Osteoarthritis of the hip is the most common reason for hip replacement surgery, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Osteoarthritis causes the cartilage that covers the joint surfaces to wear down, which results in stiffness and pain. Other reasons for hip replacement surgery include loss of blood supply, rheumatoid arthritis, injury, infection and developmental abnormalities.
Traditional Hip Replacement
Traditional hip replacement begins with large incisions that are usually about 10 to 12 inches in length on the side of the hip. Once the hip has been opened, the inner muscles are detached from the hip so that the hip can be dislocated by removing the thigh bone, or femur, from the joint. Cartilage that has not been worn down by disease is removed from the joint along with some surrounding areas of bone. A prosthetic implant is then placed into the joint and secured, usually with screws. A plastic bearing is also inserted to allow the joint to move more freely. A metal stem is then placed into the joint to resemble the femur. Recovery time for traditional hip replacement is the longest since it is the most invasive type of surgery and a 4- to 5-day hospital stay is usually required. Intense rehabilitation is also needed following this type of surgery.
Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement
Minimally invasive hip replacement follows similar surgical procedures as traditional hip replacement; however, the incisions into the hip are much smaller, usually measuring 3 to 6 inches. Because of the smaller incisions, special instruments are needed to perform the surgery. As with traditional hip replacement, some bone and tissue is removed, but to a lesser extent. Tissue is usually repaired after the implants have been placed, which also leads to faster healing times, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Minimally invasive surgery is usually considered for those who are thinner, younger and healthier than those who undergo traditional hip replacement. Benefits of this type of surgery include less pain, less scarring, less muscle damage, shorter hospital stay and faster rehabilitation. The required time for hospital stay is usually only 1 to 2 days.
Mayo Conservative Hip Replacement
Mayo conservative hip replacement is a surgical procedure that replaces only a portion of the thigh bone, or femur, instead of the whole bone as with other types of hip replacement. The prosthetic used is usually about 4 inches long compared to a 6 to 8 inches. traditional prosthetic. In this procedure, minimal amounts of bone are removed from the joint so that when the prosthetic is put into place, the bone can grow around it to keep it secure. Because of this decrease in bone removal, surgical time is shorter, chance of blood loss is reduced and recovery time is faster, according to MayoClinic.com.
