FAQs
You can schedule an appointment by contacting Mr Malik’s secretary via phone or email. Feel free to get in touch with us if you have any questions—we’re happy to assist.
While a referral isn’t always mandatory, it’s often required if you’re using private insurance. Check with your insurer or contact the secretary for guidance.
New appointments are for first-time consultations or new symptoms. Follow-up appointments are for ongoing care, such as post-surgery check-ups or review of investigations.
The consultation fee depends on whether it’s an initial or follow-up visit. Our team will provide a full breakdown when you book.
To confirm coverage, we recommend contacting your insurer and sharing your policy details with our team. We can also assist in verifying pre-authorisation requirements.
Arranging an Appointment
All of the hospitals where Mr Malik practices offer on-site parking, including spaces designated for disabled parking. If you need specific directions or information about parking availability, please feel free to contact us ahead of your visit, and we’ll be happy to assist.
Yes, translators can be arranged. Please inform us before your appointment so we can make suitable arrangements.
Insurance details and pre-authorisation numbers (if applicable).
Information about previous treatments or surgeries.
A list of regular medications.
Any relevant imaging, such as X-rays or MRI scans.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing that makes it easy to examine the affected area.
Mr Malik will take a detailed history, perform a physical examination, and discuss your symptoms. He may recommend further tests, such as scans, to get a clearer understanding of your condition.
Absolutely. Chaperones are available upon request; just let the secretary know beforehand.
A follow-up may be recommended to review test results, assess progress, or plan further treatment. Mr Malik will advise if this is needed.
Contact the clinic as soon as possible, and we’ll help you rearrange your appointment.
At the Appointment
Tests are usually scheduled shortly after your consultation. The secretary will coordinate with you to ensure a convenient time.
Common investigations include blood tests, X-rays, MRIs, CT scans, or ultrasounds, depending on your condition.
Most results are available within a few days to a week. Mr Malik will review them with you during a follow-up appointment or via a phone consultation.
Investigations (Blood Tests, X-rays, Scans)
Once surgery is advised, Mr Malik’s secretary will work with you to find a suitable date and handle all the logistics.
A pre-op assessment ensures you’re in good health for surgery. It typically involves medical checks like blood tests and a review of your health history.
Yes, contact us if you need to reschedule, and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.
A consultant anaesthetist will be part of your surgical team. They will meet you beforehand to discuss your anaesthetic plan and answer any questions.
Our team will provide a detailed estimate, including surgeon, anaesthetist, and hospital fees, so you know what to expect.
Arranging an Operation
You’ll receive specific instructions, such as fasting guidelines and medications to stop. Follow these carefully to ensure a smooth procedure.
Mr Malik will go over the procedure, its benefits, and any risks during a consultation. You’ll sign the consent form once all your questions have been answered.
If You Require an Operation
Day-case surgery means you can go home the same day as your procedure, provided it’s safe to do so.
You’ll be cared for by the medical team, who will monitor your recovery and provide instructions for post-operative care.
For most procedures, patients are discharged within 24–48 hours. For day surgery, you’ll leave the same day once cleared by the team.
In Hospital
Our nursing team typically arranges a 2-week wound check to review your healing progress and, in some cases, remove the clips. If it's more convenient for you, you can request to have the removal done by your GP or local practice nurse.
Follow-up appointments are usually scheduled within 6-8 weeks after surgery to check your recovery.
Mr Malik or his team will recommend a physiotherapist and arrange a referral if needed. You can also seek private physiotherapy if preferred.
After Leaving Hospital
Hip replacement surgery is typically recommended for individuals with:
Advanced arthritis (e.g., osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis).
Persistent hip pain that interferes with daily activities, such as walking or climbing stairs.
Reduced mobility unresponsive to non-surgical treatments like physiotherapy, weight management, medications, or injections.
Cemented Implants: Secured using a special bone cement for immediate stability.
Uncemented Implants: Rely on bone growth to stabilise over time, often preferred for younger, more active patients. Your surgeon will choose the most suitable option based on bone quality and individual health factors.
Day of surgery: Patients often begin walking with assistance.
Within 1–2 weeks: Stitches or staples are removed.
6–8 weeks: Most return to light daily activities.
3–6 months: Full recovery, including optimal strength and function, is achieved.
Yes, follow-ups are essential to:
Monitor the implant’s position and condition.
Assess healing progress.
Your surgeon will provide a tailored follow-up schedule based on your recovery.
Follow post-operative instructions on wound care and physical activity.
Engage in physiotherapy to regain mobility and strength.
Use anticoagulants as prescribed to prevent blood clots.
Avoid high-impact activities that could strain the new joint.
Although rare, complications include infection, blood clots, fracture, dislocation, leg length discrepancy, neurovascular injury, loosening/wear of the implant, and further surgery. Your surgeon will discuss these risks and take steps to minimise them.
Modern hip replacements last 15–20 years or more, with improvements in materials and surgical techniques contributing to their longevity.
Most patients return to low-impact activities like walking, swimming, or cycling. High-impact sports should generally be avoided to preserve the implant’s lifespan.
For early to moderate arthritis or hip pain, non-surgical options include:
Physiotherapy and exercise.
Weight management.
Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroid injections.
Surgery is considered only when these measures no longer provide relief.
Persistent pain could be due to:
Initial post-operative pain
Unrelated conditions like bursitis or tendinitis.
Implant misalignment.
Scar tissue formation.
Consult your surgeon for further evaluation and imaging if needed.
Yes, implant failure can occur due to wear, loosening, or fracture of the prosthetic components. Regular follow-ups can identify issues early and allow for intervention, such as revision surgery, if needed.
You can typically resume driving around 6 weeks after surgery, depending on your recovery progress. It's important to ensure you can comfortably perform necessary movements, such as operating the pedals and steering, without pain or discomfort. Always consult with your surgeon to confirm you're fit to drive, and avoid driving if you're still taking strong pain medication.
Hip Surgery FAQs
Knee replacement surgery effectively treats conditions such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic arthritis, which cause chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility that significantly impact daily activities.
Candidates are individuals with severe knee pain and dysfunction that do not improve with non-surgical treatments, such as physiotherapy, medications, injections, or lifestyle modifications.
Total Knee Replacement (TKR): The entire knee joint is replaced with a prosthetic joint.
Partial Knee Replacement (PKR): Only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced, preserving healthy bone and tissue. PKR typically offers quicker recovery and a more natural knee movement compared to TKR.
Your suitability depends on the extent of knee damage.
Robotic-assisted knee surgery provides greater precision in implant placement and alignment, enhancing the longevity and functionality of the prosthetic joint. This technology is tailored to individual patients' anatomy for optimal outcomes.
The damaged cartilage and bone are removed and replaced with metal and plastic prosthetic components, restoring joint function and reducing pain. The procedure can be performed using traditional or minimally invasive techniques.
Day of surgery: Mobilisation typically begins.
Within 2–3 days: Most patients are discharged.
6–8 weeks: Patients return to daily activities and low-impact exercises.
Several months: Full recovery, including strength and range of motion, may be achieved.
Yes, physiotherapy is essential to regain strength, flexibility, and function in the knee. A personalised rehabilitation programme will help you achieve the best results.
To minimise risks such as infection, blood clots, or implant issues:
Follow your surgeon’s advice on wound care and activity levels.
Participate in physiotherapy and avoid high-impact activities that could stress the joint.
Though rare, risks include infection, blood clots, nerve damage, or implant wear. Your surgeon will discuss these in detail and take precautions to ensure a safe recovery.
Most knee replacements last 15–20 years or more, depending on factors like implant type, surgical technique, and post-operative care.
Persistent pain may indicate issues such as implant misalignment, scar tissue formation, or unrelated conditions like bursitis. A follow-up consultation and imaging studies can help identify and address the underlying cause.
Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, and cycling are encouraged. High-impact activities should generally be avoided to preserve the longevity of the implant. Your surgeon will provide personalised guidance.
Non-surgical treatments, such as weight management, physiotherapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and joint injections, can manage symptoms in the early stages of joint degeneration. These should be explored before surgery if appropriate.