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3D imaging. Future of hip surgery?

Posted , 11 users are following.

carol19895
carol19895

I have heard, albeit anecdotally, that some hospitals are using 3D imaging and robots (directed by surgeons I hope!) to “custom fit” new implants and reduce dislocation risk.  Is this true or just science fiction?  I’m hoping for any new techniques to reduce dislocation risk after revision surgery.  I’m not very mobile so high risk.  Any info?

1 like, 18 replies

18 Replies

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  • diannesk
    diannesk carol19895

    Posted

    3D imaging sounds great. Not sure about robots, but it's always possible in the FUTURE. Even with new techniques, especially important how someone handles their own recovery, being aware of limitations for the beginning, if necessary.

  • nick81619
    nick81619 carol19895

    Posted

    Apparently my replacement hip was produced by 3D technology in Switzerland (I'm in the UK). It was fitted by a surgeon though.

    • carol19895
      carol19895 nick81619

      Posted

      I think the beam is guided by surgeon so doubt Robbie the robot is involved!  I’m in Scotland and use a wheelchair so weak muscles.  Putting off revision as long as I can in the hope of improving technology making op. easier in future.
  • Rocketman_SG6UK
    Rocketman_SG6UK carol19895

    Posted

    I'm not sure I'd trust a robot any more than my original surgeon cry

    As for dislocation, the best prevention is to build muscle strength, walking, cycling and going to the gym (under the watchful gaze of a personal trainer) are my preferred options.  I didn't get a dislocation even when I had no bits of the ceramic bearing left in my replacement hip.

    • carol19895
      carol19895 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      sure I read and responded to your post when your hip shattered.  Glad you’re  up and about.  My use of wheelchair makes exercise and strong muscles pretty difficult so I’m always hoping someone somewhere on this site knows something about progress in revision surgery to reduce dislocation risk.  Maybe in the next few years....
    • Rocketman_SG6UK
      Rocketman_SG6UK carol19895

      Posted

      Having to use a wheelchair must make it impossible to exercise the leg muscles, I really don't know what the answer is then, maybe a hip brace.  I have seen one chap in hospital with one, but it was pretty bulky to walk around with.

    • carol19895
      carol19895 Rocketman_SG6UK

      Posted

      That’s why I’m scared.  The half hip replacement i have is okay at the moment but I’ve been told by the surgeon that the less I use it the longer it will last.  I don’t understand that as everything I’ve read on this forum seems to suggest the firmer you can keep the muscle, the better it keeps the stem in place.  Surely that means the less damage it will do to the cartilage in my socket.  I do lots of muscle clenching exercises in the chair and squatting to try and keep muscle as firm as I can.  Not as good as walking but I do A LOT of those exercises. 
  • ptolemy
    ptolemy carol19895

    Posted

    I know that CT - 3D is being used to set everything up for surgery in advance which I think is a brilliant idea. I think the software may be expensive, but it does mean that surgeons can make certain they have correctly fitting hips in advance and that they will not need so much equipment as they will be more aware of what is needed. They can possibly do more complicated surgery as well. 
  • hope4cure
    hope4cure carol19895

    Posted

    I have read many articles on 3-D printers used to make custom joint implants.

     

    • carol19895
      carol19895 hope4cure

      Posted

      Really hoping that this will reduce dislocation risk for disabled people like me. Thanks for the response.
  • swimbody
    swimbody carol19895

    Posted

    It's true...I received it with my new hip.  Welcome to the age of the Jetsons

    • carol19895
      carol19895 swimbody

      Posted

      Did it mean your operation was quicker? Easier to recover from? Will it mean your hip will last longer?  Or is it just better for surgeon?
  • Charlie2018
    Charlie2018 carol19895

    Posted

    check out some of the vendors of the bionic hips. they have videos of how the robot works with the surgeon.  the surgeon stays in control, and the robot give tactile feedback.  very interesting 
    • carol19895
      carol19895 Charlie2018

      Posted

      Seriously!?  I believed the bit about 3D imaging but thought the mention of robots was nonsense.  Let’s just hope it translates into better fitting implants and fewer people like me posting needing to about their problems on this site.
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