Vithas Implements Technique in Alicante Hospitals Allowing Exercise Post-Hip Replacement Surgery

Vithas Alicante and Vithas Medimar hospitals' Trauma Service, led by Dr. Juan Carlos Ferragut, has implemented a series of techniques and approaches that aim to further minimize the impact of surgical interventions on patients. This includes a method that enables physical activity following hip replacement surgery.

The hospital explains that a new technique for total hip replacement has been successfully applied through the anterior approach, meaning the patient is operated on while lying on their back.

This type of intervention is indicated for patients with hip conditions such as osteoarthritis, dysplasia, necrosis, or fracture. According to Dr. Miguel Carrato, a trauma specialist at the hospital, the novelty of this technique lies in its minimally invasive nature, as it does not detach any muscles.

According to the specialist, this results in a much faster recovery process compared to not only conventional total hip replacement techniques but also other minimally invasive methods.

Furthermore, Carrato continued, it provides additional benefits for athletes or obese patients, as they can continue physical activity without movement restrictions post-surgery, and fat accumulation in the groin area is less than in the posterior part of the body.

In fact, this technique does not damage the muscles, unlike traditional approaches, resulting in less bleeding and reduced damage to surrounding tissues. Consequently, the stability of the prostheses is greater, and patients can begin walking immediately.

Additionally, as there is no muscle damage, postoperative pain is reduced, facilitating a quicker rehabilitation. Hospitalization time is shortened, allowing freedom of movement from the outset as the risk of dislocation is minimized. Patients can move, sit, sleep, and put on shoes without limitation from the first postoperative day, making it suitable for all ages. It aims to restore movement and sports activity.

Regarding patient approach, Carrato explains that as the technique involves an anterior approach, access to the hip is made between muscles, without damaging them, respecting the body's anatomical elements.

Thus, intraoperatively, the length of the legs is verified, as operating with the patient lying down allows confirmation that there is no alteration in length at the end of the surgery.

The position of the prosthesis is also checked, as the supine position during surgery allows for intraoperative X-ray imaging, according to a statement from Vithas.

Regarding the incision, another innovation has been introduced, known as the 'bikini' incision, which is more discreet and comfortable, requiring no dressing until the third week and allowing the patient to shower from the first day, while also preventing possible infections. It is an alternative within the anterior approach for certain patients, the hospital group emphasized.