| This web site is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for a personal assessment by your own physician. |
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Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement
The field of orthopedics is constantly researching new techniques to help make joint replacement surgery less painful and to help patients recover more quickly. One of the most talked about orthopedic advancements is minimally invasive joint replacement, also called mini-incision joint replacement.
Traditional total hip replacements require an incision between eight and ten inches long. The patient’s size and the extent of the joint’s damage can sometimes determine the length of the incision. The incision allows the surgeon to fully visualize the joint, the diseased bone, and the implants.
Minimally invasive total hip replacement is performed through an approximately four inch incision, half to one-third the length of a typical hip replacement incision. Surgeons can perform surgery through such a short incision because they use instruments specifically designed for minimally invasive hip replacement.
It is important to remember that your surgeon chooses the implants needed for your specific medical condition.
Why Do Our Physicians
Perform Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement?
For patients who are candidates for the procedure, the answer is simple. Patients desire to heal quickly so they can return to a more active and enjoyable lifestyle. In addition to a shorter incision, Joint Implant Surgeons implements a highly organized treatment plan for a patients’ physical and mental health.
After Surgery
After surgery you will receive pain medication and begin therapy for your hip. It is important to start moving your new hip as soon as possible after surgery to promote blood flow, to regain motion, and to facilitate the recovery process. You should be out of bed and walking with crutches or a walker within 24 hours of your surgery. You will be assisted in and out of bed, and you will use support devices such as a cane while you are walking.
You will also be shown how to safely climb and descend stairs, how to get into and out of a seated position, and how to care for your hip once you return home. It is a good idea to enlist the help of friends or family to help you once you do return home.
Before you leave the hospital, your therapist will show you a variety of exercises designed to help you regain mobility and strength in your hip. You should be able to perform these exercises on your own at home. When at home, it is very important to continue with your exercises as instructed.
Recovery After Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement
Recovery time after minimally Invasive hip replacement lasts approximately half as long as traditional total hip replacement recovery time. However, every person’s recovery time will vary. You will be instructed as to when you can return to daily normal activities and will also tell you which activities to avoid.
Summary
We know the decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. We hope this information has helped you understand some of the basics of minimally invasive hip replacement surgery so that you can make the best decision for yourself. This information is not intended to replace the experience and counsel of your orthopedic surgeon. |
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