Robotic-Assisted Hip Replacement
What is Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement is a surgical technique where the severely damaged cartilage and bone of the hip joint is removed and substituted with an artificial prosthesis which is bio-compatible and functions like a normal hip. It is one of the most common joint replacement procedures, subsequent to knee replacements. The main aim of this surgery is to restore function to the joint and relieve pain.
What is Robotic-assisted Total Hip Replacement?
Robotic-assisted total hip replacement is a minimally invasive procedure where your surgeon is assisted by a robotic system to perform a total hip replacement surgery.
What are the Indications for Robotic Total Hip Replacement?
Indications for robotic total hip replacement surgery include:
- Osteoarthritis of the hip
- Constant and recurring hip joint disease
- Continued pain and stiffness
- Loosening of the implants
- Failure of a previous implant
- Instability
- Infection
- Recurring dislocation
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Avascular necrosis
- Septic arthritis
- Ankylosing spondylitis
What Happens During Robotic Total Hip Replacement?
The robotic system consists of a surgeon's console, robotic arms, a high-performance vision system, and special surgical instruments. A computed tomography (CT) scan is taken before the surgery to create a 3D model of the affected hip joint. During surgery, the information provided by the CT scan is interpreted by the robotic system and guides your surgeon with the procedure. The 3D camera provides your surgeon with a magnified view of the operating area. Your surgeon sits on a console and controls the movement of the robotic arms holding the special surgical instruments. The movements of your surgeon’s hands are translated, by the robotic system, into precise movements of the miniaturized instrument that are held by the robotic arms. The enhanced vision and superior control of the micro-instruments improve the precision of the surgery. This accuracy helps repair the damaged joint and optimally position the prosthetic implant while ensuring minimal injury to neighboring tissues.
Postoperative Care Instructions
Postoperative instructions to aid in healing and recovery process usually include:
- Use of assistive devices such as a splint or crutches for walking
- Keeping your leg elevated
- Medications to control pain and swelling
- Limited weight-bearing activities
- Following a balanced, varied diet
- Physical therapy to improve flexibility, range of motion, and strengthen muscles
- Adhering to follow-up appointment
What are the Advantages of Robotic Total Hip Replacement?
Being a minimally invasive approach, robotic total hip replacement surgery offers the following benefits:
- Smaller incisions leading to reduced scarring
- Minimal blood loss
- Less postoperative pain
- Shorter hospital stay and recovery period
- Quicker return to daily normal activities
- Lower incidence of complications
- Precise placement of the hip implant with a reduced risk of hip dislocation
- Improved safety and reduced risk of injury to adjacent tissues
- Uniformity in leg length
- Increased longevity of the implant
