You will need to follow your consultant’s post operative instructions.
Remember you will need to protect your new joint and allow healing to occur. After 6-8 weeks, unless your consultant instructs otherwise, you can slowly return to your normal activities of daily living including driving, swimming, cycling, golf etc; all at a sensible pace for you. Avoid excessive twisting and bending.

The duration of your operation will depend on the type and complexity of the operation. Please discuss this with your surgeon at your clinic appointment.

This is a decision taken by your surgeon, depending on your particular circumstances. You can discuss the type of implants used at your post operative clinic visit. You will be able to view your post operative x-rays at this clinic.

It is normal to be a little anxious before an operation, we take as much care as possible to reduce risks and make the experience as pleasant as possible.

The main forms of anaesthetic are - general, spinal, epidural and local. You need to discuss which type of anaesthetic is most suitable with your anaesthetist, who will decide with you which is the most appropriate.

It is quite normal to have some temporary pain and stiffness while your body recovers from surgery, the level of pain and stiffness varies between patients.  It is important to keep as pain free as possible using analgesics (pain killers) as well as alternating between resting and elevating your affected limb to help reduce swelling, and mobilising to reduce stiffness and improve long term outcomes. 

Resting on your bed with your legs higher than your heart for periods of time during the day is a good way of reducing swelling in your legs.  If the pain or stiffness becomes excessive, please telephone the helpline number on 01691 404223.

It is important to make sure your teeth and gums are checked by a dentist and are sound before you come in for surgery. Decayed teeth and inflamed gums increase the risk of your hip or knee replacement becoming infected.