Minimally Invasive Total Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement is surgery to replace a damaged hip joint. Minimally invasive surgery uses 2 or more small cuts (incisions) instead of a single large incision. The procedure is done by an orthopedic surgeon. This is a doctor with special training in treating bone, joint, and muscle problems.

About the hip joint

Each hip joint is made up of the rounded top of the thighbone (femoral head) sitting in a curved area (hip socket) in the pelvic bone. The joint is lined with a flexible cushion (cartilage). Normally the femoral head moves smoothly in the hip socket. When you have joint damage, the cartilage that normally lines the joint wears away. The bones no longer move smoothly. This causes pain. During a total hip replacement, the femoral head and the hip socket are replaced.

Why is minimally invasive total hip replacement done?

You may need this surgery if you have severe damage to your hip joint. This can cause pain and interfere with your daily activities. Conditions that may damage this joint include:

• Osteoarthritis. Also called wear-and-tear arthritis. The cartilage wears away as a person ages. This is the most common cause of damage.
• Rheumatoid arthritis. This is a type of arthritis that affects not only joints, but the whole body. Serious joint damage may occur if it’s not treated.
• Osteonecrosis. This is damage caused by decreased blood supply to a bone.
• Injury. This may be a break (fracture).
• Tumor. This is an abnormal growth of the bone. It may or may not be cancer.

Total hip replacement may help lessen your pain and make it easier to move your hip. It also improves your quality of life. Hip replacement is most often only advised if other treatments haven’t worked.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call:

• SBL Bonutti Clinic at 217 342-3400, or
• SBL Orthopedics & Sports Medicine at 217 238-3435

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