I heard about the news television program in the middle of 1999 where a doctor had developed a new technique for hip replacement. Instead of cutting the head of the femur off and placing a new ball and stem in the femur bone, he used tools to make the head into a cylinder shape with a drilled hole in the center. From there he puts on a new head thats has a hole in it that slips over the cylindical shaped femur head. I believe the socket procedure stayed the same as current medthods. He stated he would be training other doctors in this procedure. I can't find any information on the internet on this. Are you familar with this procedure? What is it called? Any information would be helpful! How long woulld the recovery time from this surgery be?

Thanks, Judy

-- Judy Solgaard (Isbjorn1@msn.com), September 24, 2001

Answers

I am unaware of the program you are referring to. From what you are describing, I think you are referring to a procedure called a resurfacing of the hip. This is done for avascular necrosis, also called osteonecrosis of the hip. The recovery time is variable. In most instance, the recovery time would be 6 weeks to 3 months. The hip is disclocated for the procedure as in a hip replacement, so the recovery time is necessary in order to allow the muscles around the hip to heal.

-- Dotsie Czajkowski RNFA (hkhanuj@jhmi.edu), October 09, 2001.

There is no noninvasive procedure for hip replacement. I believe what you are looking for is a minimally invasive procedure with a small incision for hip replacement. The only thing that is less invasive about this technique than other techniques is the size of the skin incision. The remainder of the procedure is accomplished through a small skin incision and the skin is stretched and also mobilized to be pulled over different aspects of the surgical wound while performing the procedure. There are several surgeons who advocate this technique. I am not one of them. I don't feel that it really offers any benefit.

The "posterior approach" is the one most commonly used through this minimal skin incision and it has the advantage that recovery is quicker than with the "lateral approach." However, it has the disadvantage of having a higher dislocation rate and therefore, in my mind, is really not worth the trouble. However, this is a controversial subject in total hip replacement and I am certain you can find contrary opinion if you look for one.

-- Marc Hungerford, MD (mhunger@jhmi.edu), February 08, 2002.

I was diagnosed with hip dysplasia (from birth) when I was 25 years old. I am now 30 and have had both my hips replaced. I had a THR on the right two years ago and am doing very well with that hip. I had the THR on the left about a month ago. The first surgery that I had was the traditional, 12-inch incision. I dislocated the hip two days after getting out of the hospital. That surgery took a good four months to completely heal to where I could walk without assistance of a cane. This second surgery, I had the new MIS 2-incision hip replacement and it has been wonderful. They do this procedure through 2 two-inch incisions (one near the groin and one on the side) and there is no cutting of muscles, tendons, or ligaments. They are able to access the joint by separating the muscles. There has been less pain and a quicker recovery of this recent surgery. You are also allowed FULL WEIGHT BEARING (as tolerated) immediately after surgery! There are also less precautions and less chance of dislocation. I was off narcotics and out of bed the day of the surgery! Being a month out from surgery, I can walk on my own around the house and for short distances. I still need the cane for long walks, but I should be off that in a week or so. I would highly recommend researching this procedure for anyone that needs a THR. It has been wonderful. The website to research this or to find a doctor in your area is www.pacewithlife.com.

Good luck!

-- Sonya Luther (sonyal123@hotmail.com), April 13, 2004.