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| About the Hip |
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| Total Hip Replacement |
| Hip Resurfacing |
| Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement |
| Physical Therapy and Exercise for the Hip |
| Frequently Asked Questions |
Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement
The field of orthopedics is constantly researching new techniques to help make joint replacement surgery less painful and to help patients recover more quickly. One of the most talked about orthopedic advancements is Microplasty® minimally invasive joint replacement, also called mini-incision joint replacement.
Traditional total hip replacements typically require an incision between eight and ten inches long. The patient's size and the extent of the joint's damage can sometimes determine the length of the incision. The incision allows the surgeon to fully visualize the joint, the diseased bone, and the implants.
Rapid Recovery Microplasty® minimally invasive total hip replacement may be performed through an approximately two-to-four inch incision, potentially half to one-third the length of a typical hip replacement incision. Surgeons can perform surgery through such a short incision because they use instruments specifically designed for minimally invasive hip replacement.
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It is important to remember that your surgeon will choose the clinically proven implant that they feel will best treat your specific condition.
Why are Surgeons Performing Rapid Recovery Minimally
Invasive Hip Replacement?
Today's implants offer exceptional outcomes, but traditional surgical
techniques can require a long and involved physical recovery. Surgeons
understand that patients desire to quickly return to a more active and
enjoyable lifestyle.
In addition to a shorter incision, surgeons using the Rapid Recovery Program have implemented a highly organized treatment plan for their patients' physical and mental health.
Rapid Recovery patients are typically educated with a variety of materials. The comprehensive educational materials will help patients understand the surgical procedure and its outcomes.
Rapid Recovery patients may begin strengthening exercises before surgery to help them prepare for surgery and for their recovery. Patients may also be given a comprehensive nutrition plan to help ensure maximum health before surgery.
Rapid Recovery surgeons may also implement a unique pain program during surgery that is designed to dramatically reduce a patient's pain after surgery. Reducing patients' after surgery pain is critical to helping them begin their rehabilitation and to helping them make a Rapid Recovery.
Complications
While uncommon, complications can occur during and after surgery. Some
complications include infection, blood clots, implant breakage, misalignment,
dislocation, and premature wear. Although implant surgery is extremely
successful in most cases, some patient's still experience pain and stiffness.
No implant will last forever, and factors such as the patient's activities
after surgery and weight can affect longevity. Be sure to discuss these and
other risks with your surgeon.
There are many things that your surgeon may do to minimize the potential for complications. Your surgeon may have you see a medical physician before surgery to obtain tests. You may also need to have your dental work up to date and may be shown how to prepare your home to avoid falls.
After Surgery
After surgery, you probably will be hospitalized for two to three days.
During this time, you will receive pain medication and begin therapy for your
hip. It is important to start moving your new hip as soon as possible after
surgery to promote blood flow, to regain motion, and to facilitate the
recovery process. You should be out of bed and walking with crutches or a
walker within 24 hours of your surgery. You will be assisted in and out of
bed, and you will use support devices such as a cane while you are walking.
You will also be shown how to safely climb and descend stairs, how to get into and out of a seated position, and how to care for your hip once you return home. It is a good idea to enlist the help of friends or family to help you once you do return home.
Before you leave the hospital, your therapist will show you a variety of exercises designed to help you regain mobility and strength in your hip. You should be able to perform these exercises on your own at home. When at home, it is important to continue with your exercises as your physician has instructed.
Rapid Recovery
Rapid Recovery after minimally invasive hip replacement may last
approximately half as long as recovery from traditional total hip
replacement. However, every person's recovery time will vary. Most people
should be able to drive after two weeks, garden after three to four weeks,
and golf about six to eight weeks after surgery. Your surgeon will tell you
when you can return to these activities and will also tell you which
activities to avoid.
You will typically not be allowed to participate in high-impact activities or contact sports. These types of activities place extreme pressure on the joints, which could lead to complications.
Summary
We know the decision to have surgery is sometimes difficult. We hope our website has helped you understand some of the basics of Rapid Recovery
Microplasty® minimally invasive hip replacement surgery so that you can make
the best decision for yourself. This website is not intended to replace the
experience and counsel of your orthopedic surgeon. If you have any further
questions, please speak with your orthopedic surgeon.
All Patient Education materials are provided by Pro-Marketing, Inc.
All Patient education material has been reviewed by a board of Orthopedic Surgeons to ensure accuracy.
All materials are provided for informational purposes only. They are not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from your orthopedic surgeon. Any medical decisions should be made after consulting a qualified physician.
This site includes links to other web sites. Pro-Marketing, Inc. takes no responsibility for the content or information contained in the linked sites.
