Minimally Invasive Approaches to the Hip

Minimally Invasive Approaches to the Hip

Minimally Invasive Approaches to the Hip in Oklahoma City

Dr. Paul Jacob is a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement specialist providing minimally invasive approaches to the hip in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. With advanced training in adult reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Jacob specializes in modern hip replacement techniques designed to minimize disruption to surrounding tissues while addressing painful and damaged hip joints.

For patients with advanced hip arthritis who continue to experience pain, stiffness, and limited mobility despite nonsurgical treatment, a minimally invasive hip replacement approach may be an option. Dr. Jacob evaluates each patient's hip condition, anatomy, overall health, and treatment goals to determine which surgical approach is most appropriate.

The hip joint is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints and is the point where the thigh bone (femur) and the pelvis (acetabulum) join. It is a ball and socket joint in which the head of the femur is the ball and the pelvic acetabulum forms the socket. The joint surface is covered by a smooth articular cartilage that cushions and enables smooth movements of the joint.

Hip arthritis is one of the painful and common diseases of the hip joint caused by damage to the cartilage. Total hip replacement surgery is an option to relieve severe arthritis pain that limits your daily activities.

Traditionally, total hip replacement will be performed through a 10–12 inch long incision made on the side of the hip. A minimally invasive approach has been developed in recent years where surgery is performed through one or two smaller incisions rather than the single long incision as in the traditional approach. Advantages of the newer approach are lesser muscle dissection, minimal pain, quicker recovery, and faster rehabilitation.

Arthritis is inflammation of the joints resulting in pain, swelling, stiffness and limited movement. Hip arthritis is a common cause of chronic hip pain and disability. The most common type of arthritis affecting the hip is osteoarthritis which is characterized by progressive wearing away of the joint cartilage. As the protective cartilage wears down, the bone ends rub against each other and cause pain in the hip. It is more common in individuals aged above 50 years and tends to run in families.

Symptoms

The most common symptom of hip arthritis is dull, aching joint pain and stiffness resulting in limited mobility. There may be pain in the groin, thigh and buttock area and sometimes pain may be referred to the knee. Vigorous activity and walking for long distances can increase the pain and stiffness which may cause limping while walking.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is made by evaluating your symptoms, medical history, physical examination and X-rays. Sometimes, additional imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans may needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Surgical procedure

Surgery may be recommended in patients with severe cartilage damage and if conservative treatment options such as anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy do not relieve the symptoms.

For minimally invasive hip replacement, the surgical technique and artificial implants remain the same as traditional hip replacement however the difference is smaller incisions and minimal soft tissue dissection. The surgery is performed through either one or two smaller incisions. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia.

In single incision minimally invasive approach, your surgeon makes a 3–6 inch incision over the side of the hip to expose the hip joint. The muscles are minimally dissected to reach the joint. The femur is dislocated from the acetabulum. The surface of the socket is cleaned and the arthritic bone is removed using a reamer. The acetabular implant is inserted into the socket using screws or special cement. A liner material of plastic, ceramic or metal is placed inside the acetabular component. The femur or thigh bone is then prepared by removing the arthritic bone using special instruments and shaped to exactly fit the new metal femoral component. The femoral stem is then inserted into the femur either by a press fit or using bone cement. Then the femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. All the new parts are secured in place using special cement. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed.

If the surgeon uses the two-incision technique, a 2- to 3-inch incision is made over the groin for placement of the socket and a 1- to 2-inch incision is made over the buttock for placement of the femoral stem. This technique requires longer operative time and is performed under X-ray guidance.

Advantages

The advantages of minimally invasive total hip replacement as compared with traditional total hip replacement may include:

• Smaller incisions
• Shorter hospital stay
• Less trauma to the surrounding tissues
• Quicker recovery
• Less blood loss
• Less scarring
• Faster rehabilitation
• Minimal post-operative pain

Post-operative precautions

After undergoing minimally invasive total hip replacement, you must take special care to prevent dislocation of the new joint and to ensure proper healing.

• Avoid combined movement of bending your hip and turning your foot inwards
• Keep a pillow between your legs while sleeping for 6 weeks
• Never cross your legs and bend your hips past a right angle (90°)
• Avoid sitting on low chairs
• Avoid bending down to pick up things, instead use a grabber device.
• Use an elevated toilet seat

As with any major surgical procedure, there are certain potential risks and complications involved with total hip replacement surgery. They include:

• Infection
• Injury to nerves and blood vessels
• Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
• Implant malposition
• Fracture of the femur or pelvis

Why Choose Dr. Paul Jacob for Minimally Invasive Approaches to the Hip in Oklahoma City?

Dr. Paul Jacob is a Cleveland Clinic-trained adult reconstruction specialist whose practice focuses on hip and knee replacement. His experience includes primary and revision joint replacement, minimally invasive techniques, robotic-assisted surgery, and outpatient joint replacement for appropriately selected patients.

Minimally invasive hip replacement uses the same fundamental joint replacement principles as traditional surgery while utilizing smaller incisions and techniques designed to reduce disruption to surrounding soft tissues when appropriate. Dr. Jacob develops an individualized surgical plan based on each patient's anatomy, condition, and recovery needs.

Patients considering minimally invasive hip replacement in Oklahoma City may benefit from:

• Fellowship training in adult reconstruction at the Cleveland Clinic
• Dedicated focus on hip and knee reconstruction
• Experience with minimally invasive hip replacement techniques
• Robotic-assisted hip replacement options when appropriate
• Individualized surgical planning
• Recovery-focused postoperative care and education

Minimally Invasive Approaches to the Hip FAQs

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement in Oklahoma City

If hip arthritis is limiting your ability to walk, exercise, work, or enjoy everyday activities, Dr. Paul Jacob provides minimally invasive hip replacement care in Oklahoma City. His Cleveland Clinic training and dedicated focus on adult reconstruction allow him to evaluate each patient and recommend an approach designed around their individual needs.

Schedule an evaluation with Dr. Paul Jacob in Oklahoma City to learn whether a minimally invasive approach to hip replacement may be appropriate for you. Patients from Edmond, Norman, and surrounding Oklahoma communities can receive specialized hip replacement care and personalized guidance throughout treatment and recovery.