Hip Replacement
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint where the round head of the femur moves within the acetabulum. The hip may be prone to developing arthritis, where the smooth cartilage that lines the joint is eroded away. Causes of arthritis range from age-related wear and tear, previous hip injuries, and inflammatory conditions (like rheumatoid arthritis).
Arthritis causes pain and stiffness that can interfere with daily life. A hip replacement addresses joint erosion and cures arthritic pain. The damaged surfaces of the joint are cut away from the femur and shaved away from the acetabulum. Prosthetic components made from metal, ceramic, and plastic are inserted. Patients are able to walk the same day of their surgery and their arthritic pain is cured.
Surgical Approaches
There are several options for the surgical exposure of the hip joint. Each approach involves dividing muscles and accessing the joint by cutting the capsule open (the lining of the joint). Since the capsule plays such an important role in hip stability, your surgeon may recommend avoiding certain movements while the capsule heals. The factors influencing the choice of approach include: the complexity of the reconstruction, surgeon experience and preference, and the patient’s individual characteristics.
Anterior approach
An incision is made in front of the hip and the hip joint is accessed by spreading the muscle planes apart. Your surgeon may restrict your range of motion post-operatively for approximately six weeks while the hip capsule heals.
Posterior approach
one of the most commonly used approaches, the posterior approach allows for excellent exposure of the hip. An incision is made on the side of the hip and the muscles in the back of the hip are split and moved aside to expose the joint. Once the muscles are repaired towards the end of the surgery, ensuring stability, you may walk without restrictions. In some cases, your surgeon may recommend certain range of motion restrictions for 6 weeks while the capsule heals.
Lateral approach
also a commonly used approach, the lateral approach involves creating an incision on the side of the hip and splitting the lateral muscles to access the joint. This approach is very stable due to where the capsule is opened, and therefore no movement restriction are requires post-operatively.
Hip Arthroscopy
Hip arthroscopy can address several hip issues including: labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and removal of loose bodies.
Hip Resurfacing
Hip arthroscopy can address several hip issues including: labral tears, feTechniques in hip resurfacing are similar to those in total hip replacement regarding the approach but are tailored to preserve more bone.moroacetabular impingement (FAI), and removal of loose bodies.