Hip replacement: A seamless procedure to overcome pain and immobility
Dr. David Rodriguez-Quintana is an orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip arthroplasty and an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. He is affiliated with Memorial Hermann Health System.
In a 2018 study published by The Journal of Bone and Joint
Surgery, researchers projected that the annual number of total hip arthroplasties, or total hip replacements, would grow significantly by 2030. This projection is driven by several factors, including an increase in arthritis patients, life expectancy, and obesity. However, it is also driven by advanced technology and improved surgical approaches that have made hip replacements easier to perform and recover from. Dr. Rodriguez-Quintana, an orthopedic surgeon who performs hip arthroplasty at Memorial Hermann, discusses who is a candidate for total hip replacement surgery, how it can significantly improve quality of life and how minimally invasive techniques can greatly benefit patients.
Q: Who is a candidate for hip replacement surgery? A:
At Memorial Hermann, we treat patients with a variety of needs for total hip replacement surgery. Whether it’s a patient who fractures their hip after a fall, or someone with arthritis who is in pain every time they walk, total hip replacements can treat a wide range of conditions and needs.
One of the most common reasons patients receive hip replacements is due to arthritis or loss of cartilage in the joint, which primarily impacts elderly populations and those who overuse their joints. Everyone is born with cartilage over their joints to protect them when moving. However, that cartilage can wear and tear over time, causing the bones to rub against each other, which can lead to debilitating pain and motion restriction if not corrected. Hip replacement surgery can alleviate that pain and restore the normal alignment of the hip, allowing patients to have significantly improved mobility. Many patients no longer have a limp after surgery and/or can stop using their walking aids, such as a cane.
Q: How do surgeons perform hip replacements? A:
There are two main surgical approaches to hip replacements, both of which can be game changers for patients experiencing pain in their hips. The first is known as a posterior approach to hip replacement, which is the traditional method many people envision when they think of the surgery. In posterior surgery, the incision goes through a main muscle of the hip, with the muscles being detached and later reattached to the bone during the procedure. Historically, this is the most common approach, and the majority of knee and hip surgeons are highly trained in performing this procedure with good success.
The other approach is known as the anterior hip replacement, which is performed through the front of the leg where the joint is accessed by going around the muscle rather than cutting through it. This muscle-sparing surgery has several benefits such as a lower risk for complications including dislocation, less trauma to surrounding muscle that supports the joint, no need of postsurgical precautions, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery times. In fact, most patients are up and walking within hours of their surgery and are usually fully recovered within 4 to 6 weeks, allowing them to gain their strength back and return to activities more quickly. At Memorial Hermann, we offer both the posterior and anterior approaches using the latest innovation and techniques, such as robotic-assisted technology, that can have life-changing results for patients. While not everyone is a candidate for the anterior surgery due to specific conditions like obesity or more complex bone deformity, we work with every patient to determine which approach is best for them and their needs. Q: Are hip replacements a major surgery? A:
A common misconception about hip replacements is that they’re a major surgery requiring lengthy recovery times. However, with muscle-sparing approaches like anterior surgery and technological advancements, hip replacements are a standard, reliable and common procedure that can be life-altering for patients. Knowing that these procedures are even more seamless and common than they were just 10 years ago, more and more patients experiencing joint pain are seeking out surgeons who are experienced in performing this muscle-sparing procedure. There are eight Memorial Hermann Joint Center locations where we use the latest implant technology and surgical approaches for hip replacements, including the anterior approach. Our patients come to us knowing they’ll be in the care of a highly specialized and experienced team of surgeons, nurses, physical therapists, pre- and post-operation teams, and anesthesia professionals who solely focus on hip and knee replacements. Our surgical team is extensively and specifically trained in these surgeries. So, rest assured that you’ll be in the care of those who are highly experienced in getting you back to a more mobile life. If you’re experiencing persistent pain, discomfort or stiffness in your hip, thigh or groin, talk with your doctor about getting evaluated for hip replacement surgery.