Mr Craig offers tailored treatments to address a range of hip conditions, from sports injuries to degenerative diseases and is dedicated to your renewed mobility, improved function, and a better quality of life.
BMedSci (Hons), BM BS, MSc (Distinction), FRCS (Orth)
Practises at: The Droitwich Spa Hospital
The ball and socket of the hip joint can in some people become arthritic. Most often the cause of this is unknown but can also be related to factors such as injury, rheumatoid arthritis and excess alcohol intake.
As the arthritis in the hip joint progresses it is common to feel a deep-seated pain in the groin which is where the hip joint is located. This pain can travel down towards the inner aspect of the thigh and knee. The pain is often described as a dull “severe ache” much like a tooth ache with episodes of sharp stabbing pains on top. The pain is often felt after a few minutes of activity and at night time. Initially some of the pain can be managed through lifestyle modification such as weight loss and simple pain killers. Classically people with a painful hip struggle to clip their own toe nails or put on their shoes and socks.
When seen in clinic a history will be taken and an examination of the hips, spine and knees will be performed. Radiographs of the hips will be requested at the appointment if not available already from the GP.
Taking all the factors into account and if pain is interfering with quality of life then surgery in the form of Total Hip Replacement will be suggested as an option.
Total Hip replacement surgery is an extremely effective, reliable, and long-lasting solution to removing pain and allowing the person to return to a normal life.
On the day of surgery you will be seen by the Consultant Anaesthetist to discuss the specifics of the anaesthetic. Usually this will involve an injection in the back (Spinal Anaesthetic) which numbs both legs. In addition to this, Mr Craig will inject further anaesthetic into the tissues around the hip during the procedure. Most people opt to be given some medicine to fall asleep for the duration of the surgery.
You will be positioned on your side for the operation with supports to hold the pelvis still. The leg is cleaned with antiseptic solution and surgical drapes are placed. The skin over the hip is covered with a sterile plastic drape to protect the area of the incision and reduce infection further.
The hip is accessed via a curved incision centred over the bony prominence of the femur. The small muscles at the back of the hip are detached along with the hip capsule. The hip is gently dislocated, and the femoral head is removed with s saw. The hip socket is then exposed and prepared with special instruments to remove any remaining cartilage and create a perfect hemisphere. Most frequently an uncemented shell is then driven into this hemispherical space with a press -fit. Screws may be placed into this shell to secure it. Over a short period of time bone will grow onto the back of this shell creating a biological weld. A very hard wearing liner is then fitted within the shell. The thigh bone is then prepared with instruments to create a channel for a trial stem to be placed. The hip joint is reduced and stability and leg lengths is carefully checked. Once satisfied the trial is removed and the femur is filled with cement and the definitive stem placed in the exact planned position. A hard wearing ceramic or metal head is secured onto the stem and hip finally reduced, washed and stitched closed. Absorbable stiches in the skin mean no requirement for suture removal.
After a short stay in recovery it is back to the ward for a well-earned cup of tea.
A stay in hospital of 1 -2 days is usually required to allow routine checks to be performed such as an x-ray, a blood test, and the start of physiotherapy.
Once at home the physiotherapy team will provide exercises to be done at home and will organise clinic sessions to ensure recovery is smooth.
Mr Craig will review progress at 6 weeks after surgery. On average people no longer require crutches after 6- 8 weeks. Driving should be possible after 6 weeks. A full recovery can be expected after 3 – 6 months.
After consultation it may be that surgery is not recommended for you at this stage.
Pain from the hip joint is classically felt deep inside the affected groin and may be referred towards the knee. However this is not always the case and may present with pain around the buttock, lower back or solely within the knee itself.
Hip arthritis often coincides with back arthritis and/or knee arthritis. After a careful history and examination along with an x-ray, it is usually possible to make a firm diagnosis of symptomatic hip arthritis. If this is not convincing it is helpful inject some local anaesthetic directly into the hip joint.
This is usually done with either an ultrasound or a portable xray machine in the radiology department. The person is asked to keep a record of their symptoms over the following 24 hours.
There are usually two reasons why therapeutic injections are suggested instead of surgery. Either; the person’s circumstances dictate that they are unable to commit to surgery for the foreseeable future or the person is not well enough to undergo surgery. In this scenario a strong pain killer (steroid) is injected in the same manner as a diagnostic injection. It is important to remember that a gap of 6 months is recommended before hip replacement is undertaken. Repeated injections may hasten the arthritis in the hip joint.
"Consultation was to complete consent forms for surgical procedure - total hip replacement. Everything was well explained including the procedure itself, benefits and risks. I am very happy to be under Mr Craig's care for the necessary surgery."
Patient feedback
"Mr Craig made me feel at ease and listened to me."
Patient feedback
"Very professional in every way, my first ever operation, Mr Craig and his Team were magnificent and very professional at all time, from the time I was first seen to the time I left hostpital, all my after care aswell."
Patient feedback
"First class from start to finish. Top man."
Patient feedback
"Very happy to see the consultant this time."
Patient feedback
"Mr Craig was very helpful, made me feel relaxed. He has a great personality, very caring. After 6 years of pain, I know he intends to make me feel better."
Patient feedback
"Very polite, professional and caring."
Patient feedback
With years of rigorous training and clinical experience, Mr Peter Craig is at the forefront of orthopaedic advancements, offering state-of-the-art surgical techniques and personalized treatment plans tailored to each individual's unique needs.
Mr Craig offers tailored treatments to address a range of hip and knee conditions, from sports injuries to degenerative diseases and is dedicated to your renewed mobility, improved function, and a better quality of life.
"Mr Craig was very helpful, made me feel relaxed. He has a great personality, very caring. After 6 years of pain, I know he intends to make me feel better."
