Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement

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Medical Author:

B Sonny Bal, MD

Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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• Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Overview
• Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Preparation
• During the Procedure
• After the Procedure
• Next Steps
• Risks
• Results
• When to Seek Medical Care
• For More Information
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Overview

Hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful modern orthopedic surgical procedures. (Orthopedics is the branch of medicine dealing with bones.) Hip replacement surgeries use modern biomaterials. Biomaterials are synthetic or partially synthetic materials that are used to take the place of parts within the body. Use of these modern materials has allowed hip replacements to last well in appropriately selected patients. However, pain and other side effects associated with the surgical procedures remain a concern for many people.

New and improved anesthesia techniques, as well as pain management medications and methods, have reduced pain and improved recovery after hip replacement surgery. Any method of speeding up recovery after surgery is desirable, as many people are anxious to return to their day-to-day activities.

Minimally invasive hip replacement surgery is a general term that describes several variations of existing surgeries. Minimally invasive techniques are designed to reduce the tissue trauma associated with hip replacement. The surgery is performed with smaller incisions. Less trauma to the tissues results in less postoperative discomfort and quicker recovery.