Abstract
Introduction: The aim of this study was to assess the practice of obtaining informed consent for Total Hip Replacement Surgery in the United Kingdom.
Methods and results: 1571 consultant members of the BOA were surveyed by postal questionnaire regarding their practice towards obtaining informed consent for total hip replacement surgery. 524 (33.3%) replies were received. 368 (23.4%) of the 524 consultants who replied still performed total hip replacement surgery. In obtaining informed consent for hip replacement surgery consultants warned of the following complications: Infection 99.7%, Dislocation 98.9%, Leg length discrepancy 75.2%, Aseptic loosening 85.8%, neurovascular damage 61.9%, Wear 63.2%, DVT 96.0%, PE 89.0% and Mortality 71.6%. Consent was routinely obtained by Senior House Officers in 38.7%, by Pre-Registration House Officer in 3.8% and by specialist nurses in 5.4% of cases. Patient information leaflets were provided by 72.0% of consultants for Hip Replacement.
Discussion: We recommend national guidelines relating to obtaining consent for hip replacement should be published by the British Hip Society. This should be incorporated into their best practice documents regarding Hip replacement Surgery. Consent should also be obtained by a suitably experienced practitioner.
Correspondence should be addressed to The Secretary, BHS, c/o BOA, The Royal College of Surgeons, 35–43 Lincoln’s Inn Fields, London WC2A 3PE.
