Do you need hip surgery? Finding the right surgeon is the first important step

If you’ve been advised you need hip surgery it’s quite understandable to be worried about the procedure and have concerns regarding the surgeon who will carry out your operation. Hip replacement surgery is a major operation, so finding the best surgeon and preparing yourself for your surgery are paramount.

Finding the best hip surgeon for you

Mr Arun Kumar is a specialist in hip and knee surgery, working both within the NHS and his private clinic in Manchester. He stresses the importance of good communication and building a rapport with your surgeon prior to your operation, adding that the following questions are one way to help find the right surgeon no matter where you’re based in the UK:

1. Could you answer my questions about hip surgery?

This is the first vital step in finding the surgeon most suited to your needs. The ideal surgeon will respect your views and listen with patience and courteousness to the concerns you raise, giving you open and honest responses.

2. What experience do you have?

Don’t be afraid to ask the surgeon about levels of expertise within the discipline, it’s really important you have faith in your doctor and understand any potential complications and the likely success rate of your operation.

3. What technique will be used for my hip surgery?

Newer, minimally invasive hip surgery using an approach from the front is becoming increasingly popular; however, traditional hip replacement surgery uses the anterior approach, from the back. The minimally invasive approach to hip surgery uses a smaller incision which does not entail cutting so much muscle. Ideally, your surgeon will have experience of both techniques and will be able to advise which approach will be required and the reasons for this.

4. What results can I anticipate?

Hip replacement surgery can be successful for many people, but it’s also important to discover what results can be anticipated for your specific condition. For instance, if walking is already difficult and you have a slight limp, you need to know whether your hip operation will alleviate this problem altogether. You should also speak about the likely recovery period and pain relief needed following your op, and how long you’ll need to take this.

No doubt you have lots more queries about your hip surgery. If you would like to find out more about Mr Kumar and his private clinics in the Manchester area, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.