Day of Surgery
Arriving to hospital
When you arrive, you'll be welcomed by a member of staff, who'll explain the processes to you and give you an identity bracelet to wear during your stay in the hospital.
You'll be asked to get undressed and change into a hospital gown.
Various paperwork and checks will be performed by the nursing staff and junior doctors.
You will meet with your surgeon and discuss any questions or queries.
You will be asked to sign a consent form unless you’ve already done this at an earlier appointment, that gives your surgeon permission to carry out the treatment.
The joint that will be operated on will be marked with a black arrow.
Anaesthesia
You will be evaluated by a member of the anaesthesia team, with your input, will determine which type of anaesthesia will be best for you.
The most common type of anaesthesia is general anaesthesia (you are put to sleep) combined with a local anaesthetic injected around your hip joint.
The anaesthetist will be by your side the whole time you're asleep, carefully monitoring you, and will be there when you wake up.
You will be given fluids and drugs you need through a tube and a needle in your arm called a drip.
Other options include spinal or epidural where you are awake but your body is numb from the waist down.
Surgery
The surgical procedure usually takes from 1 to 2 hours. Click here for more details on the procedure.
Your surgeon will remove the damaged cartilage and bone and then position the new implant to restore the alignment and function of your hip.
After surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room where you will remain for several hours until you’re fully awake and your general condition is stable.
You will then be taken to your ward.
The hospital team will try to get you walking as soon as possible, often on the same day as your operation.
Drips and catheter (if required) are usually removed within 24 hours.
Pain management
Medications are prescribed for short-term pain relief after surgery, they may include one or more of the following :
Painkilling liquids or tablets to swallow
Patient-controlled analgesia (PCA) – a system where you can control your own supply of painkiller going into a vein by pressing a button
Physiotherapy and Occupational therapy
The physiotherapist will see you on the ward after your operation to help you get moving and advise you on exercise to strengthen your muscles.
You will be provided with walking aids and the physio will help you use them safely.
Before you leave the hospital, an occupational therapist will assess your physical ability and your situation at home, and they may arrange special equipment for you, such as a raised toilet seat or gadgets to help you dress.