Minimally invasive surgery

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Hello, I am trying to gather some information on the minimally invasive hip implant procedure. Was wondering if anyone had this done and how quickly it got them back on their feet. Also were they pleased with the outcome? I know this is relatively new and not too many surgeons are doing this currently. Are there any criteria to keep in mind that would make someone a better candidate? I had been told that you should be at least close to your ideal wieght but not really sure if that is true. Thanks

-- peter calamari (peter.calamari@thomson.net), May 22, 2003

Answers

Hello. I just came across this post and thought I would write a quick reply. I am 36 yrs old and had this procedure in January due to a hip deformity since birth. My incision is only 3 1/2 inches long, and I have to say so far I am very pleased with the outcome. I was on my feet the next day with a walker, and walking with a cane a few weeks later, and I can now walk with no problems. I did a lot of research on surgeons and found one in my area (NJ). He apparently has patients come from many states away to have him do this procedure. As far as being a candidate, I was told of course your hip needs to meet some criteria that as a patient I wouldn't understand, but my hip was pretty "messed up" and I was still a candidate. I was about 30 pounds overweight and my weight never came into question.

Good luck and please feel free to ask me anything if I can help.

Susan

-- Susan Belej (sbelej@optonline.net), July 10, 2003.


I had minimally invasive total hip replacement done by a world famous surgeon from Pittsburgh who pioneered this particular procedure. I have 2 incisions approximately 2.5 inches long. It is now almost 8 weeks postop. My operated leg is approximately on inch longer than my other leg. My knee has some type of damage that has not been determined yet. My surgeon does not want to talk to me about my complications. I have seen three other doctors looking for some help, but because this procedure is so new none seem to have any answers for me. I am 54 years old and very disappointed. Please do not undergo this surgery thinking that this can't happen to you. Be very careful. I'm looking for other patients who have had a similar experience to gain insight as to what to do. Please help.

-- Enid Porter (mystery@pulsenet.com), March 24, 2004.

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.


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