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Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery If you are considering hip surgery, you should reduce recovery time including pain with minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. The surgery involves a particular anterior approach to the hip. Traditional hip replacements performed in the U.S. use the posterior or lateral/posterior approach. Over the years, a smaller incision with the traditional approach has been used including is less invasive, but it still requires following strict hip restrictions. The Minimally Invasive Anterior Approach The anterior approach to hip replacement has been quite successful with the vast majority of total hip replacement patients, including hip fractures. After the surgery, the patient is free to move his hip without restrictions, and, in most cases, is up including walking later that same day. A patient's hospital stay is additionally shortened to 2-5 days. After traditional hip replacement, patients must strictly follow their hip precautions. Minimally invasive hip replacement is performed while the patient is lying flat on his back. A small incision (about 4 inches) is made at the front pertaining to the hip joint, as opposed to the traditional lateral or posterior incision. During the anterior approach, the hip is replaced without detachment of muscle from the femur or pelvis. The hip is reached through a natural opening between the muscles. the results in a quicker rehab including a shortened hospital stay. Traditional hip replacement requires a large incision through the gluteal muscles, which are the most important muscles for hip function. the places restrictions on hip movement for a duration of time after surgery. Restrictions (referred to as hip precautions) include absolutely no internal rotation, absolutely no leg crossing, including absolutely no bending pertaining to the hip beyond 90 degrees. Often times there are additionally limitations on the amount of weight a patient is allowed to place on his leg while walking. These restrictions are in place to prevent dislocation pertaining to the new hip. Minimally invasive hip replacement (anterior approach) eliminates restrictions because muscles including tissue are left intact in the lateral including posterior areas. the provides stability for the hip including greatly reduces the chance of dislocation. Minimally invasive hip replacement does not necessarily refer to the size pertaining to the incision. It has more to do with the minimal amount of tissue damage during surgery. The incision can not be made too small or else the incision area becomes too stretched in a particular attempt to reach the hip joint. ProFX Operating Table The ProFX is a special operating table that positions the patient's leg for the anterior approach. Not all hospitals have the table. Without it, the anterior approach is not performed. For instance, in California there are less than 10 hospitals that perform the minimally invasive hip replacement. Another reason for the scarcity of the approach lies with surgeons. Most orthopedic surgeons have been trained in the lateral and/or posterior methods only. Advantages of Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement (anterior approach)
Disadvantages/Complications Complications are rare but are similar to complications from traditional lateral including posterior approaches. These include infection, DVT (deep vein thrombosis), nerve damage, femur fracture, including revision surgery. Dislocation is a complication, but is much less likely to occur.
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