Pros and Cons of Minimally Invasive Techniques for Hip Replacements
Technological advances, innovative surgical equipment, and implants have prompted more orthopedic surgeons to experiment on lesser invasive strategies for hip replacement procedures such as the anterior hip replacement surgery. These procedures have been seen to generally improve the outcome of the surgery, medical journals say, further detailing however that it also has a number of disadvantages.
In the positive side, these newer techniques introduce smaller incisions (which may only be up to 6 inches long), thus lowering the risks of complications related to surgical wounds such as infections and inflammations. Patients who had successful operations with the anterior approach have claimed lesser pain in their surgical site, and the possibility to move around and put one’s weight on the operated leg the next day following their surgery. Because lesser tissues are dissected during this procedure, wounds heal faster.
Moreover, muscles located in the thighs and the buttocks are not cut, making it easier for the patient to move the newly implant hip joint without discomfort immediately after the procedure. The occurrence of a dislocation is reduced just as well. Bleeding problems and numbing of the muscles situated around the joint are also minimized since major nerves are safely retracted and positioned back into place.
With the use of modern implants and cutting-edge surgical tools, complications during the procedure are reduced to some degree. However, since these newer techniques have not been used for long, it is still too early to say that these are safer than the traditional method. Although patients’ hospital stays and rehabilitation periods have been observed to be shorter, minimally invasive procedures may take longer than the traditional approach, especially since surgeons need to be more cautious in removing and placing the hip joint components.
There are also still a few surgeons who are adept at performing this minimally invasive yet complex procedure. Furthermore, with patients still hesitant on trying a new technique, surgeons may have to find better ways in mastering there surgical skills before recommending this procedure to their patients.
If you are considering hip replacement surgery, do not hesitate to ask about your doctor’s experience and the techniques he or she wants to use on your operation. If possible, you may also ask feedback from old patients who have gone through this same procedure and from other surgeons who are also knowledgeable about hip replacement surgeries. Reading on new updates about replacement surgeries and implantation strategies from a DePuy hip replacement hub may also be beneficial for you.
References:
emedicinehealth.com/minimally_
nytimes.com/2010/02/09/health/
johnshopkinshealthalerts.com/
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