Fully recovering from a hip replacement can be a lengthy process, with certain activities potentially requiring months of rehabilitation to return to. Basic activities such as walking, driving or climbing stairs unassisted may be achievable within a matter of weeks, while more complex or demanding motions such as cycling or running requiring up to a month or two for some patients. The duration of rehabilitation largely relates to your condition going into hip replacement surgery, and the better condition and strength you have in the lead up to surgery, the faster your recovery will be. As with all questions about recovery, the answer will depend on your personal situation and the circumstances of your operation. Dr David Slattery will advise you on your recovery plan after your operation.

At six weeks after your hip replacement surgery, you will be off crutches and walking more normally. At this stage we will commence walking for exercise, and activity specific retraining. You will be working on your strength, agility, muscle control, posture and core strength with your physiotherapist as part of a specific post operative rehabilitation regime. There are no restrictions upon your range of movement, and you should be able to recommence most of your normal activities.

Rehabilitation is necessary after hip replacement, but this can take a variety of forms. All patients are required to work closely alongside a physio who will assist them to get walking and restore their movement. Most patients do not require inpatient rehabilitation in a dedicated rehabilitation facility. Generally, inpatient rehabilitation is reserved for elderly or frail persons without home supports to allow them to directly return home.

Most patients experience an acute reduction in the amount of arthritis pain immediately after surgery, but the surgery itself can also create soreness. Factors that influence recovery rate include the surgical technique used,, your age, your level of health prior to surgery and your level of pre-surgery preparation amongst others. Generally most patients are walking with crutches day 1, and spend 2-3 days in hospital. Some patients are able to go home day 1 post op, but please discuss this with Dr Slattery. Dr David Slattery will be able to advise you on what your recovery will most likely look like after surgery.

Mr Slattery holds dual qualifications in both Orthopaedic Surgery and Law, and is available to provide medicolegal reports.  He has extensive experience in both the clinical and legal side of medicolegal issues, TAC, Workcover and Personal Injury matters.   He is able to see patients at short notice and can provide expedited reports if requested.  Please contact us to arrange an appointment.

Yes, Mr Slattery sees uninsured patients and if surgery is requested quotes for this can be obtained easily

Mr Slattery will see you directly after your operation and explain the surgical findings with you.  Should you have questions which arise once discharged from hospital, if they are non urgent in nature then they can be discussed at your post operative visit.  If they are of an urgent nature, or if you believe you have had a complication please contact us as soon as possible.

Before the first appointment we will send you a link to register your details with the practice, and this will expedite your appointment on the day. You are requested to bring your medicare card, referral details, any X-Rays, CT scans, MRI scans or other imaging or blood tests that you have had.  If X-Rays or scans have been done, we prefer them to be in hard copy rather than on discs or online, as these can be difficult to access.

Yes! Mr Slattery routinely sees patients who have previously seen other surgeons, and often at the request of other surgeons.  If you have previously seen another surgeon but would like a second opinion please make an appointment.  If you have previously had surgery it is very useful to bring details of the previous operation, if you have them

It is very common to have questions after your appointment, as often there is a lot of information to take in and process.  If you have questions please contact the rooms and Mr Slattery can get in touch with you to discuss them

There are costs associated with surgery, and details of these can be found in the Costs of surgery page