Center for Minimally Invasive Hip & Knee Surgery of Washington D.C.

 

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Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery (MIS THA)
Total Hip Replacement Surgery (THA) has traditionally been performed through a large incision typically 10 - 12 inches in length. Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement (MIS THA) can reduce the size of this incision to as little as 4 inches. There are generally two types of MIS THA: Mini THA and Direct Anterior MIS THA.

Mini THA employs the standard approach of THA, but the incision is much smaller. The surgeon can insert the implant through an incision that is usually between 4 - 6 inches. Standard instruments are used. The recovery is faster, however, the restrictions to ensure protection of the leg are generally maintained for at least 6 weeks. This technique is most often utilized in patients who need to have a cemented stem placed because of the presence of deficient bone stock. Other candidates for this approach include elderly patients, patients with many medical problems or prior surgery, and heavy or very muscular patients.

Direct Anterior MIS THA utilizes a new surgical approach. The implant is inserted without cutting any of the muscles around the hip.
The surgical approach is through the front of the hip (anterior) which gives the implant excellent stability and reduces the chance of dislocation after surgery. There is minimal damage to the soft tissues. The hospital stay can be as short as one or two days. Another benefit is the increased stability of the implant; the patient can be more active earlier. Typically, protection on the implant through special positioning is as short as 2 weeks.
Only an experienced hip surgeon should perform the Direct Anterior MIS THA. Special training and certification are required. Dr. Anthony S. Unger has not only achieved this level of training/certification and has often been asked to train/teach other surgeons on this Direct Anterior MIS THA technique. Candidates for the Direct Anterior MIS THA procedure are carefully selected. A typical patient is one who is slender and in good medical health without any prior surgery to the affected hip. The contraindications do exist and are best addressed by consultation with Dr. Unger in his office.