Direct Superior Total Hip Replacement
Benefits:
- Reduced post-procedural occurrence of hip dislocation
- Earlier ambulation minimizes complications commonly seen with traditional hip replacement (i.e. blood clots and muscle fatigue)
- No hip precautions after surgery-many patients resume normal activities much earlier than expected and the whole recovery process is much faster and less painful than with traditional techniques
- Requires only one small incision in the hip, leaving muscles and tendons undamaged and preserving the hip’s natural alignment
- Less leg manipulation and less soft tissue damage allows for the earlier return of function, less pain, and greater stability after hip replacement
- Accurate implant positioning is achieved, which allows for longevity of the hip replacement
- Surgery may be performed on an outpatient basis (or a one-night hospital stay)
- More comfortable recovery period, with minimized pain medication requirements
- Minimization of blood loss (compared to traditional hip replacement techniques)
- Fewer incidences of complications during and after surgery
At Madison Orthopedics, we offer the Direct Superior Approach for muscle-sparing total hip arthroplasty surgery. I am sure you are wondering what that is. In the image above, there is a solid line that shows the incision for the direct superior approach (DSA). There is also a line that shows the traditional approach to total hip replacements.
A key factor in minimally invasive muscle sparing hip surgery is protecting and preserving muscles. This is particularly true for hip joint replacement. The muscles provide strength and control of your hip. The muscles are also an important factor in regaining motion after a hip surgery. As you would expect, not cutting or detaching muscles around the hip results in less pain, better motion, and faster recovery.
In the Direct Superior Approach for hip replacement surgery, as practiced when appropriate by Dr. Eysser, the orthopedic surgeon at Madison Orthopedics, a small incision is made on the outside of the hip in the buttock region. This will allow adequate exposure to performing the surgery accurately and with very little soft tissue damage. Dr. Eysser works through the small incision and meticulously works to preserve the muscles around the hip joint. Then improves the hip joint with the least amount of soft tissue trauma as possible. After securely placing the implant, Dr. Eysser will meticulously repair the hip capsule and skin to facilitate proper healing and prevent hip dislocation.
After surgery, many patients are up and walking without assistive devices in as little as 4 hours, and most patients have minimal post-operative pain. The minimal pain generally can be controlled with Tylenol and anti-inflammatories. After the muscle sparing total hip replacement, patients usually stay one night in the hospital and are discharged to go home the next day. This advanced approach effectively stabilizes the post-surgical hip restrictions or hip precautions as a result of less muscle dissection. This has huge advantages, such as not weakening the muscles, and most patients are able to walk, even without holding on to any walking aids, more quickly after the operation.
With traditional hip replacement surgery, physical therapy and rehabilitation play a big role in recovery. Dr. Eysser will work with your physical therapist to compose a customized treatment plan with specific exercises to help increase your range of motion and restore your strength after surgery.
Contact us today at Madison Orthopedics to schedule an appointment. You can be well on your way to full recovery of the proper function of your knee!