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Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement

Hip Anatomy

The hip joint is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints and is the point where the thigh bone (femur) and the pelvis (acetabulum) join. It is a ball and socket joint in which the head of the femur is the ball and the pelvic acetabulum forms the socket. The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular cartilage that cushions and enables smooth movements of the joint.

Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis is one of the painful and common diseases 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 vs. Traditional Total Hip Replacement

Traditionally, total hip replacement will be performed through a 10–12-inch-long incision made on the side of the hip. A minimally invasive approach has been developed in recent years where surgery is performed through one or two smaller incisions rather than the single long incision as in the traditional approach. Advantages of the newer approach are lesser muscle dissection, minimal pain, quicker recovery, and faster rehabilitation.

Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement Procedure

Surgery may be recommended in patients with severe cartilage damage and if conservative 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 however the difference is smaller incisions and minimal soft tissue dissection. The surgery is performed through either one or two smaller incisions. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia.

In single incision minimally invasive approach, your surgeon makes a 3–6 inch incision over the side of the 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. All the new parts are secured in place using special cement. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed.

If the surgeon uses the two-incision technique, a 2- to 3-inch incision is made over the groin for placement of the socket and a 1- to 2-inch incision is made over the buttock for placement of the femoral stem. This technique requires longer operative time and is performed under X-ray guidance.

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
  • Shorter hospital stay
  • Less trauma to the surrounding tissues
  • Quicker recovery
  • Less blood loss
  • Less scarring
  • Faster rehabilitation
  • Minimal post-operative pain

Postoperative Precautions for Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement

After undergoing minimally invasive total hip replacement, you must take special care to prevent dislocation of the new joint and to ensure proper healing.

  • Avoid combined movement of bending your hip and turning your foot inwards.
  • Keep a pillow between your legs while sleeping for 6 weeks.
  • Never cross your legs and bend your hips past a right angle (90°).
  • Avoid sitting on low chairs.
  • Avoid bending down to pick up things, instead use a grabber device.
  • Use an elevated toilet seat.

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 nerves and blood vessels
  • Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
  • Implant malposition
  • Fracture of the femur or pelvis