What is hip arthritis?

Hip arthritis is a condition that occurs when the cartilage thins over time, forcing painful bone-on-bone action. You will notice swelling and stiffness due to constant bone friction. Over eighty per cent of patients with hip arthritis experience pain radiating from the groin. About ten percent of hip arthritis cases inherit isolated pain at the side of the buttock or hip.

What is anterior minimally invasive total hip replacement surgery?

Typically an orthopaedic surgeon performs hip replacement surgery posteriorly by making an incision behind the hip or laterally on the side of the bone. But from the onset of 1980, delivering hip replacement anteriorly by cutting in the front of the hip became more widespread and is commonly used presently. The anterior approach grew in popularity. This type of hip replacement surgery is less invasive and, leads to a faster recovery with less damage to neighbouring tissues and muscles than the posterior and lateral approach.

During any hip replacement, the damaged bone and surrounding soft tissue are removed. A less invasive procedure such as this is similar to traditional hip replacement except there is not much nearby tissue around the hip to be removed. After the socket and femur are prepared, artificial joints similar to those used during a traditional hip replacement surgery are inserted.

Before Surgery

You must disclose your medical history, previous surgeries and allergies to Dr Mokete. Before surgery, he will instruct you to stop eating and drinking six hours before the procedure.  Arrange for a friend or family member to drive you home after surgery.

Day of Surgery

An incision is made over the hip joint in front of the thigh, at least three centimetres from the thigh crease. Once the hip joint is exposed, the damaged femoral head is removed. Excess tissue and bone spurs within the acetabulum are removed. Before the placement of the metal acetabulum, the arthritic acetabulum is reshaped. The artificial metal acetabulum fits into the socket naturally. Your bone health is first assessed before bone screws are inserted through the artificial acetabulum. The plastic bearing then locks into the socket. An artificial metal alloy femoral part is then inserted snuggly into the thigh bone. A range of motion and length measurements test the joint's stability and flexibility.

After Surgery

You will remain in the recovery room for an hour. Physical therapy techniques, including soft exercises and walking speed up your recovery. You can return home as soon as it is safe to do so, typically two to three days after surgery.