Hip Care
Dr. Henry Backe is an integral part of the Orthopaedic Specialty
Group, P. C. team for over 25 years. Dr. Backe’s exceptional surgical skills are complemented by a personable style and dedication to the highest quality patient outcomes and satisfaction. He is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon and is fellowship trained in the area of hand, wrist and joint replacement.
Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement
Hip Specialist In The Greater Fairfield & Shelton Connecticut Areas
Dr. Henry Backe treats hip conditions at his offices in Fairfield and Shelton, Connecticut. Dr. Backe of Orthopedic Specialty Group, is a specially-trained orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip conditions and injuries. Each of his patients receives a unique treatment plan matching their lifestyle goals. As a leader in the minimally invasive Direct Anterior Approach to hip replacement, he is an advocate of state-of-the art technologies that benefit his patients in many ways.
FAQs on Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement
Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement
In minimally invasive total hip replacement, the surgical procedure is similar, but there is less cutting of the tissue surrounding the hip. The artificial implants used are the same as those used for traditional hip replacement. However, specially designed surgical instruments are needed to prepare the socket and femur and to place the implants properly.
Minimally invasive total hip replacement can be performed with either one or two small incisions. Smaller incisions allow for less tissue disturbance.
Single-incision surgery. In this type of minimally invasive hip replacement, the surgeon makes a single incision that usually measures from 3 to 6 inches. The length of the incision depends on the size of the patient and the difficulty of the procedure.
The incision is usually placed over the outside of the hip. The muscles and tendons are split or detached from the hip, but to a lesser extent than in traditional hip replacement surgery. They are routinely repaired after the surgeon places the implants. This encourages healing and helps prevent dislocation of the hip.
Two-incision surgery. In this type of minimally invasive hip replacement, the surgeon makes two small incisions:
A 2- to 3-inch incision over the groin for placement of the socket, and
A 1- to 2-inch incision over the buttock for placement of the femoral stem.
How do I know when it’s time to consider surgery?
There are several reasons why your doctor may recommend hip replacement surgery. People who benefit from hip replacement surgery often have:
- Hip pain that limits everyday activities, such as walking or bending
- Hip pain that continues while resting, either day or night
- Stiffness in a hip that limits the ability to move or lift the leg
- Inadequate pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs, physical therapy, or walking supports.
Important safety notes
Hip replacement surgery is intended to relieve hip pain and improve hip function. However, implants may not produce the same feel or function as your original hip. There are potential risks with hip replacement surgery such as loosening, fracture, dislocation, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Longevity of implants depends on many factors, such as types of activities and weight. Do not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless your surgeon tells you the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if you do not follow your surgeon’s limitations on activity level. Early failure can happen if you do not guard your hip joint from overloading due to activity level, failure to control body weight, or accidents such as falls. Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment may be best for you.
