Mini Incision Total Hip Replacement Information for Patients
Indications
A mini incision total hip replacement is an operation carried out for arthritis of the hip joint through an incision no longer than 10 cms. The type of hip joint used is identical to that used for conventional surgery. The advantage of this type of incision other than simple cosmesis is that less muscle tissue is disturbed thereby the stability of the implant and the recovery from such surgery can be sped up
Operation
The small (less than 10cms) scar for the operation is on the side of the upper leg. The operation normally takes about one hour to perform and involves removing the worn out ball and replacing it with a metal implant, which sits firmly within the marrow cavity of the femur (thigh bone). On the top of this implant is the ball. The bony socket (cup) is prepared to accept an artificial socket and the lining of the artificial socket matches the size of the replaced ball perfectly.
The patients normally stand the day after the operation and are often safe to return home by between two and five days. They are normally walking with two sticks at this stage and often do not require any additional physiotherapy other than that which they have received during their stay in hospital.
By the time the patients leave, they should be able to safely negotiate stairs, walk with sticks but should not drive for some three to six weeks after the operation. All patients are seen at six weeks for a check up and an X-ray.
Your Surgeon and the Operation
The mini-incision hip replacement requires expertise in hip replacement surgery and is a relatively new procedure. You should always ensure that your surgeon is sufficiently experienced in such surgery. Mr Drabu would be happy to discuss details of his expertise and experience and results in this field and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Mini incision surgery is carried out in 80% of Mr Drabu’s patients.
Testimonial
“Mum is a new woman and now she is level she will be able to walk without sticks. What a marvellous place North Downs is”
Relatives of Mrs H, Lingfield