RCS comment on Duke of Edinburgh’s discharge from hospital following hip surgery

The Duke of Edinburgh has been discharged from hospital following a successful hip replacement operation.

Responding to the news, Mrs Scarlett McNally, a Royal College of Surgeons council member and consultant orthopaedic surgeon, said:

"We welcome news that the Duke of Edinburgh has been discharged from hospital following a successful hip replacement operation.

"Every individual has different needs and recovers in different ways. A patient’s fitness will have more impact on their recovery than their age.

"Patients who have undergone hip surgery have sessions of supervised exercise with physiotherapists as part of the multi-disciplinary team.  They are taught how to use their muscles again, to stand, transfer and walk, initially using walking aids.  There are some 'set pieces' such as how to manage stairs and some key concepts such as remembering good posture and smooth movements. Patients are given exercises and information to continue after they are discharged home. 

"They will get a little stronger every day after surgery and will be encouraged to do small amounts of exercise as well as eat well to build strength. Hip replacement surgery is very successful.  Most patients do well.  Pain usually settles quickly.  Improvements in strength and function continue for several weeks or months."

Notes to editors

The Royal College of Surgeons of England is a professional membership organisation and registered charity, which exists to advance surgical standards and improve patient care.

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