At your initial appointment, your consultant will examine the function of your hip by asking questions, observing how you walk and carefully moving your joint.
Often before your consultation, you will have diagnostic tests such as x-rays. Your GP or physiotherapist may have already arranged them. These help your surgeon confirm your diagnosis and decide how best to treat you.
Depending on your condition, you may need additional tests such as a CT or MRI scan.
Almost all patients are admitted on the day of their surgery. Most patients have a spinal anaesthetic and sedation so they sleep through the surgery. We tailor your anaesthetic to allow you to get up quickly and minimise any side effects.
There are numerous ways to access the hip joint, but most surgeons at Wellington Orthopaedic & Sports Surgeons use a posterior approach. The hip joint is removed and replaced with a new socket and ball components.