Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Surgery Benefits Patients

Minimally Invasive Surgery in hip replacement is an advancement that offers important advantages over standard surgical procedures.

“The direct anterior approach is one of the minimally invasive techniques used in hip replacement surgery that I prefer,” Michael Maline, DO, orthopedic surgeon said. Traditional hip replacement techniques require a significant disturbance of the muscle and connecting tissues and an incision approximately 8-10 inches long. In comparison, the direct anterior approach requires an incision that is only 3-4 inches in length and located at the front of the hip.

“The direct anterior approach allows me as the surgeon good access to the hip while sparring muscle which allows for a more natural return to normal function and activity for my patient,” he said.

The smaller incision and reduced muscle disruption allows my patients shorter rehabilitation and recovery and less scarring. This approach minimizes tissue damage, requires less time in surgery and helps reduce post-operative pain.

Traditional hip replacement techniques require patients to take special precautions to prevent dislocation of the joint implant. These precautions typically include not crossing your legs, not bending your hips more than a right angle, not turning your feet excessively inward or outward and using a pillow between your legs at night when sleeping.

“Following surgery using the anterior approach, the risk of dislocation may be reduced,” Dr. Maline explains. “Patients may be immediately allowed to move their hips and potentially avoid these cumbersome restrictions. I often encourage my patients to put weight on their leg immediately and to discard external support as symptoms permit.” Dr. Maline adds that complications resulting from immobilization have the potential to be reduced due to immediate hip movement and early weight-bearing.

Michael Maline, DO specializes in advanced arthroscopy, sports medicine and total joint replacement. 

Sept. 2011 Health Matters

Michael Maline, DO received his medical education at Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences in Tulsa, OK. Maline then completed an internship at Capital Region Medical Center in Jefferson City, MO and residency at St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City, OK.

Dr. Maline is a member of the American Osteopathic Academy of Orthopedics and the American Osteopathic Association. His clinical interests include advanced arthroscopy, sports medicine, total joint replacements, fracture care and surgery for the upper and lower extremities.

He is located at The Agility Center, 1504 SE 28th Street in Bentonville. For more information, call (479) 273-1111.

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