Hip replacement surgery is becoming more and more common, with around 330,000 procedures performed in the US each year. The procedure is typically performed on people with severe joint pain or damage due to arthritis, osteoporosis, or other conditions.

Traditional Total Hip Replacement

Traditional total hip replacement surgery involves removing the diseased hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint made of metal, plastic, or ceramic components.

The procedure requires an incision to access the hip joint, typically around 10-12 inches long. This incision causes significant tissue damage and leads to a longer recovery time for the patient.

Less Invasive Total Hip Replacement

Less invasive total hip replacement surgery, also known as minimally invasive total hip replacement, has been developed to reduce the tissue damage and recovery time associated with traditional total hip replacement.

In a less invasive procedure, smaller incisions are made, typically around 2-4 inches long.

Benefits of Less Invasive Total Hip Replacement

There are several benefits to less invasive total hip replacement, including:.

Smaller incision size
Less tissue damage
Reduced blood loss during surgery
Reduced scarring
Shorter hospital stays
Quicker recovery time
Less pain after surgery

Candidates for Less Invasive Total Hip Replacement

Not all candidates for traditional total hip replacement are suitable for less invasive total hip replacement. The less invasive procedure may not be suitable for people who have severe hip deformities, are overweight, or have had previous hip surgery.

Your doctor will be able to advise you on whether you are a suitable candidate for less invasive total hip replacement.

The Procedure for Less Invasive Total Hip Replacement

The procedure for less invasive total hip replacement is similar to traditional total hip replacement, but with smaller incisions and a different surgical approach.

The surgeon may use special surgical instruments and techniques to access the joint through the smaller incisions.

With the less invasive approach, the surgeon may use a special surgical table that allows for better access to the joint. The surgeon may also use x-ray or computer imaging to help guide the surgical instruments during the procedure.

Recovery from Less Invasive Total Hip Replacement

Recovery from less invasive total hip replacement is typically quicker than recovery from traditional total hip replacement. Patients may be able to stand and even walk on the same day as the procedure.

Patients may also be able to leave the hospital sooner, typically within 1-3 days.

Patients will still need to do physical therapy after surgery to help improve mobility and strength in the hip joint. The physical therapy program will typically be tailored to the individual patient’s needs and abilities.

Potential Complications

As with any surgery, there are potential complications with less invasive total hip replacement. Some of these complications may include infection, blood clots, nerve damage, or dislocation of the hip joint.

However, the risk of complications with less invasive total hip replacement is typically lower than with traditional total hip replacement.

Conclusion

Less invasive total hip replacement is a relatively new technique that can offer several benefits over traditional total hip replacement.

The procedure is typically less invasive, which results in less tissue damage, less scarring, and a quicker recovery time. Not all candidates for traditional total hip replacement are suitable for less invasive total hip replacement, but your doctor can advise you on whether you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.