Hip

• Hip fractures and trauma 
• Slipped upper femoral epiphysis in young adults 
• Developmental dysplasia of the hip  
• Hip pain following childhood conditions (e.g., Perthes disease) 
• Arthritis of the hip (wear and tear or inflammatory arthritis)

Our service combines expertise in both routine and complex cases, with a multidisciplinary team including orthopaedic surgeons, physiotherapists, nurse specialists, and occupational therapists.  

• Guided injections 
• Arthroscopic surgery 
• Total hip replacement – replacing both the hip “ball” and “socket” using metal, ceramic, or plastic components  
• Partial hip replacement – replacing the femoral head only  
• Revision hip replacement – for worn, infected, or failing implants  

At your first appointment, our team will usually: 

• Take a detailed history of your symptoms and how they affect your daily life 
• Carry out a clinical examination 
• Review or arrange investigations such as X-rays, MRI or CT scans if required 
• Discuss your diagnosis and agree a personalised treatment plan

We aim to ensure you fully understand your condition and the treatment options available to you. 

See your GP or healthcare professional if you have: 

• Persistent hip pain 
• Reduced movement or strength 
• Symptoms that affect your quality of life 
• Pain after an injury that does not improve 

Your GP will refer you to your local Musculoskeletal (MSK) community service first. The MSK team will assess your symptoms and, if appropriate, refer you to our service for a surgical treatment.

Before your hip replacement, our team will talk you through how to best prepare for surgery.  
This will include: 

• Strengthening exercises to do before and after surgery build muscle around the hip to help with recovery 
• Weight loss, if appropriate, to lessen stress on the joint 
• Stopping Smoking for better healing 
• Eating a healthy diet and limiting alcohol intake 

It’s important to do these things while you wait for a hip replacement, as it significantly lowers the risks of complications and infections as well as the speed of your recovery time.   

For more information on how to get physically and mentally ready for surgery click here.  

You can also watch this video on how to prepare for your surgery here. 

Pre-Op (Pre-operative Clinic) 

Before your procedure, you will attend a pre-operative clinic for health checks, blood tests, X-rays, and ECGs. Part of your pre-op assessment may take place over the phone.

Once you have had a pre-op assessment, it will then be decide whether you are well enough for surgery and whether it is the best treatment for you. The clearing process will happen after you leave from your pre-op appointment, so please wait to hear from our Orthopaedic admin team to arrange a date for your procedure. Our Orthopaedic admin team will call you once you have been cleared for surgery.

Find out more about pre-op here.

Preparing for recovery at home 

We also encourage to prepare your home ahead of surgery.

You may want to think about:

• Asking for help
  If you can, arrange for a friend or relative to be available to help you after you come home from hospital for a week or two, as needed. 
• Sorting transport
  Arrange for someone (either a friend or relative) to take you to and from the hospital. You will normally be unable to drive for at least 6 weeks after your operation. 
• Stocking up
  Buy food that is easy to prepare, such as frozen ready meals, cans and basic foods, such as rice and pasta, or prepare your own dishes to freeze and reheat during your recovery.

For more information read our leaflet on getting ready for hip replacement surgery. 

Pre-Operative Hip Education Session (Hip and Knee School)

Some patients will be invited to the hospital for our Pre-Operative Hip Education Session. During this session a team of our nurses, physiotherapists and occupational therapists will talk you through what to expect before, during and after your operation. They will also help you to prepare for your operation and what to do to support your post-operation recovery. 

All hip replacements we perform are recorded in the National Joint Registry (NJR). This is a national database that monitors joint replacement surgery to improve patient safety and care.

How does the NJR support patients?

• Provides evidence to help patients learn about different implants.
• Helps surgeons choose the best-performing artificial joints.
• Improves safety by monitoring implant performance and taking action when needed.
• Gives feedback to hospitals and manufacturers to improve services.

Your consent matters

• Taking part is voluntary, but more than 9 out of 10 patients agree to join.
• With your consent, NJR records details of your operation (such as implant type, surgical technique, and side of the body) along with your name, date of birth, NHS number, and contact details.
• This information is kept confidential and used only to improve patient safety and care.

You can read the NJR privacy notice at: www.njrcentre.org.uk/About-the-NJR/Privacy-Notice-GDPR

Want to know more?

Visit the NJR website: www.njrcentre.org.uk 

Click here to access relevant patient leaflets