Methods of Entry for a Hip Replacement
Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement
Total Hip Replacement
Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement Surgeon in Metro Detroit, MI
Joint conditions such as arthritis may cause damage to the cartilage and bones leading to chronic pain in the hip and/or disability. The condition can be surgically treated by replacing the damaged parts with artificial components. Dr. Charters provides expert diagnosis and minimally invasive hip replacement surgery in Metro Detroit, MI. Contact the office of Dr. Charters to schedule an appointment today!
What is Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement?
Minimally invasive total hip replacement is a surgical procedure performed through a small incisions rather than the single long incision of 10 - 12 inches as in the traditional approach.
Hip Anatomy
The hip joint is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints and is the point where the thighbone (femur) and pelvis (acetabulum) join. It is a ball-and-socket joint in which the head of the femur forms the ball and the pelvic acetabulum forms the socket. The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular cartilage that cushions and enables smooth movement of the joint.
Hip Arthritis
Hip arthritis is a painful and common disease of the hip joint caused by damage to the cartilage. Total hip replacement surgery is an option to relieve severe arthritis pain that limits your daily activities.
Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement Procedure
Surgery may be recommended in patients with severe cartilage damage and if non-surgical treatment options such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy do not relieve the symptoms.
For minimally invasive hip replacement, the surgical technique and artificial implants remain the same as traditional hip replacement; the difference is the use of a smaller incision to perform the surgery and minimal soft tissue dissection.
Your surgeon makes a 3-6-inch incision over the side of your hip to expose the hip joint. The muscles are minimally dissected to reach the joint. The femur is dislocated from the acetabulum. The surface of the socket is cleaned and the arthritic bone is removed using a reamer. The acetabular implant is inserted into the socket using screws or special cement. A liner material of plastic, ceramic or metal is placed inside the acetabular component.
The femur or thigh bone is then prepared by removing the arthritic bone using special instruments and shaped to exactly fit the new metal femoral component. The femoral stem is then inserted into the femur either by a press fit or using bone cement. Then, the femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. The new joint is realigned.
The incision is then closed with stitches that are all buried underneath the skin and dissolve on their own over time. There are no stitches or staples that need to be removed. A waterproof antibacterial band-aid is placed over the incision and keeps it protected for 7 days.
Patients are walking within a few hours of surgery. Patients walk several times the same day as the surgery, and many patients feel comfortable going home the same day as the surgery.
Advantages of Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement
The advantages of minimally invasive total hip replacement as compared with traditional total hip replacement may include:
- Smaller incisions
- Lesser muscle dissection
- Minimal postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less trauma to the surrounding tissues
- Quicker recovery
- Less blood loss
- Less scarring
- Faster rehabilitation
Risks and Complications of Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement
As with any major surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks and complications involved with total hip replacement surgery. They include:
- Infection
- Injury to neighboring nerves and blood vessels
- Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
- Implant malposition
- Fracture of the femur or pelvis
If you would like more information about treatment of hip arthritis or would like to learn more about minimally invasive hip replacement, contact the office of Dr. Charters to schedule an appointment today!
