Our Summary

This research examined how the experience level of a surgeon and the amount of supervision they received influenced the likelihood of patient death or need for additional surgery within a year of a total hip replacement operation. They used data from a single university hospital from 2005 to 2020 and divided it into three five-year periods for analysis.

The study included nearly 10,000 hip replacements, more than half of which were led by senior doctors (consultants), while the rest were led by trainees. Of the trainee-led operations, about half were supervised by a consultant.

The results showed that the rates of patient death and need for additional surgery after one year were not significantly different between operations led by consultants and those led by trainees. However, they did find that the risk of needing additional surgery within a year increased in the most recent five-year period (2015-2020) for operations led by trainees without consultant supervision.

In simple terms, whether your hip replacement surgery is performed by a senior doctor or a trainee doesn’t seem to affect your chance of survival or need for more surgery within a year. However, if a trainee is going to do your surgery, having a senior doctor supervise might reduce your risk of needing more surgery within a year.

FAQs

  1. Does the experience level of the surgeon performing a hip replacement affect the likelihood of patient death or need for additional surgery within a year?
  2. Does having a senior doctor supervise a trainee during a hip replacement surgery reduce the risk of needing additional surgery within a year?
  3. Has the risk of needing additional surgery within a year increased for operations led by trainees without supervision in recent years?

Doctor’s Tip

Therefore, it is important to discuss with your doctor the experience level of the surgeon who will be performing your hip replacement and whether they will be supervised by a more senior doctor. This can help ensure the best possible outcome for your surgery. Additionally, following your doctor’s post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments is crucial for a successful recovery after hip replacement surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hip replacement surgery are those who have severe hip pain that limits their daily activities, have not experienced relief from other non-surgical treatments, and have been diagnosed with conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or hip fractures. Other factors that may influence the recommendation for hip replacement surgery include age, overall health, and the patient’s ability to participate in and commit to the rehabilitation process following surgery.

Timeline

Before hip replacement:

  • Patient experiences hip pain and limited mobility
  • Consultation with orthopedic surgeon to discuss surgery as an option
  • Pre-operative tests and evaluations to assess overall health and fitness for surgery
  • Education on the procedure, potential risks, and post-operative care
  • Surgery scheduled and pre-operative instructions provided

After hip replacement:

  • Surgery performed, typically taking 1-2 hours
  • Initial recovery in hospital for a few days, followed by rehabilitation and physical therapy
  • Pain management and monitoring for complications
  • Gradual return to normal activities, with restrictions on certain movements
  • Follow-up appointments with surgeon to monitor healing and progress
  • Long-term monitoring for potential complications or need for revision surgery

Overall, the goal of hip replacement surgery is to improve quality of life by reducing pain and improving mobility in the affected joint. With proper care and rehabilitation, most patients are able to return to their normal activities and enjoy a better quality of life after hip replacement.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about hip replacement surgery include:

  1. What is your experience level with performing hip replacement surgeries?
  2. Will a senior doctor be supervising my surgery if it is being performed by a trainee?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with hip replacement surgery?
  4. How long is the typical recovery period after hip replacement surgery?
  5. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery?
  6. What is the success rate of hip replacement surgeries performed at this hospital?
  7. How soon can I expect to be able to return to normal activities after the surgery?
  8. Are there any specific pre-operative or post-operative instructions I should follow to ensure a successful outcome?
  9. What type of rehabilitation or physical therapy will be recommended after the surgery?
  10. Are there any alternative treatments or procedures that could be considered instead of hip replacement surgery?

Reference

Authors: Howgate DJ, Garfjeld Roberts P, Palmer A, Price A, Taylor A, Rees JL, Kendrick B. Journal: Ann R Coll Surg Engl. 2025 Apr;107(4):275-284. doi: 10.1308/rcsann.2024.0049. Epub 2024 Nov 21. PMID: 39570304