Traditionally, hip arthroplasty, commonly known as hip replacement, has been performed by accessing the joint through the rear of the hip by detaching muscles and dislocating the hip. Recent advances in technique, however, have made a micro-posterior approach called Super PATH. The SuperPATH approach maintains the integrity of all of the tendons and joint capsule surrounding the hip and does not require dislocation during surgery. Reduced disruption of tissues surrounding the hip results in a stronger, more stable hip with quicker return to function.The minimally invasive Super PATH approach also lowers the risk of dislocation common in other hip replacement procedures. By maintaining the integrity of the muscles and the hip capsule, this procedure also provides the stability to keep leg lengths equal and so avoids the need for leg lengthening.
The surgical procedure is often performed as an outpatient procedure with either general or spinal anesthesia. Patients are typically up walking a couple of hours after surgery with the assistance of a walker or crutches. Most patients are able to walk without assistive devices 1-2 weeks following surgery. Low impact forms of exercise are recommended immediately after anterior hip replacement, and high-impact activities are typically only prohibited for 3 months.
Additional Resources
- MedlinePlus
- National Institutes of Health
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
- U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
- WebMD
- Why Surgeons Choose Superpath
- SuperPath Hip Approach vs. Anterior Approach
- SuperPATH for Surgeons Animation
- Understanding Total Hip Replacement
