It’s risky, but worth it for a fit man

WHILE surgery of any kind is riskier for older patients, doctors say general fitness is more important than age – and Philip, 96, is well known for his robust constitution and love of sport.

However, the elderly are more likely to suffer rare complications from general anaesthetic, including long-term memory loss. And any hip procedure carries risks, including infection, blood clots and injury to surrounding nerves.

But the chances of suffering these are very low – affecting up to one in 100.

In fact, most of those who have hip surgery experience a huge improvement in pain and mobility.