Patient Education: Medical Links

Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery

Overview
The Total Hip Replacement is one of the more common joint replacement procedures. The procedure involves the removal of the ball and socket mechanism that makes up the hip joint and replacing it with artificial components that mimic the shape and function of the normal hip. The most common diagnosis requiring a hip replacement is osteoarthritis. Other disorders that will destroy the mechanics and function of the hip are rheumatoid arthritis, trauma and loss of the blood supply to the hip (ascetic necrosis). The major reasons for proceeding with hip arthroplasty are pain, loss of function and failure of medical management.

Minimally Invasive Surgery
Newer techniques and procedures have been developed that allow the hip replacement surgery less invasive which facilitates recovery time, decreasing pain and shortening the hospital stay. As with total knee replacement surgery the term minimally invasive surgery is somewhat of a misnomer. The terms minimal and joint replacement surgery should not be used in conjunction with each other. The decision of a patient to proceed with joint arthroplasty is significant. The more appropriate term for minimally invasive surgery is muscle-sparing techniques (MST). There are significant advantages for the patient with the MST surgical methods. The MST surgical techniques allow joint to be exposed and replaced by separating or retracting and not cutting the muscles and tendons. There are a number of orthopedic companies that provide the replacement components and instrumentation for MST placement with very little difference between the providers and components.

Treatment Options
The traditional total hip replacement and the MST both utilize similar components the only difference between the two is the surgical procedure. Both the traditional total hip and the MIS total hip in the long run should give similar results. There are various different implants available for use in total hip replacements. Some of the different hip components include those that are cement in place, ones that are un-cemented in which the bone will "grow" into. Other differences involve the articular surface, which can be metal, plastic or ceramic. The treatment options i.e. which include the surgical approach (traditional vs. MIS) types of components used must be individually fit to the patients physical makeup and type of arthritis being treated.

Advantages of Muscle Sparing Techniques
Since sell muscle and tendons are disturbed by the smaller incision wound closure and recovery is faster and less painful. With recovery being faster the return to normal daily activities such as walking, driving, shopping, and sports activities such as golf are much quicker. Other advantages include less pain, smaller less conspicuous incision, shorter rehabilitation, less blood loss and a shorter hospital stay.

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