Hip care
Primary (first-time) hip replacement in Wellington
Hip arthritis can make walking, stairs, sleep and everyday activities increasingly difficult. Andy will assess how much your hip is contributing to your symptoms, review your imaging and discuss treatment options with your health, mobility and goals in mind.
Considering hip replacement
- Assessment considers symptoms, examination findings and imaging together.
- Non-operative options may still be appropriate for some people.
- Hip replacement may be discussed when findings are consistent and symptoms remain limiting.
Reasons to seek advice
Groin or thigh pain
Pain from hip arthritis is often felt in the groin, thigh or buttock and may affect walking.
Stiffness
Reduced movement can make it harder to put on shoes and socks, get in and out of a car, or use stairs.
Sleep or activity limits
Symptoms may affect sleep, work, recreation or everyday independence.
At your appointment
Assessment usually includes discussion of symptoms, previous treatment, general health, medications and goals. Andy will examine the hip and review available X-rays or other imaging.
Andy will explain how the imaging findings relate to your symptoms and whether further tests are needed.
What to bring
Referral notes, hip X-rays or reports, current medicines and treatment already tried are useful.
Your treatment options
Options may include activity changes, physiotherapy, weight management when useful, pain medication through your usual clinician, walking aids, injections in selected situations, or ongoing observation.
Surgery is not inevitable. Advice is tailored to symptoms, examination findings, imaging, general health and what you are hoping to achieve.
Talking about surgery
Primary hip replacement may be discussed when symptoms, examination findings and imaging are consistent, and non-operative measures are no longer providing enough benefit. The discussion includes what surgery involves, expected recovery, possible risks, alternatives and factors that may affect outcome.
Planning your care
If surgery is considered appropriate, practical next steps include funding confirmation, pre-operative planning and discussion of recovery expectations. Recovery varies from person to person and depends on general health, the condition of the joint and the treatment received.
Funding approval depends on the funder and clinical situation.
Primary hip replacement information
This handout gives general information about primary hip replacement. Bring your questions to your consultation so you can discuss how it applies to your care.
