If there was one thing I would ask of the government it would be to further shorten the waiting list for hip replacement. If I could ask something of the industry it would be to raise awareness of early access to hip replacement surgery. This would significantly improve patients’ quality of life.

People with arthritis of the hip have significant pain and limitations in their movements. Hip replacement surgery effectively relieves both back and hip pain. It also can help restore function to both joints.

Orthopaedic surgeons replace the existing joint surfaces with artificial joint prostheses. These prostheses, or prosthetic components, must complement the patient’s natural bone structure. How this adhesion is achieved depends on the type of prosthesis used.

Before a hip replacement a surgeon talks to the patient and decides whether to use a cemented prostheses, a cement-less prostheses or a combination of the two.

The type of component(s) used may depend on the patient’s physiology, the type of surgery being done, and the surgeon’s preference. In this respect, methods and techniques are constantly evolving.

After this kind of surgery, rehabilitation is extremely important, including regular exercise. I have been involved in classes to educate patients about what to expect before, during and after surgery. This is an approach others might be interested in exploring.