Home six hours after hip replacement surgery and walking unaided just one week later
06 October 2026
A 72-year-old woman from West Kirby was back at home just six hours after undergoing hip replacement surgery and is now walking unaided only one week later.
Mrs Bernice Horgan had been living with increasing hip discomfort for several years, with the pain gradually worsening and eventually affecting her even while resting.
After asking directly for a referral to Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral through her health insurance, Bernice met consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Ganapathi, who recommended a Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) hip replacement.
The Direct Anterior Approach is a minimally invasive muscle-sparing technique that accesses the hip from the front of the body through a small incision at the top of the thigh. By avoiding disruption to major muscles, suitable patients can often mobilise sooner and recover more quickly than with traditional approaches.
In a significant milestone for the hospital, Bernice became the first patient to undergo a day-case DAA hip replacement performed by Mr Ganapathi at Spire Murrayfield Hospital Wirral. Remarkably, just six hours after her operation, Bernice was able to go back home beginning her recovery.
Following surgery, she was supported by physiotherapist Sam Roberts, who said Bernice had been carefully identified as a suitable candidate for day-case surgery.
"Bernice was a very good candidate for a day-case hip replacement. Her pain was well managed after surgery and she progressed quickly through the stages we needed to see before discharge.
"She was able to get out of bed, mobilise safely with a frame, progress onto crutches and complete her stair exercises. It was a very smooth post-operative recovery."
"One of the benefits of this type of surgery is that, for suitable patients, we can tailor recovery around the patient's needs and preferences. Bernice had made it clear that she wanted to recover in the comfort of her own home and didn't want to stay in hospital overnight, and this approach allowed her to do exactly that."
Sam contacted Bernice the following day to check on her progress and was delighted with how well she was doing.
"When I spoke to Bernice the next day, she was doing great. It's always rewarding to see patients recovering well and returning home with confidence so soon after surgery."
One week later, Bernice is walking independently, recovering comfortably at home and enjoying a level of mobility she had feared would take much longer to achieve.
She said:
"I'd been experiencing discomfort for a few years and it was gradually getting worse. The pain was affecting me even when I was resting, so I knew I needed to do something about it.
"The care I received was excellent from start to finish. Everyone was so attentive and kind and made me feel completely at ease.
"I was amazed to be back home just six hours after my operation. One week later I'm walking easily and can bend down to put my shoes on without any problems.
"The scar is very small and I'm really pleased with it. I couldn't have asked for a better experience."
Mr Ganapathi said advances in surgical techniques are helping suitable patients recover more quickly and return to everyday life sooner.
"The Direct Anterior Approach is a muscle-sparing technique that can offer significant benefits for suitable patients. Many patients are able to mobilise quickly after surgery and recover function sooner. This technique for hip replacements is still very uncommon in the UK and we are glad that we are now able to offer this type of surgery at Spire Murrayfield Hospital, Wirral to suitable patients.
"It is fantastic to see Bernice doing so well just one week after her operation and enjoying such a positive early recovery."
For Bernice, the results have already exceeded expectations. Just one week after surgery, she is walking unaided, bending comfortably, putting on her shoes with ease and looking forward to enjoying life free from the pain that had affected her for years.
