Hip Replacement
Hip replacement surgery is recommended for patients with painful arthritis in the hip joint. In this procedure, the surgeon removes the affected joint and replaces it with a prosthetic one made from plastic and metal components. A successful hip replacement surgery gives the patient relief from pain in the hip and makes walking easier.
Thomas & Bigler Knee and Shoulder Institute, led by board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada, while also serving areas such as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Direct Superior Hip Replacement Technique
Total joint replacement surgery is a field with new technologies evolving at a steady pace. In the field of hip replacement surgery, the latest surgical technique which is minimally invasive is called the Direct Superior Approach.
This newer technique of hip replacement uses an antero-lateral hip approach which is a modified form of the older anterior and posterior techniques. The surgeon makes a single incision in the region near the buttock and works around the muscles surrounding the hip joint.
This results in minimal trauma to the soft tissue in the area. Once the implant is in position, the surgeon repairs the capsule of the hip and the skin to prevent the hip from dislocating, and allow it to heal.
In this approach, the hip does not have to undergo the classical dislocation. This means there is minimal stretching of the capsule, tendons and muscles while removing the femoral head of the joint. As a result, there is less bleeding and also, even less pain than in the other surgical techniques of hip replacement.
Also, because the attachments of the anterior and posterior capsule to the femur are unaffected, the hip stays as perfectly stable as possible. Only one deep muscle structure called the piriformis tendon has to be released during this direct superior technique, and it is easy to repair during the closure.
Patient Benefits From Direct Superior Approach
When a surgeon uses the direct superior approach for hip replacement, it has distinct advantages for the patient such as:
- Smaller size of incision
- Lesser damage to the tendon and muscle
- Decreased blood loss
- Lower rates of dislocation
- Lesser possibility of extremity twisting because leg stays in a near-natural position during the surgery
- Fewer precautions required post-surgery
- Lower level of pain post-surgery, resulting in reduced usage of pain medication; pain may respond well to mere over-the-counter medication, too
- Earlier discharge after surgery, even on post-operative first day
- Lower risk of complication
Precautions to Take Post- Hip Replacement Surgery
Before you are discharged from the hospital, your surgeon will provide you with instructions to make your life easier post-hip replacement surgery. These may include the following:
- Sit upright in a straight-back, firm chair and do not use recliners.
- To avoid bending too far and putting pressure on the hips, use a raised toilet seat.
- Avoid climbing stairs.
- Keep the floor free of clutter to reduce the possibility of a fall.
- Refrain from strenuous activities such as physical exercise, driving and sexual activity until your doctor gives you the go-ahead.
Orthopedic surgeons Dr. Thomas and Dr. Bigler receive patients from Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV for orthopedic surgery.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada