Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement

A hip replacement surgery is a common surgery in the field of orthopedic surgery. In a hip replacement surgery, the thighbone which is also called femur is replaced with an artificial implant consisting of a ball and a socket. The placement of this implant into the hip joint improves the mobility and reduces the pain. Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery is a type of surgery which involves only one or two incisions into the hip joint. The pain involved and the recovery period in a minimally invasive hip replacement surgery is comparatively less than a traditional hip replacement surgery.

Reasons for minimally invasive hip replacement

Hip osteoarthritis is the most common cause behind a damaged hip joint which could be corrected with the help of minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. Osteoarthritis occurs with age and affects the cartilage which covers the hip joint. This wearing out of the cartilage results into pain and stiffness in the hip joint. Rheumatoid arthritis, infection, injury and developmental abnormalities of hip joint are some of the other reasons of a disorder in the hip joint.

Basic treatments before minimally invasive hip replacement

Hip replacement surgery is a significant surgery which requires a lengthy recovery period. The surgeon hence tries to exhaust all other non surgical treatments before opting for a minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. The surgeon can recommend anti inflammatory medications, nutritional supplements and other physical therapy techniques so as to reduce the stiffness in the hip joint and improve the strength.

Types of hip replacement surgeries

Traditional hip replacement surgery – Traditional knee replacement surgery is not preferred by patients and doctors. Large incisions of ten to twelve inches of size are involved in this type of surgery which results in excessive loss of blood and a longer period of rehabilitation.

Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery – Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery is preferred over the traditional type of hip replacement surgery because it involves one or two incisions of very small size. Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery allows a quick recovery period because of fewer incisions and less blood loss. The surgery is performed by placing an artificial cup shaped implant into the hip socket bone and then inserting a plastic surface into the cup shaped implant so that it can move freely. The stem implant and a metallic ball are also placed so as to recreate a ball and socket joint.

Benefits of a minimally invasive hip replacement

A shorter stay in the hospital, a faster rehabilitation and recovery period after a minimally invasive hip replacement, less pain involved in the surgery, less damage to the muscles and a better looking scar are some of the primary benefits of a minimally invasive hip replacement surgery. The hospital stay in a minimally invasive is only one or two days as compared to four to five days hospital stay in case of a traditional hip replacement surgery.