Essential Advice to Prepare for Hip Replacement Surgery
Are you considering hip replacement surgery? Whether you're early in your decision-making or already preparing for the operation, one of the most critical steps is selecting the best hip surgeon to treat your problem and understanding the procedure thoroughly.
This comprehensive guide outlines the ten key questions to ask your hip surgeon, helping you make an informed, confident decision about your joint health.
Why It Is Important to Ask Questions Before Hip Surgery
Choosing to undergo hip replacement surgery is life-changing and the right preparation starts with the right conversation. By asking targeted questions, you'll be better positioned to:
- Understand the risks and benefits
- Set realistic recovery expectations
- Choose a qualified and experienced orthopaedic surgeon
- Improve your outcomes and long-term mobility
Let’s dive into the ten most important questions you should ask your hip replacement specialist.
1. Do I Really Need Hip Replacement Surgery?
Not everyone with hip pain needs surgery right away. Ask your surgeon:
- What is causing my symptoms?
- Have all conservative treatments been tried (e.g., physiotherapy, injections, medication)?
According to VersusArthritis1, what triggers the desire for a hip replacement the most is when pain severely affects the ability to manage daily activities.
2. What Type of Implant Will I Receive and How Long Will It Last?
Understanding your implant is crucial; especially if you're active or younger than the traditional hip replacement demographic.
Make sure to find out:
- Will the implant be cemented, uncemented, or a hybrid?
- What materials are used?
- How long does a hip replacement last in active adults?
Implants today often last 20+ years2
3. What Surgical Approach Do You Use?
Ask whether your surgeon performs:
- Traditional posterior approach
- Direct anterior approach
- Minimally invasive techniques (similar to same-day hip replacement)
Our surgeons at Orthopaedic Innovation offer advanced the ground breaking Kley Rapid Hip approach, using minimally invasive methods for faster healing.
4. How Should I Prepare for Surgery?
Pre-surgery preparation can significantly improve your outcome. Ask:
- Should I begin a prehabilitation (prehab) programme?
- Are there exercises or stretches I should do in advance?
- What medications should I stop or continue?
At Orthopaedic Innovation, patients are guided through prehabilitation exercises that strengthen the joint and improve post-op recovery.
5. How Experienced Are You in Performing Hip Replacements?
Experience correlates with better outcomes. Don’t be afraid to inquire about:
- How many hip replacements does the surgeon perform annually?
- Do they specialise in revision or complex procedures?
Professor Wilson and Dr Kley, who work as a team at Orthopaedic Innovation, have been using the Kley Rapid Hip technique for 15+ years performing 500+ surgeries a year.
You can read all about them here
6. What Are Your Complication and Infection Rates?
Request statistics on your surgeon's:
- Infection rate
- Dislocation rate
- Revision surgery rate
Our leading consultant (for hip replacements) Dr Kristian Kley holds a record of 0% dislocation and infection rates in the UK and less than 0.5% in revision surgery using his Kley Rapid Hip approach.
A safe and transparent surgeon should be comfortable sharing these. Clinics with enhanced recovery programmes often demonstrate complication rates below the national average.
7. How Long Will I Stay in the Hospital?
With modern minimally invasive hip surgery, many patients are discharged the same day. Discuss:
- Am I eligible for same-day discharge?
- What support is available after I leave?
Orthopaedic Innovation’s Kley Rapid Hip has a 95% same-day discharge rate and emphasises early mobilisation within hours of surgery.
8. What Is the Expected Recovery Timeline?
To ensure you can plan beyond your surgery, it’s vital to know:
- When will I walk again?
- When can I return to work, drive, or exercise?
In many cases having our Kley Rapid Hip treatment, patients walk unaided within two to three hours and resume normal activities within weeks. Be sure your care plan includes rehabilitation support.
9. Will I See You Throughout My Treatment Journey?
Continuity of care is key. Find out:
- Will I see the surgeon during consultation, surgery, and follow-up?
- Does the surgeon oversee all aspects of your care?
Some practices assign multiple team members, while others, like Orthopaedic Innovation, ensure you are cared for by the same consultant throughout your journey.
10. What Happens If There’s a Complication?
While rare, complications can occur. Ask:
- Who do I contact post-surgery?
- Are follow-up or revision services offered here?
Choose a clinic with excellent aftercare and low reoperation rates. At Orthopaedic Innovation, the reoperation rate is under 0.5% over the last three years.
Be an Informed Patient
By asking these ten questions, you are actively shaping the quality of your care and your recovery. Choosing the best hip surgeon in London means prioritising safety, precision, and long-term outcomes.
If you have any questions we didn’t answer in this blog, get in touch with our team. They’re always available and happy to discuss potential treatment options.
1https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/surgery/hip-replacement-surgery/
2https://practiceplusgroup.com/knowledge-hub/how-long-does-hip-replacement-last/
