Minimally Invasive Big Ball Hip Replacement ... - BMI Healthcare

What are the advantages with a minimally invasive approach?As mentioned, all of my patients who have had a traditional hip on one side and aminimally invasive hip on the second side say there is “no comparison”. They favourthe minimally invasive approach stating the speed and quality of recovery is muchquicker. Typically patients will leave hospital using a stick, walk without a stick indoorswithin 10 days and walk well without a stick outdoors at four weeks. At six weeks mostpatients walk normally, without a limp, at a normal gait speed and are pain free.Further benefits are:• A smaller scar• Less surgical trauma therefore less scarring and stiffness• No damage to the main “walking” muscle• Less pain• Less blood loss• Lower risk of transfusion (and consequently lower infection and thrombosis risk)• Shorter time in hospital• Less change in leg length, as most of the structures are untouched andtherefore it is difficult to stretch them and lengthen the leg.Although there has been emphasis on the smaller scar length (3” in a slim person, 3 ½”to 4” in a medium build person, longer in heavy person), the real focus is theavoidance of surgical trauma to the muscles on the inside. Muscles are separatedrather than cut and it is this that leads to the rapid recovery. However it does requirespecial equipment, training, and a different expertise when compared to a traditionalhip replacement.I have used, for the last five years the mini ultra-posterior single incision, piriformispreserving technique. I have also used the direct anterior approach - however it hasfallen out of favour. The two incision approach is now never used.Mr James LewisConsultant Orthopaedic SurgeonSpecialist in Minimally Invasive Hip and Knee Surgery