Abstract
Aims: Minimal invasive surgery is now possible for hip replacement. We present our system (called the SE Hip SystemTM). It is a universal system and is here used with the LINKTM C.F.P stem and T.O.P cup.
Methods: We have used this system on forty patients. It involves five steps. One (incision) – a single 5cm. postero-lateral incision; two (neck cut) – application of a cutting block to the femoral neck and removal of the head; three (broaching the femur) – preparation of the femur; four (reaming the acetabulum) – ream using the modified reamers and precisely place the cup with the lollipop device; five- place the stem and soft tissue balance with the spacers. The hip is then reduced and the wound closed.
Results: The average pre-operative Harris hip score was 28.64; the average post-operative score was 82.65. Complications included one transient sciatic nerve palsy. Average blood loss was 250 mls, the average time in hospital was 3 days and the average number of physiotherapy sessions required was 4.
Conclusions: Minimal invasive hip surgery is now possible. There is a markedly reduced cone of dissection. Navigation systems and intra-operative imaging are not required. This technique should minimize maltracking (and wear) and shorten the recovery period allowing the possibility of day or outpatient hip surgery.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Mr Peter Kay. Correspondence should be address to him at The Hip Centre, Wrightington Hospital, Appley Bridge, Wigan, Lancashire WN6 9EP.
