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Download the file PRINCIPLES OF TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY
THA is one of the most successful surgeries performed with excellent 15–20-year survivorships routinely reported in large series by multiple surgeons. Over the past few years, modified surgical techniques such as capsular repair, the use of alternative bearing surfaces, and minimally invasive techniques have become increasingly popular.
It is widely used in the treatment of severe hip osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis, rheumatoid arthritis, gout and other general arthritic conditions.  | 
COXARTHROSIS - LEFT HIP |
When the medical treatments (antalgic and anti-inflammatory medications, heel wedges, weight reduction, activity modification, the use of ambulatory aids , intra-articular corticosteroid or viscosupplementation (eg, Synvisc; Genzyme Corp; Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Hyalgan; Sanofi-Synthelabo; New York, NY) injections, physiotherapy have failed, time is coming to implant a prosthesis to relieve pain and to restore hip function.
 BEARING SURFACES
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| Two types of bearing surfaces are preferable :
- metal on polyéthylène (PE ) : the older, well known, and secure one.
In case of polyethylene wear it is easy to only replace it by a new polyethylene socket.
- ceramic on ceramic : the best association in term of wear but this material is brittle and may breaks in case of fall.
We prefer to use a secured procedure with a metal on PE. |  |
PROSTHESIS COMPONENTS Back to top
| The device is composed of :
- a fixed femoral stem and
- a fixed acetabular metal-back component articulating by the intermediary of
- a polyéthylène socket insert and
- a ball-head replacing the two damaged articular surfaces of the acetabular surface and the femoral heads. The size of the femoral chrome-cobalt head size is 28 mm.
|  |  | The modularity of this THA (stem, neck & head in 3 separate components instead of only one component) presents advantages :
- it allowes an easy revision in case of changing PE socket or femoral head leting the femoral stem well anchored : it is a small operation
- it allowes to better adapt the length and orientation of the femoral neck during the primary or revision surgery. It is a safe device implanted for 20 years without any breakage or dislocation of the modular components. |
 CHECK-UP BEFORE SURGERY
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Before deciding the operation, X-Rays of the pelvis and of the hip (frontal and sagittal view) and a clinical examination are necessary to evaluate the degree of the anatomic modifications of the hip, the surgical difficulties, and the functionnal outcome of the hip.
In order to detect vital risk for anesthesiology, and to assess a potential risk of postoperative complication in a short or long term follow-up, a medical questionnaire checking list is needed to be accepted by the surgeon and his team.
factors increasing risk of infection :
- Obesity is associated with a higher risk of infection. Individuals with a body-mass index (BMI) >35 had a 2.1 times greater risk of infection compared with those with a lower BMI - patients with osteonecrosis and rheumatoid arthritis had a 2.2 times greater risk of infection compared with those with osteoarthritis. - diabetis : it must be balanced to minimize the risk of infection - previous infection of the joint - arteritis : decreases blood vascularisation - tooth infection : a panoramic dental X-Ray and treatment of dental problems is necessary to eliminate a potential risk of infection
factors increasing risks for medical complications :
- American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA)scores > 3 is at risk. - Previous deep veinous thrombosis is a predisposing factor to recurrent episode
HOSPITALISATION Back to top
Admission in Institut CALOT takes place the day before operation.
You will stay 7 days in the surgical department of orthopaedics and then 7 days in the rehabilitation center.
SURGICAL TECHNIQUE Back to top
| A postero-lateral approach with a Mini Invasive Technique is used: Attempt is made to keep incision length as small as possible without compromising exposure and components placement. In general, incision length averages 9 to 12 cm. Once the bone cuts and reamings have been made, the prosthetic trials are implanted to test carefully adequate positioning, softtissue tension, and stability after reduction of the components. Modification may be possible according to the multiple possibilities given by the modular necks and ball-heads of multiple dimensions ( 24 positionis allowed ). The definitive devices are then implanted. Wound closure is achieved with absorbable “vicryl” sutures and a succion drainage, and skin closure with staples. A light gauze, cotton wool, and crepe dressing is applied.
This Mini invasive posterior approach limits the traumatism of the muscles, enables a reduction of intraoperative bleeding and in postoperative pain and allowes more rapid rehabilitation.
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X-Ray of THA |
POSTOPERATIVE CONSIDERATIONS Back to top Day of operation
The patient is mobilised at approximately 4 h post-op, under physiotherapist supervision. Straight leg raising exercises are encouraged, and a pillow is placed between the two limbs to prevent any position able to provoque dislocation.
Intravenous patient - controlled - analgesia (PCA) systems or other analgesic shedule plan is started for overnight analgesia.
First postoperative day
The postoperative haemoglobin level is measured. The PCA was discontinued, but only after commencement of the pre-prescribed analgesic regimen, to ensure that pain levels is well controlled throughout the recovery period. Regular anti-emetics are continued, and the patients undergoes further range of motion, and exercises twice a day under control of the physiotherapist. Walking with a frame is started.
Second , third, fourth postoperative day
The drainage removed. The patients continued to walk with the assistance of a frame or walking sticks. Active exercises are encouraged.
fifth and subsequent postoperative days
The patients is encouraged to climb steps, and to walk safely with two sticks and climb stairs independently.
Functional exercises and advices are shown to prevent bad positioning of the limb Exercises of muscles reinforcement, and stability are performed.
COMPLICATIONS Back to top
Even with a carefull act performed by perfectly trained team, any complications may happen the same as in every surgical act. These are exceptionnal; The list below is not exhaustive.
- fissuration of the femur or acetabulum when impacting the components during operation induced by a weaken osteoporosic bone. This is generaly without any consequence on follow-up and final result.
- dislocation is a rare but real problematic complication for all the surgeons even with good technique and good positioning of the implants. It may come because of the postoperative weakness of the gluteus muscles during the first three months period. Advices and functional education are given to prevent it. In case of happening, the reduction is performed under général anesthesia.
- Infection is one of the most dreaded complications of total hip replacement. the efficacy of prophylactic measures and risk factors play an important role :
. prophylactic mesures: laminar flow, body suits, drains, surgical time (length), surgeon volume, and hospital volume , the use of preoperative antibiotics.
. detection and treatment of risk factors : - Obesity, diabetes, pre-op treatment of dental or urinary infection.
In case of happening , reoperation for cleaning and removal of the THA is needed; a new THA may be reimplanted immediatly during the first 3 weeks post-op period.
- paralysis of sciatic nerve is exceptional but may be seen in case of compression by an hematoma; a re-opération is needed rapidly. Sequellae as partial palsy may be seen temporaly.
- limb length discrepency : It is a classical postopérative feeling of the patient up the gluteus muscles strengthen even with a perfect bone balance. 5 mm difference is a physiological difference with no consequence on the normal function. In case of preoperative difference it is not always possible to correct it. Heel wedge may be given.
- phlebitis : preventive mesure ( early mobilisation, anti-thrombotic socks, low Weight Molecular Heparin anti-embolic prophylaxis for 6 weeks) and systematic echodoppler control at 7th day allow the risk to be minimize ; in case it happens, an anticoagulation treatment is started and rehabilitation is slowered.
LONG TERM FOLLOW-UP Back to top
- wear is not a short term problem: a regular follow-up control is necessary every three years.
Overweight and overuse are favorable factors for polyethylene wear, or breakage.
- loosening is not a short term problem : a regular follow-up control is necessary every three years.
Overweight and trauma are favorable factors for bone loosening
- post-operative requirements : - Do not overweight to prevent wear and loosening.
- Help with your arms for standing up from a chair, and climbing stairs to lessen the strains on the prosthesis.
- Tell your doctor or dentist that you have a prosthetic device so that in case of infection he gives you adaquate treament with antibiotics to prevent an infection of the prosthetic joint that may occur even years after your surgery.
- Do exercises at home and at least walk 30 mn a day. Sports activities are possible according to comorbidity, age, range of motion and stability, ; waiting 3 to 6 months after a THA is a current recommended waiting time for return to sporting (see special form).
Last updated : 9/12/2007
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