an old hip replacement is replaced with a new, improved prothetic 
• However hip joints can be replaced, improving both mobility and reducing pain.

A hip replacement procedure

• Hip replacement surgery is performed under general anaesthetic
• Your surgeon’s choice of prosthesis is based on several factors, (age, your level of activity, weight, current condition)
• We use both cemented and un-cemented hip replacements at our Plymouth Hospital
• Your surgical wound will be closed using either stitches, staples or steri-strips.

Post hip surgery

• You will be taken to our recovery room where you will come around from the general anaesthetic
• Your wound, blood pressure and pulse will be carefully monitored by our nurses
• You will have a large dressing over your wound
• You may have a small tube coming out of your wound, this is to drain away any excess fluid from the wound
• You may also have an infusion drip in your arm to keep you hydrated until you are able to drink
• The drip can also be used to provide pain relief if required
• When you are stable and comfortable, a nurse will take you back to your patient room to rest.

Back in your private en-suite room at Nuffield Health Plymouth Hospital

• Once back in your private room, our nurses will continue to check on you to make sure you are comfortable and recovering well
• Try not to touch your dressings as this can cause infection
• If you notice any bleeding or are suffering pain please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our nurses
• After you have recovered from the effects of the anaesthetic you will be able to eat and drink something from our kitchen
• The first day or two 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 blood circulation and may have daily injections or tablets again to help prevent clotting
• We encourage you to move your legs if you feel you are capable
• The day after your surgery you will have an x-ray on your new hip to check its position.

Getting up for the first time after your hip replacement

• We understand that you might be nervous about getting up for the first time after surgery
• Don't panic, a member of our dedicated medical team will be there to help you
• The reason for us encouraging you to get moving is to improve your circulation and avoid stiffness
• You may be feeling tender and sore. Pain relief medication is available if required
• Once out of your bed, you will continue to wear support stockings.

Retiring home after your hip replacement surgery

• When you are able to walk up and down stairs, you will be discharged from hospital
• You won’t be able to drive yourself home after being discharged, so arrange for someone to pick you up or we can book you a taxi
• A physiotherapist will give you some important exercises to help get your new hip moving
• These exercises will encourage a full recovery
• Initially you may require crutches or a walker
• It’s usual to return to see your orthopaedic consultant as an outpatient
• You may also need to have stitches removed
• You will be given you some pain relief medication to take home
• When you get home, you will be tired and should rest
• It is important you gradually increase your physical activity each day (between your rest), so you should continue with the exercises our physiotherapist showed you
• These exercises will help to reduce stiffness and strengthen your legs.

So you don’t damage your new hip and to help your wound heal for the first 6 weeks post surgery we recommend that you:

• 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
• Take a shower instead of the bath
• Keep wearing your support stockings (4 - 6 weeks)
• If you have any questions about your restrictions ask a member of our team.

Most patients make a full recovery and return to normal activities following hip replacement surgery, however as with any operation there is a chance of 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.