Plain-English articles on hip and knee surgery, written and medically reviewed by Mr Shakir Hussain to help you make informed decisions about your care.
Revision rates, patient-reported outcomes and consultant-level results from the National Joint Registry (NJR) and the National Consultant Information Programme (NCIP).
Every article on this page has been written and medically reviewed by Mr Hussain. Content is updated regularly to reflect current evidence and best practice.
Most surgeons consider previous spinal fusion a reason to avoid hip resurfacing. In carefully selected patients, the evidence suggests the opposite may be true. Mr Hussain explains the biomechanics, the risks, and why resurfacing can dramatically reduce dislocation risk in a patient whose spine is already fused, illustrated with pre- and post-operative X-rays from a real case.
Mr Hussain joined the invited faculty at the third Complex Primary to Revision Hip Course at the Smith & Nephew London Academy, teaching consultant surgeons from across the UK complex primary and revision hip replacement. What the course covers, and why a teaching faculty role matters when you are choosing your hip replacement surgeon.
Mr Hussain now performs ReCerf ceramic hip resurfacing at Harborne Hospital, Birmingham. ReCerf is an all-ceramic, metal-free resurfacing implant that preserves your natural bone and, unlike older metal-on-metal designs, is suitable for both men and women. What ceramic resurfacing is, how it differs, and who it suits.
Mr Hussain has become the first surgeon in the Midlands, and one of the first in the UK, to perform revision knee replacement using the CORI robotic system, at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Birmingham. What the milestone means for patients with a failed knee replacement, and how robotic precision helps where there is least room for error.
When can you fly safely before and after joint replacement surgery? A clear, evidence-based guide to the timing of long-haul travel, DVT risk, and practical precautions, with surgeon-specific advice from Mr Hussain.
Both procedures relieve the pain of hip arthritis, but they work differently and suit different patients. Mr Hussain, trained directly under BHR co-inventor Ronan Treacy, sets out the differences, the candidate criteria, and the new ceramic-on-ceramic option.
Mako, ROSA, and CORI all improve the accuracy of knee replacement, so why does Mr Hussain reach for the image-free CORI system? A plain-English comparison of the three platforms, the published evidence behind them, and what it means for your knee.
Some medications, supplements and treatments need careful review before joint replacement surgery. A patient guide covering blood thinners, NSAIDs, GLP-1s like Ozempic, immunotherapy, herbal supplements and more.
Modern knee implants are far more durable than their predecessors, but they are not designed to last forever. Mr Hussain explains what determines implant longevity, what revision surgery involves, and how to protect your knee replacement.
A short, plain-English guide to checking your hip or knee surgeon's results in the NHS National Joint Registry and the National Consultant Information Programme, without needing a medical background to interpret them.
A step-by-step guide to obtaining insurance pre-authorisation before hip or knee replacement. Covers the process, OPCS procedure codes, and direct contact details for Bupa, AXA, Vitality, Aviva, WPA, Cigna, and more.
Mr Hussain's pre-operative guide for hip replacement patients. Covers pre-op assessment, fitness and weight optimisation, medication review, home setup, what to pack, the Sip Till Send fluid protocol, and what to expect on the day of admission across all three Birmingham hospitals.
A plain-English walkthrough of what physically happens during hip replacement surgery. Arrival in the anaesthetic room, the WHO checklist, anaesthesia, surgical approaches (anterior, posterior, lateral), step-by-step what the surgeon does, implant choices, the recovery room, and the first night on the ward.
An overview of the implants Mr Hussain uses for hip replacement: the four implant components, fixation methods, bearing surfaces, commonly used UK brands (Stryker Exeter, DePuy Corail, Smith & Nephew Polarstem, Zimmer, Link, MatOrtho), implant longevity, custom 3D-printed implants, and proximal femoral replacement for complex revision cases.
When can you run, cycle, ski, or climb again after hip resurfacing? Mr Hussain sets out realistic, activity-by-activity timelines for getting back to sport, why resurfacing suits active patients, and how to protect your new hip while rebuilding strength and confidence.
Spinal anaesthetic with sedation is the standard choice for hip and knee replacement, and for good reason. Mr Hussain explains how spinal and general anaesthesia compare on safety, recovery, nausea, and pain control, so you know what to expect on the day of surgery.
Every article on this hub is authored and reviewed by Mr Hussain, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital Birmingham, with a subspecialty focus on hip resurfacing, robotic-assisted knee replacement and complex revision surgery. He holds the fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh in Trauma & Orthopaedics.
Take the first step towards a pain-free, active life. Book a specialist consultation with Mr Hussain today.