THR - Total Hip Replacement
Assessment and referral
In the UK, before you can see a consultant, you will have to be referred by your own GP. The GP will need to be certain that the hip is the cause of the problem as pain felt in the hip can come from the knee or back. Replacing a hip joint that is not the cause of the pain will be of no value whatsoever.
Hip replacement is a big step
Total hip replacement is not to be undertaken lightly in a young patient, as they tend to wear the new joint out due to a longer and more active life style. Subsequent revision of the hip joint is also a much more substantial operation than the original operation. It will help rehabilitation if the quadriceps (thigh) and other muscles around the joint are in good order. Poor muscle tone or a diseased joint may mean that the surgery will be delayed or cancelled. Weight is also a factor, if you are obese; you may be refused a hip replacement until you can reduce your Body Mass Index (BMI) to less than 30. Use the NHS BMI calculator to check yours.
GP's will often use a decision aid like the Oxford Hip Score to determine if the patient is suitable for Total Hip Replacement. The GP will ask a series of questions relating to your disability, pain levels, sleeplessness, loss of independence, and inability to undertake normal activities such as dressing. If you reach the required threshold, you should be referred to a consultant.
Once you are referred, the consultant will see you to assess you, and will be taking into account your likely level of mobility, age, weight and physical condition. Based on this assessment, he will decide on the type and size of hip prosthesis components to use, and the method that he will use to perform the surgery.
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Page last updated: 23 March 2016 - 19:53