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Recovery & Returning to Work

  • 10 days: Many patients feel “pretty functional,” some drive and do sedentary work from home (only if safe and cleared).
     

  • 2–4 weeks: Most people feel comfortable and happy with progress (some take longer).
     

  • 2–3 weeks: Light office duties are usually possible.
     

  • 3–6 weeks: Plan time off work depending on your role.
     

  • 6–12 weeks: Avoid heavy labour (e.g., farming, heavy lifting).
     

  • Ongoing: The hip continues to strengthen and improve for over 24 months. Many patients feel they don’t need follow-ups by 3–6 months, but please attend scheduled reviews and contact us with any concerns.

Results, Expectations & Follow-up

  • Satisfaction: The vast majority of patients are very happy with BHR—often more than with total hip replacement.
     

  • Longevity: BHR has excellent results beyond 20+ years.

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  • Future options: BHR does not “burn the bridge”—if ever needed, it can be converted to a total hip replacement later in life.

Ready to Plan Your Visit?

Please email Nikki at blackleyoffice@xtra.co.nz (include your referral). We’ll guide you through each step and make the process as smooth as possible.

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Risks & Possible Complications

All surgery carries risk. With BHR, potential issues (uncommon overall) include:

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  • Bleeding, blood clots (DVT/PE), pain

  • Superficial or deep infection

  • Dislocation (extremely rare with resurfacing)

  • Leg length difference (often pre-existing)

  • Metallosis/metal ion problems (very rare with BHR)

  • Early or late failure, and the possibility of conversion to total hip replacement

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Recovery milestones: Many patients are fairly comfortable by 6 weeks, very comfortable by 6 months, with continued gains for 2+ years. Good rehab and steady walking make a big difference.

Patients Outside Auckland

Appointment Plan

You will need at least two in-person visits in Auckland before surgery:

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  1. Visit One – Understanding your surgery
     

    • We’ll discuss the BHR procedure, recovery timeline, expected outcomes and risks.

    • You’ll see models/X-rays and have time for questions.
       

  2. Visit Two – Final pre-op (typically Tuesday afternoon; surgery the next day)
     

    • Held at Southern Cross North Harbour.

    • We’ll recap the plan, answer any last questions, and complete consent.

 

Sometimes a third pre-op visit is needed. If you can attend with your partner/support person, this often reduces the need for an additional visit.

Travel Planning

  • When to arrive: Fly/drive to Auckland Tuesday mid-afternoon. You’ll be seen at the hospital on Tuesday afternoon for final checks and consent.
     

  • Going home:
     

    • Most local patients: Home Thursday afternoon or Friday morning.

    • Out-of-town patients: Home Friday or Saturday (varies by recovery).
       

  • Flying: Book flexible return flights and you must travel with a companion (Air New Zealand requirement).
     

Driving: Arrange a driver for the trip home.

Quick Travel Checklist

  • GP/specialist referral sent to blackleyoffice@xtra.co.nz
     

  • Two pre-op visits in Auckland booked (Tues/Fri clinics)
     

  • Template X-rays arranged (at first visit)
     

  • Flexible flights booked + companion organised (for flight home)
     

  • Driver arranged if going home by car
     

  • Time off work planned: 3–6 weeks (role-dependent)
     

  • Home set-up: chair with arms, easy stair access, minimise bending/lifting

Hip Resurfacing

Hip Resurfacing (BHR) is a bone-preserving operation designed for active patients with hip arthritis. If you’re travelling from outside Auckland, this guide outlines the appointments you’ll need, where to go, what to bring, and how to plan your trip and recovery.

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Clinic Locations & How to Book

  • Clinics:
     

    • Tuesday afternoons: Southern Cross North Harbour

    • Fridays (all day): Remuera
       

  • Referrals & bookings: Please obtain a GP (or specialist) referral and email PA Nikki at blackleyoffice@xtra.co.nz to arrange appointments.
     

X-rays: We will organise template X-rays at your first Auckland visit. Please do not get new X-rays unless advised by our team (we’ll also follow up your recent imaging).

Surgery Scheduling & Hospital

  • Operating day: Wednesdays (BHR list).
     

  • Typical wait time: 2–3 months ahead.
     

Hospital: Southern Cross North Harbour, 212 Wairau Road, Glenfield, Auckland

What to Expect in Hospital

  • Day of surgery (Wednesday): Most patients stand/walk Wednesday evening or Thursday morning (individual variation is normal).
     

  • Mobilising: You’ll be independent on crutches, including stairs, before discharge.
     

Pain: Pain after surgery is expected; it eases steadily with medication, ice, and walking. We’ll guide you through safe activity.

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