In most cases you can book a private consultation directly without a GP referral. However, some private medical insurers require a referral before they will authorise treatment, so it is worth checking with your insurer first.

Yes. I am recognised by the major private medical insurers. Please bring your membership number and authorisation code to your appointment, as some treatments require pre-authorisation.

An initial consultation typically lasts 20–30 minutes. This allows time for a thorough assessment, discussion of your symptoms and goals, and a clear explanation of the options available to you.

Not necessarily. If imaging such as an X-ray, MRI or ultrasound is needed, this can usually be arranged quickly at the same hospital, often on the same day.

No. Many hip and knee conditions can be managed effectively without surgery, through physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, injections and other non-surgical treatments. Surgery is only recommended when it is the best option for you.

I aim to offer prompt appointments across all of my locations. My secretarial team will find the earliest convenient slot at a hospital near you. Please contact them on 0203 307 9091 or contact@dominicdavenport.com. To book a consultation please click here.

Please bring any relevant scans or reports, a list of current medications, your insurance details if applicable, and any questions you would like to discuss.

My secretarial team are available by phone and email during working hours, and will respond to enquiries the same working day wherever possible. Please contact them on 0203 307 9091 or contact@dominicdavenport.com

Most patients are walking with the aid of crutches shortly after surgery and notice significant improvements within 6-12 weeks. Recovery continues over several months, with most people returning to many normal daily activities within 6-8 weeks and continuing to improve for up to a year.

Most patients stay in hospital for one night, although some are suitable for same-day discharge. Your length of stay depends on your mobility, pain control and overall recovery following surgery.

You will usually be prescribed pain relief medication and blood-thinning medication to reduce the risk of blood clots. These are generally taken for several weeks after surgery, and you will receive clear instructions before leaving hospital.

Most hip and knee replacements are performed using a spinal anaesthetic, often combined with sedation so that you are comfortable and may sleep throughout the operation. Your anaesthetist will discuss the most appropriate option with you before surgery.

It is uncommon to require a blood transfusion following modern hip or knee replacement surgery. Surgical techniques and medications used during the operation help to minimise blood loss.

Compression stockings are usually worn for around 2-4 weeks after surgery, or until adequate mobility is reached. This is to help reduce the risk of blood clots. The exact duration will depend on your individual circumstances and any additional risk factors.

Most patients use crutches for between 2 and 6 weeks, depending on their progress, balance and confidence. You can gradually stop using them as your strength and walking improve, following the advice of your surgeon and physiotherapist.

Walking is an important part of your recovery. You'll begin walking on the day of, or the day after, surgery with the guidance of a physiotherapist. It's best to increase your walking gradually, balancing activity with periods of rest and following your rehabilitation programme.

Yes. Physiotherapy is an essential part of recovery after both hip and knee replacement surgery. It helps restore movement, improve strength, reduce swelling and support a safe return to normal activities.

 Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy specialists assess patients pre and post operatively.

The aims are to identify and adjust aspect of the home environment to maintain as much safety as possible for the recovery period, ensuring patients are well versed in the positioning and manoeuvres required to negotiate steps or stairs, getting in and out of chairs or bed and techniques to handle crutches for support in the early period in particular.

 Functional rehabilitation in the post operative period is guided on a patient specific basis.

Often in the first 4-6 weeks the main goal is gradual improvement in independent walking with the new joint replacement.

Medium term, patients will increase their strength and conditioning with guidance from physiotherapy.

Swelling is completely normal and can persist for several weeks or even a few months, particularly after knee replacement surgery. Regular walking, exercises, elevation and ice can all help to reduce swelling.

Not necessarily. Following a hip replacement, some patients are advised to sleep on their back initially or use a pillow between their legs when lying on their side for the first six weeks. After knee replacement surgery, you can usually sleep in whichever position is most comfortable, although this may take time as the knee settles.

Most patients can return to driving around 4-6 weeks after surgery, provided they can comfortably perform an emergency stop, have regained good control of the operated leg and are no longer taking medication that affects their ability to drive. You should also check with your motor insurer before driving again.

This depends on the type of work you do. Patients with desk-based jobs may return after 4-6 weeks, while those with more physically demanding roles may need around 8-12 weeks or longer.

Low-impact activities such as walking, cycling, swimming and golf can usually be resumed within a few months. Higher-impact sports may not be recommended following joint replacement, and I will advise you based on your individual circumstances and lifestyle.

Modern hip and knee replacements are designed to be long-lasting. Most implants continue to function well for 15-20 years or more, with many lasting significantly longer depending on activity levels, general health and implant type.

Yes. During the early stages of recovery, you should follow the advice of your surgeon and physiotherapist regarding movements, exercises and activities. Hip replacement patients may be advised to avoid certain movements for the first few weeks, while knee replacement patients should focus on regaining movement and strength safely.

Regular exercise is an important part of your recovery. Short, frequent walks combined with your prescribed physiotherapy exercises are recommended. Increase your activity gradually, listen to your body and avoid overdoing it in the first few weeks.

Most modern hip and knee replacements use dissolvable stitches beneath the skin, so there are usually no stitches to remove. If clips or non-dissolvable stitches are used, these are typically removed around 10-14 days after surgery.

My standard post op protocol, is that you should not fly for 3 months following joint replacement surgery.

It may do. Modern joint replacements can trigger airport security scanners. If this happens, simply inform the security staff that you have a joint replacement. There is no longer a requirement to carry an implant card, although some patients find it reassuring.

Most women can have a healthy pregnancy after a hip or knee replacement. Your joint replacement should not prevent pregnancy, although your obstetrician and orthopaedic surgeon may work together to advise you on the safest approach during pregnancy and delivery based on your individual circumstances.

This depends on the type of HRT you take and your individual risk of blood clots. Some patients may be advised to stop certain forms of HRT before surgery, while others can continue. This will be discussed with you during your pre-operative assessment.

Hip and knee replacement surgery is highly successful, and serious complications are uncommon. However, as with any operation, there are risks including infection, blood clots, bleeding, stiffness, persistent pain, leg swelling, nerve or blood vessel injury, dislocation (hip replacement), implant loosening or wear over time, and the possibility of requiring further surgery in the future. These risks will be discussed with you in detail before your operation.