What is a Bikini Incision Hip Replacement?
A bikini incision hip replacement is a minimally invasive procedure in which the damaged joint is replaced through a small diagonal incision made in the front of the hip. The surgical scar is located in the groin crease and is often 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
- Better wound healing
- Faster recovery
- Improved cosmetic results due to discrete location of surgical incision
Bikini Hip Replacement Procedure
Bikini hip replacement may be performed under general or spinal anesthesia. A special operating table is utilized along with fluoroscopic (xray) imaging. This allows the surgeon to ensure the accuracy of component positioning and to minimize leg length inequality.
A roughly 4 inch long oblique incision is made along the hip crease /groin and the muscles are pushed aside to gain access to the hip joint. Next, the femur is separated from the acetabular socket. The acetabular surface is prepared using a special instrument called a reamer. The titanium acetabular component and a liner made of plastic is then placed into the socket.
The femoral component is then inserted into the canal of the femur either by press fit or using bone cement. The femoral head component made of metal or ceramic is then placed onto the femoral stem. The hip capsule (lining) is then repaired, and the incision is closed.
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:
- Taking medications as prescribed to relieve pain and prevent infection.
- Participating in physical therapy to restore hip function and strength.
- Eating a healthy to facilitate healing and promote a faster recovery.
Risks and Complications of Bikini Incision Hip Replacement
All surgeries carry an element of risk, whether it is related to the anesthesia or the procedure itself. Risks and complications of bikini incision hip replacement are rare, but can occur and may include:
- Infection at the incision site or joint space
- Fracture
- Nerve damage (most commonly thigh numbness)
- Hemarthrosis - excess bleeding after the surgery
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
- Leg length inequality