Hip replacement surgery in Tunbridge Wells

Why choose Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital for your hip replacement?

Nuffield Health Tunbridge Wells Hospital has been at the forefront of private medical care in Kent since its opening in 1968. One area of speciality that we excel in is orthopaedics. Our consultant orthopaedic surgeons specialise in lower limb trauma and in particular hip replacement surgery. They consistently deliver excellent outcomes for the hip replacements they perform.

Nuffield Health are delighted to have recently introduced RI.HIP navigation - a computer assisted technology used in hip replacement surgery. Find out more here.

If you want to find out more about a private hip replacement, or ask the consultant a question, why not attend one of our free orthopaedic open events?

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 Tunbridge Wells Hospital
• Your surgical wound will be closed using either stitches, staples or steri-strips.

After 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 hospital room at Tunbridge Wells 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
• The physotherapists will work with you during your stay to help give you the best possible start with your new hip joint.

Returning home after hip 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.