Low hip replacement wound infection rates
Spire Healthcare hospitals work very hard to keep surgical wounds clean.
- All their hospitals have a very high proportion of single rooms which is recognised to dramatically reduce infections spreading.
- All Spire Healthcare staff are trained in exceptional hand hygiene to minimise any risk of cross-infection.
- Spire Healthcare nurses have the right skills and experience to apply dressings to keep wounds clean.
- Spire Healthcare help patients to mobilise as soon as possible to speed recovery.
- Operating theatres with laminar air flow is used for all major orthopaedic operations. Laminar air flow is an air filter system that cleans the surrounding air during surgery.
The hip is a ball and socket joint. The “ball” is formed by the top of the thigh bone (femur), which fits into a “socket” (acetabulum), which is part of the pelvis.
During a total hip replacement, the top of the femur is removed and a replacement ball on a stem is inserted into the centre of the thigh bone. A plastic or metal cup is frequently used to replace the socket.
Hip resurfacing is an alternative to total hip replacement. During resurfacing, the surfaces of the two bones that form the hip joint are replaced with metal components.
Both operations are usually done under general anaesthesia, which means that you will be asleep during the operation. However, for some patients, epidural or spinal anaesthesia is preferable. This completely blocks the feeling in your legs but you stay awake. Your surgeon and anaesthetist will discuss with you which type of anaesthesia is most suitable in your case. The operation usually takes up to two hours.
You will be in hospital until you are able to walk safely with the aid of sticks or crutches. This will probably be three to five days after your operation.
An artificial joint (or metal components used during resurfacing) will usually last for at least ten years, after which it may need to be replaced.
