What is a Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement?
A minimally invasive approach to a total hip replacement is performed through a 4inch incision rather than the single 10-12 inch incision as in the traditional approach. While the approach is modified to have less soft tissue disruption and a smaller incision, traditional implants are still used with the assistance of modified instruments.
Advantages of a Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement
The advantages of a minimally invasive approach to a total hip replacement as compared with a traditional hip replacement include the following:
- Smaller incision
- Quicker recovery
- Improved early postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stay
- Less muscle dissection
- Less trauma to surrounding tissue
- Improvement in blood loss
Who is a candidate for a Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement?
Generally, a minimally invasive approach to a total hip replacement is performed in a healthy, active and relatively thin patient. Not every patient is a candidate for this procedure. Dr. Carpenter is happy to discuss all treatment options with you after a comprehensive medical review and physical exam.
