After your first consultation you may have decided on a plan for your care with our Surgeon. However, this often requires further investigations before a second consultation to confirm the diagnosis and to  finalise the plan together.

If surgery is the answer, we will explain it clearly to you. It is important you fully understand the next steps and we have agreed on  the shared expectations. Once you are fully informed you will complete a consent form with the Surgeon.

Next you will be seen by our expert nurses in a pre-assessment clinic to check your overall health for the anaesthetic. They are very helpful and can give guidance on how to prepare your home, your friends or your family for the journey ahead. If they have any medical concerns about you then you will see a Consultant Anaesthetist before the day of surgery.

It is important to make arrangements with both work and home to help you through the recovery, especially as you may have limitations to your walking.

Finally in the weeks before your operation you should try to rest, eat well and get stronger. Some patients practice on their crutches for strength and balance training.

If you smoke—stop smoking.