HIP ARTHRITIS

Hip arthritis can be very painful, often causing discomfort in the groin and upper thigh. Common symptoms include difficulty putting on shoes and socks, getting in and out of a car, limping, and pain during intimacy.

As arthritis worsens, many patients find it hard to sleep due to the pain. This is often a sign that surgery might be needed to improve quality of life.

Our expectations have changed over time. We now expect to live longer and stay active in later years. Middle-aged patients often want to keep enjoying activities like golf, tennis, cycling, hiking, and walking. I can provide expert advice and realistic outcomes for these patients.

Non-Surgical Treatments for Hip Pain

Hip and knee arthritis are not life-threatening. Surgery is usually not urgent, and there are many steps you can take to manage your symptoms. These steps will also help you recover better if you need surgery in the future.

Self-Help:

- Weight Reduction: Losing even a little weight can greatly reduce hip and knee pain and lower your risk of complications if surgery is needed. Seek expert help for weight management.

- Light Exercise & Aqua-Therapy: Stay active with light walks, cycling, Pilates, cross-trainer, and yoga. Gentle pool exercises can also help strengthen muscles.

- Balanced Diet: Eat a nutritious diet with fruits, vegetables, meat, and oily fish. A dietician can provide expert advice.

- Stop Smoking: This is essential for your health.

Help from Your GP:

Your GP can advise on painkillers and refer you to a successful lifestyle management program if needed.

Help from Me:

If you’re not ready for surgery, I may suggest a joint injection of steroids and local anesthetics. This can relieve pain for some time, but the duration of relief varies. I don’t perform surgery within 3 months of an injection.

Hip Replacement

If painkillers and physiotherapy don’t help, it might be time for a hip replacement. This surgery is very effective in reducing pain, stiffness, and improving mobility. I perform about 200 successful hip replacements each year.

This patient has his arthritis in the right hip joint

X-ray of patient with right hip replacement

Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip arthritis can be very painful and affect your daily activities. Surgery involves replacing the worn hip joint with metal implants in the socket and thigh bones.

My Approach:

• I use a minimal invasive posterior approach for quicker recovery.

• I use high-quality implants from reputable companies like Stryker® Limited and Smith & Nephew® Limited.

• My post-operative complications and revision rates are below national rates.

What to Expect During Surgery

Pre-operative Assessment

• Nurses assess your fitness for surgery and perform tests.

• Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Day of Surgery:

• You arrive at the hospital before the operation.

• You'll meet with staff, complete paperwork, and discuss anesthesia options.

• I'll mark the operation site and answer any questions.

Post-Operative Care

Rehabilitation:

• We follow an Enhanced Recovery protocol for better pain management and quicker recovery.

• You'll receive physiotherapy to regain mobility.

• You may need calf compression and blood thinning injections to prevent blood clots.

Discharge and Recovery:

• You'll be discharged home within a couple of days.

• Follow-up with physiotherapy is crucial for a successful recovery.

• Most patients start walking unaided within four to six weeks.

Knee Replacement

Knee replacement success relies on pain control and physiotherapy. Strict adherence to post-operative care is essential for a rapid recovery.

Overall, our goal is to ensure your surgery is successful and your recovery is as smooth as possible.