If you’ve been living with hip pain that hasn’t responded to conservative treatments, it might be time to consider a total hip replacement. During this surgical procedure, plastic and metal implants replace the damaged or diseased cartilage and bone in your hip. These devices function the same way your natural hip joint does but without the pain and restricted movement.
Orthopedic surgeons rely on several different techniques to perform total hip replacements, from traditional procedures with a large incision to minimally invasive approaches that use robot-assisted technology. At Tri-State Orthopaedics and Robotic Surgery, Dr. Apurva Dalal specializes in Mako® Robotic-Arm Assisted Technology.
A pioneer in robotic-assisted surgery, Dr. Dalal has offices in Memphis and Germantown, Tennessee, and is the most experienced robotic joint replacement surgeon in the tri-state area.
The advantages of robotic-arm assisted surgery
When it comes to surgical procedures like hip replacements, nothing compares with the accuracy and precision that robotic-assisted technology has to offer.
Before performing your hip replacement, Dr. Dalal creates a 3D model of your hip with Mako. This detailed image helps Dr. Dalal plan your procedure in advance and determine the ideal positioning of your new artificial joints. This strategic approach ensures the most effective results and also helps Dr. Dalal preserve more of your healthy bone and tissue.
In addition to the high levels of accuracy that robotic-assisted surgery provides, it also uses a smaller incision compared to traditional surgical procedures. Additional benefits of robotic-assisted surgery include:
- Reduced damage to surrounding tissue
- Fewer risks of complications like instability
- Shorter hospital stays and faster recovery times
- Less postoperative pain
And because this hip replacement technique involves a virtual replica of your hip joint, your restorative procedure typically provides the same muscle tension and leg length you had before your surgery.
Robotic-assisted surgery isn’t for everyone
While robotic-assisted surgery offers numerous benefits, not everyone is an ideal candidate.
Before he recommends a hip replacement, Dr. Dalal performs a comprehensive exam to determine if it’s right for you. During this assessment, he reviews digital images of your hip joint to evaluate the extent of your cartilage, joint, or bone damage. Dr. Dalal also looks for other underlying issues that could be causing your pain.
If you’re in good overall health and haven’t responded to conservative therapies, you may be an ideal candidate for robotic-assisted hip replacement. Factors that could prevent you from having this type of procedure include:
- An infection or higher risk of infection
- Significant thinning of your bones
- A job with heavy manual labor
- Obesity or weight issues
Dr. Dalal might also recommend against robotic-assisted hip replacement if you participate in vigorous exercise or sports.
To see if you’re a good candidate for robotic-assisted surgery, call Tri-State Orthopaedics and Robotic Surgery or request an appointment online today. Dr. Dalal built his practice to provide state-of-the-art services and technology with a small-practice, personalized focus. After your surgery, you can continue your recovery and rehabilitation with Tri-State Orthopaedics’ physical therapy suite at our location in Germantown.