PATIENT JOURNEY

INITIAL APPOINTMENT

After a thorough consultation and review of all imaging we will discuss the different treatment options for you. These will include non-operative treatments and surgery. If we come to a decision to proceed with hip surgery you will receive written information. You will be consented for surgery and a date for surgery provided. Often referral to a physiotherapist is recommended before surgery to improve muscle control and enhance recovery from surgery. This pre-habilitation can often be started on the same day as Dr Roche performs joint clinics with a Physiotherapist weekly.

INVESTIGATIONS

Imaging

Most patients will require up to date and special x-rays that will allow Dr Roche to fully appreciate the problem and anticipate any issues.  With robotic surgery a limited CT scan is required to allow computer planning of your joint replacement. 

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Blood Tests

All patients undergoing joint replacement will require blood tests pre-operatively.  

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MRSA

Latest guidelines advise screening for methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) prior to joint replacement surgery. This is done by taking swabs of your skin.  This way if you do have this particular bacteria on your skin it can be eradicated prior to surgery.

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Cardiology

Patients routinely get a pre-operative heart tracing (ECG), further investigations may be needed based upon this to ensure surgery is as safe as possible.

ANAESTHETIC

Surgery can either be carried out under general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthetic.  This is similar to an epidural and has the advantages of better pain relief post-operatively and lower complications of bleeding. Your anaesthetist will discuss this in detail with you ahead of surgery.