What is Mini-Posterior Hip Replacement?
Mini-posterior hip replacement is a surgical procedure used to replace your damaged hip with synthetic parts inserted through a small incision made at the back of the hip.
The surgery involves the replacement of portions of the pelvis and femur (thighbone) without disturbing the vital abductor muscles that are critical to hip stability and gait.
Indications for Mini-Posterior Hip Replacement
Indications for the operation include:
- Severe hip pain due to arthritis of any type or other hip disorders.
- Trouble walking, or difficulty with everyday tasks due to a hip injury.
- Difficulty sleeping or sitting comfortably due to a painful hip.
- A condition called avascular necrosis (death of bone tissue due to lack of blood supply).
Preparation for the Procedure
Your doctor may ask you to start preparing 4 to 6 weeks before the surgery. The preparation might begin with blood tests, urine tests, ECG and X-rays.
Subsequently, you are likely to be told to:
- Stop smoking (if applicable)
- Eat a healthy diet
- Maintain good physical condition
- Reduce your weight (if you are overweight)
- Perform exercises to strengthen hip muscles
- Address any open wounds, bites or cuts
How is Mini-Posterior Hip Replacement Performed?
During the procedure, you will lie on your side. A small surgical cut is made along the side of the hip to expose the hip joint and the femur is dislocated from the acetabulum. The surface of the socket is cleaned and the damaged or arthritic bone removed using a reamer. The acetabular component is inserted into the bone socket. A liner made of plastic, ceramic, or metal is placed inside the acetabular component.
The femur or thighbone is then prepared by removing the arthritic ball using special instruments to exactly fit the new metal femoral component. The femoral component is then inserted into the femur. Then the femoral ball component made of metal or ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. The muscles and tendons around the new joint are repaired and the incision is closed.
You are expected to walk with full weight-bearing on the day of the surgery and be discharged the same day or the next.
Risks Associated with the Procedure
Like every surgery, mini-posterior hip replacement comes with its own risks such as:
- Delayed wound healing
- Bleeding or blood clots
- Surgical site infection
- Fracture or dislocation
- Stiffness of the hip joint
- Nerve, artery or tendon damage
- Difference between length of legs
- Implant failure
What Precautions should be Taken as You Recover from the Procedure?
As you recover from the procedure, you need to:
- Avoid taking a bath for the first few weeks (showering is allowed)
- Gradually increase your amount of activities daily
- Prevent the hip from bending excessively
- Follow exercise programs or other protocols recommended by your doctor and physical therapist
- Refrain from driving until you are off pain medicines and have enough strength in your leg to operate the pedals
- Avoid cars or vehicles with low seats
Recovery from the procedure may take anywhere between six weeks to six months depending on the severity of the damage, your age and physical condition, and your activity level.
Benefits of Mini-Posterior Hip Replacement
The main benefits of the procedure include:
- Minimally invasive for the patient
- Quick recovery with minimal pain
- Superior visualization of the hip for improved accuracy
- Greater stability (full movement or flexibility)
- Low complication rate
- Improved quality of life
