Skip to content
Home > Services A to Z > Orthopaedics North

Orthopaedics North

The Orthopaedic Research Department is the main site for a number of clinical trials and we work alongside the Glasgow Clinical Research Facility (GCRF) to manage patient data for these trials. Additionally, we collaborate closely with the University of Strathclyde and the Gait Lab located in the GCRF to understand the biomechanics of gait following knee replacements. Click on the links below for more information on the on-going trials.

Patient and Public Involvement & Engagement

The Orthopaedic Research Department will be recruiting patient representatives to help us shape our research portfolio. Please check back here in future for more information. Please contact Dr James Doonan at iii-ortho-research@glasgow.ac.uk if you would like more information on the research activities currently on-going in the Department, to discuss participating in an on-going clinical trial or to be considered as a patient representative.

TRUCK

Study Title: Explanatory comparative study of conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty versus Robotic assisted Bi-UniCompartmental Knee Arthroplasty

Trial Participants: Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee affecting both the inside and outside compartments of the joint that require total knee replacement surgery.

Recruitment: Closed

Overview: This randomised controlled trial will compare the novel robotic assisted Bi-Unicompartmental knee replacement surgical techniques which replaces the only damaged components of the knee joint against the standard total knee replacement surgical technique. The rationale for this study is that patients will have a more natural feeling knee joint by only removing the damaged bone tissue and preserving the joint space as appose to using the standard surgical implant. 

Objectives:

  1. To provide evidence of the efficacy and safety of using robotic assisted Bi-Unicompartmental knee replacements.
  2. To determine the biomechanical benefit of using robotic assisted Bi-Unicompartmental knee replacements to patients gait, surgical and functional outcomes and patient satisfaction.
iNAV

Study Title: To compare the results of total knee surgery using conventional instrumentation versus the iNav electromagnetic computer navigated system

Trial Participants: Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee that require total knee replacement surgery.

Recruitment: Closed

Overview: This randomised controlled trial will compare the standard total knee replacement surgery with a new surgical assisted iNav system. The rationale for this study is that by using computer navigated surgical assistance there will be reduced variation between surgeries and improved placement of implants which might improve patient outcomes and satisfaction.  

Objectives:

  1. The alignment and knee implant placement will be verified and compared in conventional and iNav surgical groups
  2. The influence of both treatments on the surgical and functional outcomes, and patient satisfaction will be evaluated
KINESPRING

Study Title: Clinical Evaluation of the MOXIMED KineSpring® Knee Implant System

Trial Participants: Patients with osteoarthritis of the knee who would require unicompartmental knee replacement or high tibial osteotomy.

Recruitment: Closed

Overview: This study is aimed at evaluating the long term safety and clinical efficacy of the MOXIMED KineSpring® knee implant. All patients recruited to this study received a Kinespring implant and are being followed up for up to 10 years.

Objectives:

  1. The functional and clinical outcome scores of all patients 1 year after surgery
  2. A number of additional outcomes will be monitored over a 10 year period including patient satisfaction, pain levels, and functional outcomes.
MAKO

Study Title: MAKOplasty unicondylar knee arthroplasty using MAKOplasty® and the MAKO RIO System versus OXFORD Partial Knee Arthroplasty

Trial Participants: Patients with osteoarthritis who require a unicondylar knee replacement

Recruitment: Closed

Overview: This randomised controlled trial will compare standard OXFORD Unicompartmental knee arthroplasty with the novel MAKO unicondylar knee arthroplasty which requires the robotic arm surgical assistance. The rationale for this study is that the robotic assisted surgery will target only diseased bone tissue for removal. This provides increased accuracy for implant fixation in addition to the use unicondylar knee arthroplasty compared to standard treatment which might improve patient outcomes as less of the joint is removed.

Objectives:

  1. To compare the alignment of implants and knee joints in both groups of patients.
  2. The clinical and functional outcomes of both patients will be compared between both treatment groups.
SUN Study

Study Title: Negative pressure dressing versus non-negative pressure dressing for soft tissue sarcoma excision

Trial Participants: Patients diagnosed with soft tissue sarcoma that are scheduled for surgical removal.

Recruitment: We are aiming to recruit 160 patients in Glasgow Royal Infirmary.  

Overview: This randomised controlled clinical trial will compare two types of wound dressing which are applied to the wound after closure with stitches. Either standard wound dressings are applied, or negative pressure wound dressings are applied for the duration of your recovery in hospital. Both treatments are used clinically but have not been directly compared in patients undergoing cancer removal operations.

Objectives:

  1. The incidence of surgical site infections will be compared between the two groups
  2. The time for wound healing and surgical drain volumes will be recorded and compared between both treatment groups
  3. The functional assessment of each wound will be clinical assessed and compared between treatment groups.

Glasgow Royal Infirmary/Stobhill

Welcome

The aim of these pages is to provide information about our orthopaedic department and the services we provide. You will find information for patients who will be attending appointments or undergoing surgery. There is also information for staff and students.

The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Glasgow Royal Infirmary provides the full orthopaedic range of services to the population of North East Glasgow. We also provide specialist care in areas such as complex arthroplasty, complex peri-articular trauma, musculoskeletal oncology and limb reconstruction to a wider population in the West of Scotland.

The Department has close links to the local universities for both research and teaching. We regularly have undergraduate medical students. There are also students rotating through the department who are studying nursing, physiotherapy and many other associated healthcare professions.

Note: We cannot provide direct healthcare advice via the internet or email.

If you have a concern regarding a musculoskeletal complaint, you should look at resources such as NHSInform, and if necessary, consult your GP.

In an emergency, use this link to find your local Glasgow Emergency Department or Minor Injuries Unit.


Due to the ongoing Covid-19 (Coronavirus) issues our hospital services are currently undergoing a restructuring in order to meet the changing demands on our resources. You may be asked to attend for a video review with our health care providers via our innovative Attend Anywhere video conferencing service or to undergo consultation via telephone. For further information on Covid-19 (Coronavirus) and your NHS click the link below.

Attending the Orthopaedic Outpatient Department

Visit the Orthopaedic Outpatients page to see information regarding our outpatient appointment service including the following:

  • Being referred to orthopaedics
  • Patient Focused Booking
  • Confirming your appointment
  • Attending your appointment
  • Patient transport information

The information on this page includes recent updates in light of the current Covid-19 pandemic.

Your Journey to Orthopaedic Surgery

Following your attendance at our outpatient clinic the clinician may add your name to our surgical waiting list. Click here to see the journey you will make through our department including.

  • Being added to the waiting list
  • Treatment Time Guarantees
  • Patient rights
  • Attending for pre-operative assessment
  • Consultant/anaesthetic Review
  • Attending for surgery
  • Your anaesthetic
Patient Information Leaflets

When attending your clinic appointment to see the Specialist Clinician you may be given a selection of leaflets to take home with you or you may have been advised to download one of our patient information leaflets. Click here to find copies of all our publications organised by body part.

Who to Contact

Note that all the contact numbers detailed on this page are for the Orthopaedic Department at Glasgow Royal (Stobhill) only.

Patient Focused Booking Lines: 0141 201 3105 or 0141 201 3114 (for orthopaedic appointment queries/cancellations)

Attend Anywhere Helpline: Orthopaedics North only – 0141 201 3721

If you know the name of your consultant and have been listed for surgery, please contact the relevant secretary, you can find details on our contacts page.

Our office Hours (excluding public holidays)

  • Monday to Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm
  • Friday 8:00am – 4:00pm

In an emergency, use the link below to find your local Glasgow Emergency Department or Minor Injuries Unit.

Media Files

It may be that the clinician has asked you to watch one of our videos to help alleviate your symptoms, prepare you for surgery, or to assist you in your post-operative recovery period.

Here you will find a comprehensive list of all media and video files available.

Joint School link coming soon

Pre-op Assessment

Before your orthopaedic surgery you may be invited to attend a Pre-Operative Assessment appointment, this is to check your health and give you information on the surgery.

To find out more about your Pre-Op Assessment appointment along with what to expect and what to bring with you, please click here.

Specialist Orthopaedic Physiotherapy

The Extended Scope Physiotherapy Practitioners (ESP) are specialist clinicians who have undertaken additional orthopaedic training. They work in a similar role to the Consultants within the Orthopaedic Outpatient Clinics at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

To find out more about their role in your recovery click here.

Orthopaedics Patient Information/News

More information coming soon.

Being referred to orthopaedics

You may be referred into Orthopaedics by your GP or another specialist service or following attendance at the Emergency Department.

If you have been referred by your GP or another service with an ongoing issue, a clinician in the Orthopaedic Department will look at your referral letter and make a decision about the appropriate clinic for you to attend. This is called vetting.

If you have been referred by Emergency Department following an injury, you will receive a phone call the following day from a member of our specialist nursing staff who will either give you medical advice or ask you to attend an appointment at our Fracture Clinic.

Arranging your appointment

Once your referral has been vetted, your name will be added to the outpatient waiting list under the care of a consultant or extended scope physiotherapy practitioner (ESP).

You will be sent a letter inviting you to call the booking office within 7 days to arrange a clinic appointment. If you fail to call the booking office within 7 days, a reminder letter will be sent to you. If you fail to call the booking office after a further 7 days, your name will be removed from the waiting list and your GP will be informed. If you still wish an appointment after this, you will have to contact your GP to be re-referred.

If appropriate, you may receive a phone call to arrange a telephone or video appointment instead.

To facilitate this process please ensure that your contact information is up-to-date.

If you wish to reschedule your appointment, please call the booking office on 0141 201 3114 or 0141 201 3105. You can also email us at GRI.OrthopaedicOutpatients@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.

If you are asked to attend an orthopaedic appointment

If you have been asked to attend the orthopaedic outpatient clinic. There are a number of specialist clinicians in the department who could see you. This will depend on the type of injury/complaint you have.

If you require transport for the upcoming appointment, please arrange this one week in advance, by calling: 0300 123 1236. You will be asked a series of questions about your mobility, this is to assess if you are eligible for ambulance transport.

Outpatient clinics are located in Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Stobhill Hospital.

Following your appointment

The clinician will discuss the best course of action for you. There are a number of possible outcomes of this:

  • You may be sent for an investigation (e.g. MRI scan)
  • You may be sent for a second opinion
  • You may be given a return appointment to our orthopaedic outpatient clinic
  • You may be added to the waiting list for surgery
  • You may be discharged

Inpatient Waiting List

At your appointment, the clinician may have a discussion with you about adding you to the waiting list for surgery. If you agree, your name will then be added to the list.

You will receive a letter informing you of this, along with a Patient’s Right Act leaflet

As an patient you have a responsibility to:

  • Keep your agreed hospital appointments and attend for admissions
  • Let us know if you need to cancel an appointment or admission
  • Let us know if you are going to be unavailable for a period of time
  • Let us know if you change your name, address or telephone detail

Reasonable Offer

We will offer all patients two reasonable offers of an appointment for treatment. If you do not accept either of these offers we may remove you from our waiting list and return you back to the care of your GP.

A reasonable offer includes an offer, either written or verbal, of treatment in any NHS Greater Glasgow or Clyde (NHSGGC) hospital. We will give you a minimum of 7 days’ notice of this appointment.

The Orthopaedic Research Department is situated in the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. We conduct a variety of clinical and basic research as well as exploring service redesign to improve the patient pathway through clinic.

Our clinical research portfolio revolves around the use of new robotic guided knee replacement surgeries to improve surgical accuracy, patient recovery and improve patient gait following knee replacement. We also assist in the recruitment of patients to trials that are centred outwith the Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Examples of these clinical trials can be found clicking the research link below.

As an active research department we frequently disseminate our research findings in journal articles. A list of these publications can be found via the publications link below.

If you would like more information on the research activities currently on-going in the Department or to discuss participating in an on-going clinical trial please contact: iii-ortho-research@glasgow.ac.uk

Permission to access patient records

We are seeking approval for permission to review the medical records of patients that took part in our two previous clinical trials, TRUCK and MAKO. This would involve seeking ethical approval to access patients’ medical records to record details of health care usage which is both related and un-related to their knee replacement. This is performed in an anonymised manner and only extracts information about how many times a participant has accessed a health care provider, with no details as to the reason for their visit. The aim of this new aspect of the study is to to review the participants retrospective NHS healthcare usage in a non-identifiable way to see if there is any downstream, long term differences between the patients who were randomised to receive the robotic-assisted knee surgery and conventional knee surgery groups. The difference in health care usage may highlight a potential cost benefit of the use of robotic or conventional surgery.

For access to the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Data Privacy Notice, please follow the link below. This includes a section on data protection in Research and Innovation.

https://www.nhsggc.scot/patient-visitor-faqs/data-protection-privacy/
News

Information on upcoming projects and future collaborations, coming soon.

Upcoming Trials

Charity

Hip & Knee School

Within the team there are many years of experience in orthopaedic nursing and the nursing staff have many specialist skills in caring for orthopaedic patients. In our department you will meet nurses trained in caring for you from your first visit, to pre-operative assessment and follow up.

Mairi MacKinnon – Limb Reconstruction Clinical Nurse Specialist

Photo of Specialist Orthopaedic Nurse, Mairi MacKinnon

Mairi MacKinnon is the Limb Reconstruction Clinical Nurse Specialist based at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. She has recently joined the limb reconstruction team having previously served within the orthopaedic department as the musculoskeletal oncology nurse specialist for over 2 years.

Mairi manages all limb reconstruction patients including patients with external fixators, in particular, circular frames. She also assists the Intramedullary Nail Clinic where all tibial patients attend for review. As part of her role within the limb reconstruction service, she manages complex surgical wounds and has extensive experience in Negative Pressure Wound Therapy.

Pamela McKirdy – Orthopaedic Staff Nurse

Photo of Specialist Orthopaedic Nurse, Pamela McKirdy

Pamela McKirdy is a Staff Nurse in the Orthopaedic Outpatients Department. She has worked in Orthopaedic Outpatients for 24 years gaining a wealth of experience and knowledge in Orthopaedic conditions, trauma and elective surgeries and wound care. She has completed the casting course and has specialist training and experience in managing both elective and trauma surgeries post-operatively and on many occasions it may be Pamela who will review your condition or surgery in a stand-alone clinic where your entire care will be managed by experienced nurses and your x-rays reviewed. She is able to consult directly with senior medical staff if appropriate regarding any unusual findings.

Sarah Vaughan – Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist

Sarah is the Clinical Nurse Specialist for the Musculoskeletal Sarcoma Oncology Service based at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. Sarah recently joined the team having previously worked as an Oncology Clinical Nurse Specialist for 6 years within another Trust.

The Oncology team form part of a specialist service who have extensive knowledge and expertise in managing Sarcoma. This team provides a comprehensive service that covers investigation of suspected disease, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up.

It’s Sarah’s job to provide support throughout this time, offering advice and a point of contact whilst patients undergo investigations and/or treatment.

The Extended Scope Physiotherapy Practitioners (ESP) are specialist clinicians who have undertaken additional Orthopaedic training. They work in a similar role to the Consultants within the Orthopaedic Outpatient Clinics at Glasgow Royal Infirmary.

During your clinic appointment, the ESP will carry out an assessment of your problem and if necessary, organise further investigations (e.g. X-Ray, MRI).

Please wear suitable clothing to allow assessment of the relevant joint.

Some investigations such as MRI scans cannot be carried out in clinic and a further appointment for this will be organised. Results of the assessment and/or any investigations will be reviewed by the ESP who will discuss the available treatment options with each individual patient.

If further intervention by surgery is indicated, this will be discussed during the clinic appointment. If other management options are more appropriate e.g. onward referral to other services, this can also be organised.

ACL Reconstruction Rehabilitation

Frank Gilroy’s ACL reconstruction rehabilitation programme (opens on a new page)

*NOTE: your physiotherapist will provide you with a password in order to access this programme.

Joint School App

Sign up and download necessary https://www.jointschool.app (opens on a new page)

The Royal College of Anaesthetists

leaflets and videos on the types of anaesthetic that may be used for your surgery www.rcoa.ac.uk (opens on a new page)

  • Trauma and Orthopaedic Consultant Surgeons
  • Trauma and Orthopaedic Extended Scope Physiotherapist Practitioners
  • Trauma and Orthopaedic Advanced Podiatry Practitioners (APP)
  • Trauma and Orthopaedic Specialist Nurses / Nursing Team
  • Trauma and Orthopaedic Trauma Coordinators (Coming Soon)
  • Trauma and Orthopaedic Musculoskeletal Oncology Service (Coming Soon)

Anaesthesia allows you to be pain free and comfortable during your operation. Sometimes this involves a general anaesthetic which is a state of controlled unconsciousness controlled by medication during which you will not feel pain or remember anything. This is often referred to as ‘going to sleep’ for your operation. However, anaesthesia does not always mean that you have to be unconscious as modern anaesthetic techniques can numb certain parts of your body such that you will not feel any pain whilst still being able to remain awake. These techniques can numb a small part of your body (local anaesthesia), an entire arm or foot (nerve block) or the lower part of your body from the waist down (spinal or epidural anaesthesia). There are lots of benefits to having a procedure done in this way and for some orthopaedic operations, such as hip and knee replacements, these have become the most common types of anaesthetic. They can often be accompanied by sedation if required for your comfort. Sometimes however these techniques are not the best option for you and a general anaesthetic will suit you better or indeed the operation cannot be done without you having a general anaesthetic.

You will hear more about the anaesthetic options for your intended operation when you attend your pre-operative assessment. Please ensure you pick up a copy of any relevant information leaflets and take time to read through them. You may also be given the opportunity to watch a video prior to your operation if you are having a knee or hip replacement.

Your preferences are important and you will be given the opportunity to discuss the risks and benefits of the anaesthetic options available to you. In some instances you may be asked to attend the hospital specifically to see an Anaesthetist if the specialist nursing staff in the pre-operative assessment clinic feel this would be of benefit to you, but in most cases you will meet your Anaesthetist on the day of surgery.

Details about what to expect and the potential side effects and complications of the different Anaesthetic options are outlined in the document link below ‘Anaesthesia: What you need to know’. Please take the time to read it so you are better prepared for the day of your surgery.

Anaesthesia Information leaflet

Your Anaesthesia for Orthopaedic Surgery

You can find information on how to get to both Glasgow Royal Infirmary and Stobhill ACH and both site maps by clicking on the appropriate box below.

Patient Transport

If you are unable to make your own way to your hospital visit due to a medical condition or mobility issue and require ambulance transport to get to your healthcare appointment then please click on the link below which will take you to our Patient Hospital Transport page which gives you all the relevant information on how to arrange this. 

If you have been advised by the medical team caring for you that you may benefit from having a hip or knee replacement then the following information and associated links will help ensure you are as prepared as you can be for your surgery and recovery.

Most total hip and knee replacements take place at Glasgow Royal Infirmary. If you are having a Uni-compartmental knee replacement (‘Half-knee’) then you may be advised that you can have your operation carried out at Stobhill hospital if the surgeon feels this would be appropriate for you. If this applies to you then please follow the Stobhill Hospital information where relevant. 

[ Given the current unprecedented pressures on our NHS and orthopaedic services at Glasgow Royal Infirmary, we would like to offer you the possibility of remote support via the NHS Joint School App for detailed information on your condition, planned procedure and ways of managing your symptoms whilst awaiting your surgery.]

Your Joint Replacement Pathway

Pre-Op Assessment

You will be invited to attend the pre-operative assessment clinic before your operation. You will meet one of the specialist nurses who will ask you questions about your health and arrange appropriate tests such as blood tests and an ECG (heart tracing).

If any issues are identified that may require further investigation or advice the pre-assessment nurses will then speak to an Anaesthetist. You will be advised of any changes or further tests following this and may be asked to come back for a second appointment to meet an Anaesthetist in clinic. This is generally to explore your health further and discuss the anaesthetic options or risks in more detail. Occasionally an issue is identified that warrants further investigation or treatment before you proceed to surgery. If this is the case the nursing staff will explain what is required and how to let them know when this has been done and you are ready to move forward to surgery.

This process is designed to make sure you are as physically ready for surgery as possible and also gives you information about what to expect so you can take time to think about whether you still want to go ahead.

Please bring your medication with you to the pre-operative assessment clinic or a complete list of these with your prescription. Most medications should be taken as normal up to and including on the morning of surgery. There are a few specific medications that may need to be stopped prior to surgery or not taken on the morning of surgery. These are usually ‘blood thinning’ medications such as clopidogrel, warfarin, and aspirin. Your pre-operative assessment nurse will give you specific instructions.

Download our specific Covid related Pre-Op Self-Isolation Advice leaflet here

Preparing for Your Surgery

If you can improve your general fitness, strength and well-being prior to surgery you will find that your recovery is easier and quicker. It may also reduce the risk of complications. A hip or knee replacement is a major surgical procedure that places physical demands on your body during the surgery and anaesthetic and during the healing process. It also requires effort on your part to recover well and get maximum benefit from your new joint such as performing regular physiotherapy-guided exercises. 

Watch the video to see what you can do to prepare for surgery.

https://youtu.be/0NMHMX-nFgY

Click here for more videos on how to improve your fitness before and after surgery.

If you are Overweight

Reducing your weight will reduce many of the risks of having an anaesthetic. Importantly, it will also reduce the load carried by your hip or knee and can reduce the pain in the joint even prior to surgery. It will make your recovery and physiotherapy easier after surgery too. There are multiple sources of information and local groups to help you learn about healthy eating and lose weight.

The NHS inform website can provide a useful starting point – Food and Nutrition . Your local GP surgery may be able to point you in the direction of nearby groups or services if you wish.

If you Smoke

Giving up smoking as far in advance of the surgery as possible will reduce the risk of breathing problems both during and after your anaesthetic and reduce the risk of problems such as a chest infections. If you need help or advice with this from a trained advisor please contact Quit Your Way on 0800 84 84 84. Lines are open Monday to Friday 8.00am until 10.00pm and Saturday to Sunday 9.00am until 5.00pm. You can also visit the Quit Your Way website to find a local Quit Your Way Pharmacy Service.

Eating and Drinking the day before surgery

Please follow the advice below.

Note: ‘Clear fluids’ includes water, black tea or black coffee (no milk).

If you are asked to come to the hospital for morning surgery

Eat your evening meal as normal on the day before surgery
Have a snack in the evening if you want
Do not eat anything after midnight
Drink only clear fluids after midnight
Drink clear fluids when you are thirsty until 0600
Have a drink of around 300ml of clear fluid at 0600 to help stop you getting thirsty and improve your comfort while you wait.
If you are asked to come to the hospital for afternoon surgery

Have a light breakfast before 0700 on the day of surgery to keep you feeling comfortable during the day ahead
Do not eat anything after 0700
Drink clear fluids when you are thirsty until 1100
Have a drink of around 300ml of clear fluid at 1100 to help stop you getting thirsty and improve your comfort while you wait.
The exact time of your surgery may not be confirmed until on the day as you will be part of a theatre list with other patients. We ask more than one patient to arrive for the start of the day to help ensure flexibility if there are last minute changes and to allow the theatre staff to see you before the surgical session begins. If there will be time for you to have a further drink of clear fluid on arrival at hospital the nursing team will be able to advise you of this on the day.

Your Anaesthetic for Joint Replacement Surgery

Anaesthesia allows you to be pain free and comfortable during your operation. In some cases, especially knee replacement surgery, your anaesthetist may place a longer lasting local anaesthetic around other nerves in your leg to help reduce the discomfort for a little longer after surgery. This is known as a “nerve block”. They will discuss this with you on the day of your operation.

There are occasions where, for medical or surgical reasons, a spinal anaesthetic is not suitable and your anaesthetist will be able to discuss the options with you. This often includes a general anaesthetic. Your preferences as to the type of anaesthetic you receive are also important so please take the time to consider these and ask your anaesthetist for advice. In some instances you may be asked to attend the hospital specifically to see an anaesthetist if the specialist nursing staff in the pre-operative assessment clinic feel this would be of benefit to you. In most cases you will meet your anaesthetist on the day of surgery.

You can download this patient information leaflet – Anaesthesia: What you need to know and watch this short video by your anaesthetist.

Your Anaesthetist

For further information https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/your-health/health-services/orthopaedics/anaesthesia/

Enhanced Recovery After Surgery [ERAS]

The ‘Enhanced Recovery After Surgery Programme’ simply refers to the processes that are in place to ensure you are prepared for your surgery and receive the care required to get you back to the comfort of your own home as quickly as possible.

Evidence tells us that a huge part of improving a patient’s recovery after surgery is making sure they have a good understanding of what to expect before coming into hospital. This website together with information leaflets and appointments with the staff in the hospital are all opportunities to find out about what will happen when you come into hospital and how to prepare.

The operation itself and healing process place high physical demands on your body. In the weeks and months before your operation you can take actions to improve your health and fitness in preparation for surgery. If you do this then you will be back to your normal self much more quickly and hopefully gaining the benefits of your new hip or knee as soon as possible.

We also aim to make sure all patients get the same high level of care during their anaesthetic and surgery and afterwards on the ward so we can get you back on your feet as soon as possible. Getting out of bed with the help of the physiotherapists and nursing staff soon after surgery, eating and drinking normally, getting dressed into your own clothes and getting home as soon as possible have all been shown to get your recovery off to the best possible start and do not increase the risk of any complications.

Evidence tells us that the sooner you can get your new hip or knee moving and back on your feet the better the result from your surgery. It also helps reduce the discomfort in your new joint. We will ensure you have plenty of medication available to help ease the pain when you need it. In most cases the discomfort significantly improves after only a few days.

You will be told how long your hospital stay is likely to be when you come into hospital so you know what to expect. The planned duration of stay will vary depending on the specifics of your operation and which hospital you are attending. You will be assessed regularly after your surgery to check how you are progressing and to monitor for any complications. You will be discharged home when you are ready even if this is earlier than the planned date. If you need a little more help don’t worry, you will not be discharged until you are ready.

Click here (https://www.nhsggc.org.uk/your-health/health-services/orthopaedics/hipknee-replacements/exercise/) for some videos on how to improve your fitness before and after surgery