Personalized hip replacement, surgery with a high success rate

In hip replacement surgery, expert Assuta surgeons replace the patient’s
hip joint with artificial implants.A complete a hip replacement replaces the
joint of the pelvis and thighbone, while in a partial replacement, only the
ball of the hip joint is replaced, without replacing the socket or pelvis.
Surgery is performed under local or general anesthesia.

Patients usually undergo partial hip replacements when they have a
fracture, but rehabilitation may be limited due to age or illnesses.

Surgery decisions are based on three parameters:

• Condition of the patient’s joint, such as whether the joint’s
  cartilage is significantly eroded;the thighbone is eroding; or the
  thighbone is distorted due to an injury or a congenital disorder
• The degree of mobility impairment and difficulty in daily
  functioning that the patient is experiencing
• The patient’s pain level – whether it can be controlled with
  painkillers or if it severely impairs quality of life

Applying 3D printing technology

Assuta surgeons have achieved a new standard of accuracy in planning and
conducting hip replacement operations.They create simulated patient
joints using computerized design tools and print a model using 3-
dimensional printer.This physical model enables them to determine the
best approach and guidelines for each patient during the surgery.

Surgical approaches to hip replacement

Assuta surgeons use two surgical techniques:

• Replacement through the back of the body, which offers highly
  accurate implant fit, lower risk of fractures, and less risk of nerve
  damage, but complication rates can be higher
• Replacement through the front of the body, which is available to a
  broader range of patients and carries lower risk of complications

Assuta surgeons decide which surgery is best for the patient by physically
examining him/her, assessing CT and/or X-ray images, and evaluating
patient function and health. Surgeons take a broad perspective, paying
close attention to the patient’s whole body,including the anatomical
structure and musculoskeletal system, as well as the degree of cartilage
erosion, age, weight, type of injury, and previous hip surgery.

Both techniques use the same type of implants, so after recovery, patient
outcomes and function should be similar.

Current surgical techniques minimize incisions, while preserving the muscle
and soft tissues around the hip joint, which reduces bleeding and pain, and
helps speed recovery.

Medications help minimize pain before, during and after surgery.

Hip replacement materials

The implanted hip joints are typically made of bone-friendly titanium-based
metal, and the hip joint heads are made of abrasion-resistant ceramic. This
construction enables patients to function with their new hip for decades,
and potentially perform strenuous activities and sports.

What to expect after surgery

Patients are encouraged to get out of bed and walk after the anesthesia
has worn off, a few hours after the surgery.In most cases, the patient is
discharged on the day of the operation or, at most, within 24 hours.The
short hospital stay reduces complications.

The replacement surgery improves the patient’s range of motion, walking
pace, and routine function in activities, while relieving pain, both during
exertion and at rest.

With the help of physical therapy, the patient can return to normal
activities within a few weeks after the surgery.