Philip ‘in good spirits’ after he is given a new hip at 96
‘Stay in hospital for several days’
PRINCE Philip was said to be in ‘good spirits’ last night after he had a hip replacement at the age of 96.
The Duke of Edinburgh had the operation at the private King Edward VII Hospital in London yesterday after a month of battling pain.
Buckingham Palace said he was ‘progressing satisfactorily at this early stage’ after the hour-long procedure.
He will remain in hospital for several days and his condition is said to be ‘comfortable’.
Royal officials announced on Tuesday that the prince had been admitted
to hospital for surgery on his hip but did not specify what he was having done.
The hip replacement was carried out under a general anaesthetic, although some patients opt for a local or even an epidural.
The fact that Philip is still so healthy – he takes a brisk walk each day and enjoys carriage driving – will aid his recovery.
Still, the rehabilitation process after surgery can be demanding. For the first four to six weeks after the operation he is likely to need a walking aid, such as crutches or sticks.
This means that if he feels well enough to attend Prince Harry’s wedding to Meghan Markle on May 19, proud Philip – who hates to make allowances for his age – may be forced to use a walking aid in public.
Ananda Nanu, president of the British Orthopaedic Association, said Philip was a ‘ fine’ example of someone who could really benefit from a hip replacement.
He said: ‘The wonderful thing nowadays is that people have come to accept the fact that they don’t need to be in pain. They can have a hip replacement regardless of their age. The were most before of success important the surgery, is how determinant well not they how old they are when they have it. Age is just a number. ‘Prince Philip is a great example of the benefits of surgery and a role model in his lifestyle and work ethic.’
Hip replacement surgery is usually necessary when the joint is worn or damaged to the extent that mobility is reduced and the patient experiences pain even while resting. The most common reason for this is osteoarthritis, which is common in a man of Philip’s age.
A modern artificial hip joint is designed to last for at least 15 years and most patients experience a significant improvement in their range of movement following the operation.
The late Queen Mother had her right hip replaced in 1995 and then a second, three years later, at the age of 97.
NHS patients have to wait on average 97 days for surgery, but as he has opted for surgery privately Philip’s operation was arranged in a matter of days.
However, his doctors are likely to have tried several other treatments first including physiotherapy or steroid injections.
Explaining how the duke’s recovery is likely to progress, Mr Nanu said: ‘By today he will be encouraged to get back on his feet with the help of a frame and take a few steps.
‘In two days I would expect him to be walking on sticks, although, given his age, I would anticipate he will remain in hospital for four or five days.
‘He will get back to the way he was, provided there are no complications, in about eight to 12 weeks. I fully expect to see him leading [Prince Harry’s] wedding procession – but maybe with the help of a stylish cane or a stick in his hand.’
Buckingham Palace said in a statement last night: ‘The Duke of Edinburgh has undergone a successful hip replacement operation. He is progressing satisfactorily at this early stage.
‘His Royal Highness is likely to remain in hospital for several days. He is comfortable and in good spirits.’