Bikini Incision Hip Replacement
What is a Bikini Incision Hip Replacement?
A bikini incision hip replacement is a minimally invasive hip replacement procedure in which the damaged hip joint is replaced with implants through a small diagonal incision made in the front of the hip. The surgical scar formed as a result of this surgical technique is small enough to be concealed by a bikini.
Benefits of the Bikini Incision Hip Replacement
Some of the benefits of the bikini incision hip replacement surgery include:
- Minimal tissue damage
- Less pain
- Better wound healing
- Faster recovery
- Improved cosmetic results due to discrete location of surgical incision in alignment with the skin crease.
Preparation for Bikini Incision Hip Replacement
Preoperative preparation for a hip replacement generally involves the following steps:
- A thorough examination is performed by your doctor to check for any medical issues that need to be addressed prior to surgery.
- Depending on your medical history, social history, and age, you may need to undergo tests such as blood work and imaging.
- You will be asked if you have allergies to medications, anesthesia, or latex.
- You should inform your doctor of any medications, vitamins, or supplements that you are taking.
- You may need to refrain from supplements or medications such as blood-thinners or anti-inflammatories a week or two prior to surgery.
- You should not consume any solids or liquids at least 8 hours prior to surgery.
Bikini Hip Replacement Procedure
The surgery usually involves the following steps:
- General or regional anesthesia will be administered.
- You will be lying on your back on a special operating table.
- A short oblique incision (bikini incision) is made in the crease of the groin.
- The tissue and underlying muscles are carefully moved aside to gain access to the joint and perform the replacement.
- The thighbone (femur) is separated from the hip socket (acetabulum).
- The acetabular surface is prepared using a special instrument called a reamer.
- The acetabular component is cemented or fixed with screws into the socket.
- Then a liner made up of plastic, metal, or ceramic is placed inside the acetabular component.
- The damaged portion of femoral head is excised and the femur is prepared using special instruments so that the new metal component fits into the bone properly.
- The new femoral component is inserted into the femur either by a press fit or by using special bone cement.
- The femoral head component made of ceramic or metal is then placed on the femoral stem.
- Once the artificial components are fixed in place, the instruments are withdrawn and incisions are closed with sutures and covered with a sterile dressing.
Post-operative Care for Bikini Hip Replacement
As bikini hip replacement is a minimally invasive procedure there are less restrictions compared to posterior hip replacement. Your doctor will give you specific instructions to be followed at home for a faster recovery. These include:
- Take medications as prescribed to relieve pain and prevent infection.
- Participate in physical therapy to restore hip function and strength.
- Eat a healthy diet and do not smoke to facilitate healing and promote a faster recovery.
- Contact your doctor if you observe increasing swelling or redness in the operated area.