Hip surgery in Darlington

When considering hip surgery, does the idea of less pain, faster recovery times, greater precision and higher rates of long-term satisfaction sound appealing? If arthritis in your hip has been severely impacting your lifestyle, and you’re considering surgical intervention, robotic-assisted surgery can provide all these great benefits.

At Woodlands Hospital, we offer robotic-assisted surgery for the following:

• Total Hip Replacement
• Total Knee Replacement
• Partial Knee Replacement

Each of these surgeries utilise the Stryker MAKO® robot for added precision and accuracy, whilst ensuring your surgeon is always in complete control. With a standard joint replacement, your surgeon aims to line everything up using alignment guides and their extensive experience, but the accuracy can never be 100% guaranteed.

Robotic assistance can offer a more refined and precise approach to these surgeries, and the higher patient satisfaction rates attest to the success of this highly renowned service.

Severe arthritis is one of the primary reasons someone may need a joint replacement.

Arthritis in the hip can often be managed with:

• Painkillers
• Physiotherapy
• Steroid injections
• A combination of all of these

In cases where the pain is very severe or these factors have been ineffective, surgery can be considered, normally in the form of a joint replacement.

Although often associated with older patients, many fit and young patients have a hip replacement and go on to continue an active, sporty lifestyle once recovered. Your consultant will take into account your goals for recovery when advising you on the most appropriate options for your treatment.

With a standard hip replacement, usually performed under general anaesthetic, the entire joint is removed and replaced by an artificial implant made of plastic and/or metal, which is then fixed in place with bone cement.

A standard replacement carries some risks regardless of the expertise of your surgeon, and if the alignment of the replacement is slightly off by a few degrees, you could be left with different length legs, poorer muscle function, or a joint that is prone to dislocation.

These risks are nullified when surgery is conducted with robotic assistance, as the accuracy is greatly increased. During surgery, your surgeon is still in complete control, with the added flexibility and optimal positioning afforded by the MAKO® robot.

Utilising these advanced techniques for surgery enables patients to continue an active lifestyle, returning to sport and other physical activities, which would have been previously impossible.

The first step of any consultation is to establish an accurate diagnosis. Your consultant will ask for a detailed medical history, and perform a physical examination. This is usually followed by an x-ray to check if there is anything structural that may be causing your pain, and/or an MRI to confirm the presence of arthritis.

At the point a diagnosis is confirmed, your consultant will outline all your treatment options for you, including the use of the MAKO® robot for your surgery. This is available to anyone who needs a replacement, even if the surgery is complex.

If you decide to opt for the MAKO-assisted surgery, a personalised surgical plan is drawn up. First, your consultant will take a detailed 3D CT scan of your hip, feeding this information into the MAKO® to produce a 3D model of the joint. This allows your surgeon to tailor the surgery to your exact anatomy, and work out the best possible location for the joint replacement, drafting a personalised plan for your specific surgery to ensure optimal placement for function.

During the operation itself, the MAKO’s robotic arm is directly controlled by your surgeon in order to best execute the plan that has been made. This includes making the cuts in exactly the right place, lining everything up perfectly each time. The MAKO® also sends real-time information directly to your surgeon, allowing for any necessary changes if complications arise.

With smaller incisions, recovery is a lot shorter, as is your stay in hospital. In some cases, patients have been able to return home on the same day, allowing robotics-assisted hip replacements to be carried out as a day case. The recovery period is also less painful, meaning you have reduced needs for analgesia and painkillers. Rehabilitation is also significantly quicker, with the hip feeling a lot more ‘natural’, so you can get back to doing the things you love sooner rather than later.

Choosing to have your hip surgery at Woodlands comes with a host of benefits, such as:

• Assessments ASAP – Certain hip, knee and joint conditions, such as arthritis, are best treated at the earliest possible stage. If you’ve been experiencing any of the associated symptoms (joint pain, stiffness, loss of mobility), our consultants can see you for an assessment without delay, getting you an accurate diagnosis and the necessary treatment before your symptoms progress any further.
• Patient satisfaction – In December 2022, 97.8% of our patients said that the overall quality of care was 'very good' or 'excellent'. We aim to make your stay with us as comfortable as possible, and these results highlight our continued efforts to ensure this is achieved.
• Robotic-assisted surgery – Allowing even greater accuracy, our theatres are equipped with robotics-enabled MAKO® guiding systems to assist your surgeon in a variety of complex surgeries. This cutting-edge technology increases the likelihood of a successful surgery and is favoured by surgeons and patients alike. As an exclusive to Woodlands within the area, patients travel from Edinburgh, Peterborough, Newcastle and even further afield for this advanced surgical assistance.
• Personalised care – We believe in a bespoke approach to treatment, tailoring each experience to our patients’ need, based on the 3D CT scan produced for the MAKO®. This is regularly reviewed, ensuring you get the necessary treatment at every stage of your patient journey.
• Multidisciplinary approach – Our teams at Woodlands work in tandem with each other to provide you with the best possible care from start to finish. Working closely with a dedicated team of physiotherapists, radiographers, anaesthetists, and nurses, as well as links with Oncology and Neurology, you have support from medical professionals every step of the way during your treatment and rehabilitation.
• Convenient appointments – With appointments available at flexible, dedicated clinics, you are sure to find an appointment slot that suits your needs and availability.
• Park with ease – We know that parking should be the least of your worries when attending hospital, so our car park has ample space to accommodate your needs. Alternatively, we are very close to Darlington Railway Station, should you wish to visit us by train.

If your hip has been causing you problems, why not book a consultation with one of our orthopaedic specialists today? Our Consultants can outline all treatment options for you promptly, arranging any necessary diagnostic scans, treatment and MAKO-assisted surgery if required.

For peace of mind and expert care, please contact Woodlands to book an appointment now.