Hip & Knee

Instead of one large incision as in traditional total hip replacement, minimally invasive hip replacement employs one or two small incisions (3-6 inches for a single incision and 1-3 inches for each double incision). The surgeon still has to cut through muscles and tendons to access the joint, but to a lesser degree than in the traditional method. He or she will remove the femoral head and damaged bone and cartilage from the hip socket and replace the hip joint with an artificial one.

Benefits of minimally invasive hip replacement include less damage to soft tissues, less pain, a shorter hospital stay, and quicker recovery period. However, the surgery is not for everyone. Candidates are typically younger, healthier, and more active working people or athletes.

In contrast to conventional total knee replacement, minimally invasive knee replacement employs a single small incision, typically measuring 4-6 inches. This technique preserves thigh muscles and adjacent soft tissues. Rather than cutting through them, the surgeon gently moves them aside to access the joint. Subsequently, damaged knee portions are replaced with artificial implants.

This approach offers advantages such as reduced soft tissue damage, diminished pain, shorter hospital stays, and accelerated recovery. However, it is important to note that this surgery is not suitable for everyone; ideal candidates are typically younger and healthier individuals. Physical rehabilitation forms an integral part of the recovery process.

The knee joint is comprised of three compartments: the medial (inside), lateral (outside), and patellofemoral (front between the kneecap and femur). In instances where osteoarthritis affects solely one compartment of the knee, partial knee replacement becomes a potential solution as it effectively saves the native tissue of the knee.

Throughout this process, the orthopedic surgeon solely replaces the damaged portion of the knee, leaving the remaining joint intact. This preservation of healthy components aids in maintaining natural function. Further benefits of partial knee replacement encompass smaller incisions, reduced pain and blood loss, and expedited recovery.

Hip resurfacing presents an alternative for individuals with advanced arthritis, offering pain relief and functional restoration without the removal of joint bones as seen in traditional hip replacement surgery. Instead, this procedure involves coating the bone with a smooth metal surface.

During hip resurfacing, your surgeon will make an incision in your thigh, dislocate the femoral head from the socket, and trim the bone while removing damaged cartilage. A metal cap is then cemented over the femoral head, and a metal cup is fitted into the hip socket. Afterward, the femoral head is relocated back into the socket, with a plastic spacer inserted between the two components to facilitate movement.

Compared to hip replacement, hip resurfacing is a bone-sparing and less invasive procedure. Ideal candidates are typically under 60 years old with larger, stronger bones. Following surgery, most individuals can expect to return to their regular activities, free of pain, within approximately six weeks with adequate physical therapy.

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, often necessitates hip replacement surgery, known as hip arthroplasty. In this procedure, your orthopedic surgeon removes the damaged portion of your hip and substitutes it with an artificial joint.

Traditional total hip replacement entails a lengthy incision (8-12 inches) on the side of your hip. The surgeon cuts through muscle and tendon to access the joint, removing damaged bone and cartilage. Subsequently, the top part of your femur is replaced with a highly polished metal ball, and a plastic socket with an outer metal shell is affixed to your pelvis using surgical screws or cement.

Various types of artificial joints exist, with your surgeon selecting the most suitable one for you. Your new artificial joint aims to restore pain-free movement, enabling you to resume activities you previously enjoyed.

Total knee replacement, or knee arthroplasty, is a common procedure due to the knee's weight-bearing role and its susceptibility to osteoarthritis. If advanced osteoarthritis negatively impacts your quality of life, knee replacement may be necessary.

In traditional total knee replacement, a large incision (8-12 inches long) grants access to the knee joint. The surgeon cuts through leg muscles and move the patella (kneecap) aside. Following removal of damaged bone and cartilage, the joint is replaced with an artificial one.

Artificial knee joints vary in type, with selection based on factors like age, weight, activity level, and overall health. Most comprise three components: a highly polished metal piece for the femur's (thigh bone) end, a metal and plastic tibial (shin bone) component, and a plastic patellar part. These components may or may not be cemented into place, depending on the specific case.