What is Muscle-Sparing Hip Replacement?

Muscle-sparing hip replacement, also known as minimally invasive hip replacement, is a surgical technique designed to replace the damaged hip joint while preserving the surrounding muscles. Unlike traditional hip replacement surgery, this approach avoids cutting major muscles, leading to a quicker recovery, less postoperative pain, and improved joint function. This advanced method focuses on reducing tissue trauma and enhancing patient outcomes.

How is Muscle-Sparing Hip Replacement Done?

1. Preoperative Assessment: A thorough evaluation, including medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as X-rays or MRI, is conducted to plan the surgery.
2. Anaesthesia: The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia or regional anaesthesia (spinal or epidural), ensuring the patient is pain-free during the surgery.
3. Incision: A smaller incision is made over the hip, typically around 3 to 6 inches, compared to larger incisions used in traditional hip replacement.
4. Muscle Preservation: The surgeon carefully navigates around the major muscles, spreading them rather than cutting them, to access the hip joint.
5. Removal of Damaged Joint: The damaged bone and cartilage are removed from the hip joint.
6. Implantation of Prosthesis: The hip joint is replaced with a prosthesis, which includes a socket and a ball component. The socket is implanted into the pelvic bone, and the ball component is attached to the top of the thigh bone (femur).
7. Closure: The incision is closed with sutures or staples, and a sterile dressing is applied.

Why is Muscle-Sparing Hip Replacement Done?

Muscle-sparing hip replacement is performed to relieve chronic hip pain and improve joint function, particularly in patients who wish to benefit from a quicker recovery and less postoperative discomfort. This technique is especially advantageous for active individuals looking to resume their daily activities and sports more rapidly. It is commonly recommended for:

• Severe osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Avascular necrosis
• Hip fractures
• Developmental dysplasia

Who Might Need Muscle-Sparing Hip Replacement?

Muscle-sparing hip replacement is suitable for individuals who experience:

• Severe hip pain that interferes with daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and getting in and out of chairs.
• Persistent pain despite the use of pain medications and physical therapy.
• Limited range of motion in the hip joint.
• Hip joint stiffness that impairs the ability to move the leg.
• A desire for a quicker recovery and reduced postoperative pain.

Conditions Treated with Muscle-Sparing Hip Replacement

• Severe Osteoarthritis: Advanced osteoarthritis where traditional treatments have failed.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: Significant joint damage due to chronic inflammation.
• Avascular Necrosis: Bone death due to loss of blood supply.
• Traumatic Hip Injuries: Severe fractures compromising hip function.
• Congenital Hip Disorders: Issues like hip dysplasia affecting joint stability and mobility.

Recovery Times

Recovery time after muscle-sparing hip replacement is typically shorter than traditional hip replacement. Generally:

• Hospital Stay: Patients usually stay in the hospital for 1-3 days post-surgery.
• Initial Recovery: Walking with the aid of crutches or a walker is encouraged within a day after surgery.
• Physical Therapy: A structured rehabilitation programme begins soon after surgery to regain strength and mobility.
• Full Recovery: Most patients resume normal activities within 4 to 8 weeks, though full recovery can take up to 6 months depending on the individual.

Tips for a Good Recovery

1. Follow Postoperative Instructions: Adhere to your surgeon’s guidelines on wound care, activity restrictions, and medication.
2. Physical Therapy: Engage in prescribed physical therapy exercises to enhance strength and mobility.
3. Home Modifications: Make necessary adjustments at home, such as installing grab bars and using a raised toilet seat.
4. Healthy Diet: Maintain a balanced diet to support healing and overall health.
5. Avoid High-Impact Activities: Steer clear of activities that may strain the new hip joint, such as running and jumping.
6. Attend Follow-Up Appointments: Regular check-ups with your surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns.

Conclusion

Muscle-sparing hip replacement surgery is an advanced and effective solution for individuals suffering from severe hip joint damage. By preserving the surrounding muscles, this procedure can significantly reduce pain, enhance recovery speed, and improve mobility. If you are experiencing debilitating hip pain and conservative treatments have not provided relief, muscle-sparing hip replacement surgery with Professor Ali Ghoz may be the right option for you. Consult with Professor Ghoz to discuss your condition and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.