Hip Surgeon - Hip Replacement Techniques

Hip replacement surgery is a common orthopedic procedure, especially for elderly patients. A hip surgeon performs this operation when the hip joint is arthritic or damaged. This type of surgery was first performed in the early 1970s, but new techniques have recently become the subject of widespread debate in the orthopedic community. Standard techniques are still used by most, and new minimally invasive techniques are still being developed and perfected.

Hip replacement surgery consists of the removal of the painful hip joint and replacement with a prosthetic joint. This is typically considered the last treatment option for a patient with hip pain. Before this type of surgery is performed, other treatments may include physical therapy, pain medications, and other rehabilitation exercises. Only when these alternatives are not effective is hip replacement surgery performed. Both the standard and minimally invasive techniques include removal of the joint and replacement with a prosthetic.

While performing the standard operation, the hip surgeon will make an incision along the side of the hip, usually between eight and ten inches long. He or she then moves the muscles that are connected to the top of the thighbone in order to access the hip joint. The joint consists of a ball and socket, and the ball is connected to the thighbone. This ball part is removed and replaced by an artificial part, which may or may not be cemented to the thighbone. In some procedures, a special material is used to stimulate the remaining thighbone to attach to the prosthetic piece. Next, the hipbone is prepared for prosthesis by first removing damaged cartilage. The artificial socket is attached to the hipbone, and the artificial ball on the thighbone is inserted into it.

The difference in minimally invasive techniques is the size of the incision through which the joint is accessed. With these techniques, the hip surgeon makes one or two incisions that are each only two to five inches long. The suggested benefits of this procedure include reduced blood loss, less post-operation pain, shorter hospital stays, less scarring, and faster healing time. Most of these benefits are only short-term advantages, and potential long-term benefits remain to be seen. The types of minimally invasive techniques are mini-incision and two-incision. For many patients, benefits like reduced scarring and shorter recovery time can seem very appealing. However, many experts believe the standard hip replacement technique is still better.

Most surgeons do not yet have very much experience performing minimally invasive procedures. In addition, research and clinical trials suggest that patients do not experience any benefits over standard techniques. In fact, some patients actually experience more problems. This may be because minimally invasive procedures can limit the ability of a hip surgeon to see what he or she is doing. This limited visibility can result in improper placement of the prosthetic joint, which can cause pain, wear out faster, and even become dislocated.

Minimally invasive techniques are only offered by a small number of surgeons. Most hip replacement specialists continue to use the standard technique to give patients functional implants that will last about twenty years. For patients seeking a doctor who performs minimally invasive techniques, asking the right questions will help eliminate under-qualified surgeons. These patients should ask about the hip surgeon’s personal experience performing the techniques, including which technique is used, any unique complications involved, and short-term results.