Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip Surgery

Hip Arthritis Treatment
Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip Resurfacing
Hip Replacement vs. Hip Resurfacing
Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery
Posterior vs. Anterior Total Hip Replacement

Orthopedic FAQs

Pre-Operative Joint Replacement FAQ
Post-Operative Joint Replacement FAQ

Hip replacement procedures using minimally invasive surgical techniques may provide several potential benefits to patients suffering from severe hip arthritis. Contact Dr. Kruse for more information.

Located between the thighbone and the pelvis, the hip joint is one of the largest weight bearing joints in the body. It is a ball-and-joint socket joint comprised of the ball of the thighbone (femur) and the rounded socket of the pelvis, known as the acetabulum. Ligaments, or bands of tissue, surround the joint protecting the hip from extending past its normal range of motion during movement.

Cartilage, a tough protective tissue, covers the ends of the bones to decrease the friction caused during movement. While cartilage protects the ends of the bones, synovial fluid bathes the remaining surfaces of the joint to protect from wear, allowing for smooth movement of the joint. Damage to any of the components of the hip can lead to an increase in the amount of friction created during movement of the joint, often resulting in both pain and decreased motion.

Symptoms of Arthritis of the Hip

The most common form of hip arthritis is osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease and the leading cause of hip pain. Genetics, previous injuries/surgeries, or congenital defects can lead to osteoarthritis of the hip joint. OA leads to the breakdown of bony cartilage, causing an uneven joint surface that can lead to catching, locking, and significant pain in more advanced cases. Common complaints include groin pain that may radiate down the inner thigh, stiffness after prolonged sitting, and pain during activity. In advanced cases, patients may experience pain at night as well.

As arthritis progresses, it can result in extensive bone damage and may require more invasive procedures and/or corrective surgery. Dr. Kruse is dedicated to providing patients with the most advanced treatment options for hip arthritis including hip joint injections, minimally invasive hip surgery, such as hip resurfacing or hip arthroscopy, or hip replacement via the direct anterior or posterolateral approach.

Learn more about treatment options during the early stages of arthritis of the hip »

Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is a surgical procedure that involves reshaping and capping the head of the femur with a metal prosthesis. The procedure also includes the removal and replacement of the damaged socket with a prosthetic implant.

Hip resurfacing allows Dr. Kruse to preserve as much of the bone of the hip joint as possible by using arthroscopic techniques to reshape (instead of remove) the joint components. The benefits of hip resurfacing include:

A more natural fit of the joint components
Reduced risk of dislocation
Greater range of motion
Increased joint stability and strength
More natural walking pattern
Quicker return to an active lifestyle

Learn more about hip resurfacing »

Direct Anterior Approach to Hip Replacement

The direct anterior approach is a minimally invasive surgical technique used during a total hip replacement procedure. In comparison to the traditional surgical approach that requires an 8-12 inch long incision on the side or back of the hip, the direct anterior approach only requires an incision 3-4 inches in length at the front of the hip. Due to the location of the incision, the surrounding muscles or tendons are not detached in order to complete the procedure.

Due to the reduced muscle disruption, the direct anterior approach to hip replacement has several advantages, including:

Shorter hospital stay
Faster return to normal activities
Less noticeable scarring
Decreased post-surgical pain

Learn more about minimally invasive surgical techniques »