Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement

• It is highly probable that you will be up on your feet again in less than 24 hours
  • It is likely that you will be assisted to walk on the same day, or day after surgery
  • You will normally need to use a walker for only two to three days after surgery and then joint can transition through crutches to no walking aids
• You will need less pain relief because the impact on your body is less – usually you will only need to take painkillers for a few weeks.
• Your hospital stay will be shorter – normally you will only need to stay in overnight – and you are likely to experience less blood loss during surgery.
• Your body will heal from the surgery quicker with fewer restrictions to your movements as you heal.
• You will be able to get back to work or your normal, day-to-day activities far quicker.
• Minimally invasive hip replacement leaves a scar of 3-4 inches.

In large incision traditional hip surgery, the surgeon may make an incision of between eight and 12 inches at the side or back of the hip. This has a significant impact on the joint and connective tissues.

By contrast, minimally invasive surgery uses an incision of no more than four inches. The surgeon detaches fewer muscles and tendons, which makes it easy for your body to recover and heal itself.

All surgery carries risks and Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement is no exception. Among the risks associated with this type of surgery are:

• Blood loss
• Soft tissue injuries
• Nerve damage leading to possible numbness in the thigh and, in rare cases, a painful irritation of the skin
• Similar risks to traditional hip surgery: dislocation, inadvertent leg shortening, infection, deep vein thrombosis.

However, many studies suggest that there are reduced risks with Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement compared to traditional hip replacement. In particular the risk of damage to major nerves, particularly the sciatic nerve, is lower because the sciatic nerve runs behind the hip so it is not exposed when using an anterior approach.

Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement is suitable for virtually everyone who requires hip replacement surgery, with the possible exception of patients who are obese or very muscular. Talk to your surgeon who will discuss your individual circumstances.

Each year, hip replacement therapy enables thousands of patients to enjoy an active life, free of chronic hip pain.

Our patient-care process

• Once all of your diagnostic procedures are completed, we will be able to explain whether surgery is recommended.
• We will go through the procedures with you, covering the operation itself, the recovery process and the future prospects.
• Your orthopaedic surgeon will also explain the risks: these are small, but it is important for you to understand them.
• You can feel reassured that you will receive expert care from the start of the process, including your after-care.

Public and Patient Guide on hip replacements, published by the National Joint Registry. This gives detailed explanations about hip operations and their various outcomes, and is revised each year.

More information about adult hip pain can be found on the NHS website.

Children can also suffer from a specific type of hip pain known as irritable hip. The NHS website also has information on this condition.