How We Work to Ensure a Good Outcome
Achieving a good result from hip or knee replacement surgery is not just about the operation itself. It is the result of careful planning, the right surgical technique, modern technology, and close attention to each patient as an individual.
Before surgery, a detailed assessment is performed to understand the cause of joint pain, overall health, lifestyle, and expectations. This allows the procedure to be chosen carefully and tailored to the patient, rather than using a one-size-fits-all approach. Imaging and planning tools are used to understand the joint anatomy and to select the most appropriate implants and techniques.
During surgery, proven techniques are combined with modern technology to improve accuracy and consistency. Where appropriate, robotic assistance or patient-specific planning is used to help position implants precisely and restore natural joint movement. Attention is paid to alignment, balance, and soft tissues, as these factors strongly influence comfort, stability, and long-term success. Strict infection prevention measures are followed at every stage.
After surgery, early mobilisation and structured rehabilitation play a key role in recovery. Patients are encouraged to move safely soon after the operation, with guidance from physiotherapists. Pain control is carefully managed to allow comfortable movement and steady progress.
Follow-up is an important part of ensuring a good outcome. Recovery is monitored over time to make sure healing is on track, function is improving, and any concerns are addressed early. This ongoing care helps maximise the long-term success of the joint replacement. By combining careful patient selection, detailed planning, modern surgical techniques, and attentive follow-up care, the aim is to provide reliable pain relief, improved movement, and a durable result that supports an active and fulfilling life.
MODERN TECHNOLOGY IN JOINT REPLACEMENT
Robotic-Assisted Joint Replacement
Robotic-assisted surgery is used to support the surgeon during hip and knee replacement procedures. Before surgery, detailed imaging is used to create a personalised surgical plan based on the patient’s anatomy. This allows careful planning of implant size, position, and alignment before the operation even begins.
During surgery, the robotic system provides real-time guidance to help prepare the bone and position the implants with a high level of precision. The surgeon remains fully in control at all times, using the robotic system as an advanced tool rather than a replacement for surgical judgement.
Improved accuracy can help restore more natural joint movement, improve balance and stability, and may contribute to longer-lasting joint replacements. Robotic assistance is used in selected primary hip and knee replacements, as well as in complex and revision knee replacement surgery.
PREPARING FOR SURGERY
Good preparation before hip or knee replacement surgery plays an important role in achieving the best possible outcome. The aim of pre-operative preparation is to optimise health, reduce risks, and help patients feel informed and confident going into surgery.
Before the operation, a detailed medical assessment is performed. This includes a review of medical conditions, medications, and previous surgeries, as well as blood tests and imaging where needed. If necessary, patients may be referred to other specialists to ensure that conditions such as blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease are well controlled before surgery.
Joint replacement surgery works best when the body is in the best possible condition. Patients are encouraged to remain as active as pain allows, as stronger muscles help with recovery.
Simple pre-operative exercises and physiotherapy may be recommended to improve strength and movement before surgery.
Optimising general health is also important. Smoking increases the risk of infection and delayed healing, and patients are strongly encouraged to stop smoking before surgery.
Maintaining a healthy weight, good nutrition, and adequate sleep helps the body recover more efficiently after the operation.
Medication use is carefully reviewed. Some medications may need to be stopped or adjusted before surgery to reduce the risk of bleeding or other complications. Clear instructions are provided well in advance so that patients know exactly what to do.
Education is a key part of preparation. Patients are guided through what will happen on the day of surgery, what to expect in hospital, and how recovery will progress. Understanding the process helps reduce anxiety and allows patients to actively participate in their recovery.
As part of an Enhanced Recovery After Surgery approach, planning begins before admission.
This includes preparing the home environment for safe movement after surgery and arranging support if needed during the early recovery period. This planning helps ensure a smoother transition from hospital to home.
By carefully preparing both medically and practically, the goal is to reduce complications, support early recovery, and set the foundation for a successful long-term outcome.
SURGERY SAFETY DELAYS
Why We Sometimes Delay Surgery for Safety
Hip and knee replacement surgery is very successful, but it is still major surgery. To give you the best and safest outcome, we carefully assess your overall health before proceeding.
Some conditions increase the risk of complications such as infection, poor wound healing, heart problems, or delayed recovery. When these risks are present, surgery may be postponed until they are addressed.
This does not mean surgery will never happen. It means we want to make sure your body is in the best possible condition before going ahead.
OPTIMISED CONDITIONS
Conditions That Must Be Optimised Before Surgery
If you have significant medical conditions, we may involve a specialist physician or anaesthetist before surgery. This is done to ensure that your heart, lungs, and general health can safely tolerate the operation and recovery.
Very high body weight or poor nutrition can affect healing and increase the risk of infection.
Low protein levels in the blood may mean the body does not heal well after surgery.
Improving nutrition and weight can significantly reduce these risks.
Low blood levels (anaemia) reduce the body’s ability to heal and recover. Anaemia is treatable, and correcting it before surgery improves safety and recovery.
Heart problems or poorly controlled high blood pressure increase the risk of complications during and after surgery. These conditions need to be stabilised before proceeding.
Smoking, excessive alcohol use, or drug use significantly increase the risk of infection, poor wound healing, and complications. Smoking is particularly harmful for joint replacement surgery, and patients are required to stop smoking before surgery to improve outcomes.
Active infections anywhere in the body, including skin wounds, increase the risk of infection spreading to a joint replacement. Surgery is delayed until all infections are fully treated.
Poorly controlled diabetes increases the risk of infection and delayed healing. Blood sugar levels need to be well controlled before surgery.
Low vitamin D levels can affect bone strength and healing. This is common and easily treated before surgery.
Urinary tract infections can spread bacteria into the bloodstream and increase the risk of joint infection. These must be treated before surgery if symptoms or signs of infection are present.
EXTRA CONSIDERATION
Factors That Require Extra Consideration
Some conditions do not automatically prevent surgery but require careful thought and planning. These include significant mental health conditions, memory or cognitive difficulties, or untreated depression. Support and optimisation help improve recovery and outcomes.
Moderately increased body weight and advanced age do not exclude surgery, but they may increase risks and influence recovery speed. These factors are carefully discussed on an individual basis.
PRE-SURGERY TESTS
What Tests Are Done Before Surgery?
Before surgery, routine tests are done to assess overall health and readiness for the operation.
These include measurements such as weight and height, blood tests to check blood levels, kidney function, nutrition, vitamin D, and blood sugar control. Heart tests such as an ECG and, when needed, a chest X-ray are done to assess heart and lung health.
Screening for smoking, alcohol, or drug use is also part of the safety process.
These assessments allow risks to be identified early and managed properly, helping to make surgery as safe and successful as possible.
KEY MESSAGE
If surgery is delayed, it is done in your best interest. Optimising health before surgery lowers the risk of complications, improves healing, and increases the chance of a good long-term result.
Our goal is not just to perform surgery, but to ensure the safest possible journey and the best outcome for you.
YOUR SURGICAL JOURNEY
Understanding what to expect during your hip or knee replacement helps reduce anxiety and allows you to focus on recovery. The patient journey is carefully planned to be safe, efficient, and supportive from admission through to discharge.
On the day of surgery, you will arrive at hospital and be welcomed by the nursing team. Final checks are done to confirm your procedure, review your medical details, and answer any last questions. You will meet your anaesthetist, who will discuss the type of anaesthesia and pain control planned for your surgery.
The operation itself is performed in a specialised operating theatre using modern techniques and, where appropriate, advanced technology such as robotic assistance or patient-specific planning. Every step is taken to ensure accuracy, safety, and infection prevention.
After surgery, you will be taken to the recovery area where you are closely monitored as the anaesthetic wears off. Pain control is carefully managed so that you remain comfortable and able to start moving safely.
Once back in your room or ward, the focus shifts to early recovery. Physiotherapy usually begins on the day of surgery or the following day. You will be guided to stand, walk, and begin gentle exercises to help restore movement and confidence in the new joint.
Throughout your hospital stay, the care team works closely together to support recovery. Pain levels, wound healing, mobility, and overall progress are monitored regularly. Most patients are able to eat, drink, and move around soon after surgery.
Discharge planning begins early. When pain is controlled, movement is safe, and medical goals are met, patients are discharged home or to a rehabilitation facility if needed. Clear instructions are provided regarding wound care, medications, exercises, and follow-up appointments.
The aim of the patient journey is not only a successful operation, but a smooth, supported transition from hospital back to everyday life, with the confidence that recovery is progressing as expected.
