Bikini Incision Anterior Hip Replacement: Getting to Know Everything

Introduction

Professional surgeons use many different methods for hip replacement surgery. Some opt for the posterior approach, and others consider performing the anterior approach total hip replacement.

Bikini incision hip replacement or bikini hip replacement is a variation on the Anterior Approach for hip replacement procedure.

During the bikini incision anterior hip replacement procedure, surgeons make the skin incision within the fold of a patient’s ‘bikini line’ or frontal groin crease.

This approach makes the resultant surgical scar less noticeable when wearing swimwear like a bikini. This article discusses everything about a bikini incision anterior hip replacement.

What is a Bikini Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery?

A bikini anterior hip replacement surgery is an anterior minimally invasive approach to hip replacement. This procedure includes a small incision into the patient’s muscle sparing (inter-muscular and inter-nervous plane) to preserve muscles and tendons. Simply put, the surgeon doesn’t cut and repair any muscle or tendon.

Does a Bikini Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery Give Good Access or Exposure?

Despite the small size of the incision, a bikini hip replacement procedure gives good exposure of the acetabulum (cup) and the Proximal Femur, enabling the surgeon excellent access to the patient’s hip joint.

Benefits of a Bikini Incision Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery

Here listed are some significant benefits of a bikini incision anterior hip replacement surgery:

1. Reduced Recovery and Rehabilitation Time

Now that no muscles are cut during the bikini incision anterior hip replacement procedure, this technique significantly reduces the post-operative recovery time compared to standard hip replacement surgery. Patients can often stand up and practice walking using crutches immediately after surgery. Some patients return to driving within a few weeks or months of surgery.

Since a large part of recovery is due to soft tissues and surgical wound healing, this minimally invasive bikini hip replacement procedure dramatically reduces the rehabilitation time after the surgery.

2. Small Skin Scar

This hip replacement surgical technique is ideal for patients concerned about physical appearance. The incision made by a surgeon during the bikini incision anterior hip replacement surgery is much shorter and smaller. Moreover, female patients can easily hide their scars when wearing a bikini. It is the reason why this surgical technique is known as bikini incision hip replacement.

3. Less Blood Loss

Bikini incision anterior hip replacement is a minimal access hip replacement technique that preserves muscles and vessels. Therefore, there is quite less blood loss during the surgery. Moreover, blood transfusions are seldom required, reducing the risk of blood clots in the patient’s legs.

4. Reduced Risk of Dislocation

Dislocation is often related to posterior hip structure damage. On the other hand, a surgeon performs the bikini incision hip replacement from the front of the patient’s body, which significantly reduces the possibility of hip dislocation. In addition, preserved muscles improve the hip’s stability resulting in flexible hip movement post-surgery.

5. Prevents Limping

With bikini hip replacement surgery preserving the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels during the exposure of the hip joint, this technique significantly reduces the chance of post-operative limping. Moreover, patients can drive very soon post-surgery as they have excellent control of their legs, and there is no need for pain management medication during rehabilitation.

6. Returning Faster to Everyday Activities

Patients undergoing minimally invasive hip replacement procedures tend to recover much faster than patients undergoing traditional hip replacement surgery. Therefore, bikini incision anterior hip replacement surgery allows patients to return to everyday activities relatively quicker.

What to Expect After Bikini Incision Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery?

Post-surgery effects vary with each individual as they have different ages, health and physiological status, and attitudes. For the first 4-7 days, a patient usually can expect:

• Swelling: Swelling is a common post-lower limb surgery side effect. It can vary in extent and distribution and reduce with time.
• Bruising / Muscle Pain or Cramps: Bruising might occur between thigh and foot levels. Moreover, limb manipulations during the surgery can also cause muscle soreness or cramps.

Conclusion

If individuals requiring hip replacement surgery are worried about the wounds and scars, they should opt for a bikini incision anterior hip replacement. With this technique, patients will have a smaller, discreet scar and can avail of the above-discussed benefits. Furthermore, choosing the right orthopedic surgeon for successful surgery is crucial. Therefore, a person must research the surgeon’s credentials and select the one specializing in hip replacement surgeries.