2-Incision Approach: Two Incision
Surgical Procedure:
Some surgeons at Hinsdale Orthopaedics perform mini-hip surgery utilizing a two-incision approach. Like the single posterior incision surgery, this technique is designed to minimize the tissue trauma normally associated with hip replacement. For most average-sized patients, the two incisions will be approximately two inches long: one on the anterior thigh, just below the groin, and one on the buttocks. The advantage of this technique is to provide optimal access and positioning for the two different hip components: the socket and the femoral stem.
Comparing the minimally invasive two-incision hip replacement to the traditional hip replacement, you see a significant discrepancy with the size of the incisions. However, the point to be made is the fact that some of the muscles and tendons are avoided or separated in the MIS two-incision hip procedure. Contrastingly, in the traditional hip replacement, muscles and tendons are cut. Because the muscles and tendons are protected from being cut, there is a significant decrease in pain and blood loss, which translates into a shorter hospital stay.
Recovery after Two-Incision Anterior Surgery
There is no disruption of any tendon structures using this method and resumption of activity and post-operative mobilization may be accelerated, allowing shorter hospital stays of one to three days as suggested by some short-term follow-up data. Patients post-operatively rapidly progress from crutches to no assistive device, to performance of activities of daily living within one to two weeks.
Two-Incision Anterior Surgery: Who is a Candidate?
Not all patients are candidates for this technique. Complex anatomy and poor bone quality may increase the risk of femoral fracture. Also reported at an increased rate are nerve injuries, although still rare (less than 1%). There are no precautions or limitations for patients that receive a total hip arthroplasty with this technique. Rehabilitation may start on the day of surgery. The advantages are that of shorter incision lengths, as well as rapid discharge and accelerated rehabilitation.
