Medical conditions such as arthritis can damage or wear out the articular cartilage covering the hip joint surface. This can lead to inflammation, severe pain, and loss of range of motion in the hip. In less severe cases the condition can be treated through a multitude of nonoperative joint preservation strategies and treatments. In severe cases hip replacement becomes a good option to permanently remove the pain created by bones rubbing together after the cartilage has completely worn off. Dr. Cumbie provides expert diagnosis and treatments for hip arthritis including muscle sparing anterior hip replacement surgery. Dr. Cumbie also provides highly specialized care during and after the surgery. Contact Dr. Cumbie’s team for an appointment today!
What is Pure Motion Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery?
Pure Motion Direct anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive hip surgery offered by Dr. Cumbie to replace the hip joint without cutting through any muscles or tendons in comparison to traditional hip replacement that involves cutting major muscles and tendons to access the hip joint.
What is the Procedure for a Pure Motion Direct Anterior Hip Replacement?
The surgery is performed under general or spinal anesthesia. You will lie down on your back, on a special operating table that enables Dr. Cumbie to perform the surgery from the front of the hip. Dr. Cumbie may use fluoroscopic imaging or robotics during the surgery to ensure the accuracy of component positioning.
Dr. Cumbie makes a small minimally invasive incision on the front of the hip. The muscles are gently pushed aside to gain access to the hip joint and perform the replacement. The acetabular surface is prepared using a special instrument and the acetabular implant is then placed in position. A liner is then placed inside the acetabular implant.
The femoral head that is worn out is removed and the femur is prepared using special instruments so that the new femoral component fits the bone properly and is tailored to the unique anatomy of each individualized patient. The final femoral implant is then inserted into the femur. The femoral head implant is then placed on the femoral stem and the hip is gently reduced into place.
Once all implants are in place and the hip is reduced, Dr. Cumbie performs a series of specialized test to ensure the hip is stable. Fluoroscopy and / or robotics are then used to re-confirm optimal leg length and implant positioning. All retractors are then removed, and the completely intact muscles are allowed to gently return to their original position. The incision is then typically closed with absorbable sutures and covered with a sterile dressing.
What are the Risks and Complications of Anterior Hip Replacement?
All surgeries carry an element of risk, whether it is related to the anesthesia or the procedure itself. Risks and complications with anterior hip replacement are rare, but can occur and may include:
- Infection at the incision site or joint space
- Fracture
- Nerve damage
- Hemarthrosis - excess bleeding into the joint after the surgery
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
- Leg length inequality
- Dislocation
What Does Postoperative Care for Dr. Cumbie’s Anterior Hip Replacement Involve?
Post surgery, your doctor will give you specific instructions to be followed at home for a faster recovery. These include:
- Take medications as prescribed to relieve pain and prevent infection.
- Participate in physical therapy to restore hip function and strength.
- Eat a healthy diet and do not smoke or use nicotine to facilitate healing and promote a faster recovery.
- Contact your doctor if you observe increasing swelling or redness in the surgical site.
After traditional hip replacement surgery, you would be instructed to follow precautions to prevent your new hip from dislocating. These guidelines are very restrictive and include:
- No bending or flexing of the hip past 90 degrees.
- No crossing of legs.
- Use a pillow between the legs when sleeping.
- Use an elevated toilet seat.
However, because Dr. Cumbie’s Pure Motion anterior hip replacement uses a muscle-sparing technique there is increased joint stability after surgery and in most cases, these precautions are not needed.
What are the Advantages of Dr. Cumbie’s Pure Motion Direct Anterior Hip Replacement?
The advantages of Dr. Cumbie’s anterior hip replacement include:
- Smaller incisions
- Shorter operative time
- Minimal blood loss
- Most patients go home the same day of surgery to recover in the comfort of their home.
- Less postoperative pain
- Minimal soft-tissue trauma
- Less scarring
- Quicker recovery
- Early mobilization
- No weightbearing or range of motion restrictions after surgery
- Quicker return to normal activities
- Lower risk of dislocation
