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Super path and revision?

Posted , 8 users are following.

carol19895
carol19895

reading a lot about superpath hip surgery.  Seems the way to go.  I just wondered, can this be used for revision surgery or is it only used on first time replacements?

 

0 likes, 21 replies

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  • AlexandriaGizmo
    AlexandriaGizmo carol19895

    Posted

    I think super path hip surgery just means its done through the private sector so you can book with a very fast turnaround, you will still probably have the same surgeon as NHS, I expect you can pay for revision surgery just the same as a first time replacement.

    You will have to ask your GP to refer you to a local clinic.

    • AlexandriaGizmo
      AlexandriaGizmo

      Posted

      PS if I'm wrong I'm sure someone will put me right though

    • carol19895
      carol19895 AlexandriaGizmo

      Posted

      I thought it was to do with folding back muscles rather than cutting through so quicker recovery time.  Hope someone clarifies as this site has lots of really clued up people.
    • ptolemy
      ptolemy carol19895

      Posted

      The super path approach does not dislocate the hip first they just saw the top of the femur off. I have heard stories that it is inclined to cause problems with leg length as it is more difficult to check and also that surgeons who have looked at the super path approach are reverting to the anterior approach which just peals back muscles, the downside of the anterior approach is that it can cause nerve damage, which I suppose can happen with other methods but not as much. The tried and tested version is the posterior approach which seems to have less after op problems but you have a bigger scar and they cut muscles so you may be limited in what you do for the first six weeks or so. I had posterior approach and they said I could touch my toes if I wanted after the op and I had no restrictions. I never even used a stick in the house let alone crutches, but I am sure that is not recommended. The surgeon did say it was a lateral posterior, I am not sure if that is any different to posterior though. 
    • ptolemy
      ptolemy

      Posted

      Hi Carol

      Sorry I forgot to say because the super path involves cutting off the top of the femur it can only be used for the first surgery as during that surgery the top of the femur is cut off anyway. Web-MD has an article  ‘Is Less-Invasive Hip Replacement Best for You?’ 

      The article does say ‘Research recently presented at a meeting of orthopaedic specialists shows that patients often fare no better with minimally invasive hip replacement than those having a standard hip replacement -- and may do worse.’!!! 

  • heather78265
    heather78265 carol19895

    Posted

    I can't clarify for certain but I read it that way to?  I'm just not sure if it's an option on the NHS though in true uk ?

  • michael11283
    michael11283 carol19895

    Posted

    Hi Carol

    I hadn't heard of superpath but a quick google search reveals all!! It looks like a big step forward "The hip is replaced without surgically dislocating the joint" so there is much less damage to ligaments and muscles.

    But is answer to your question I think it very unlikely that you can have revision surgery using this technique. I'm sure it depends on why the revision is necessary but if the surgeon needs to remove the stem he is going to need a bit of space. In my case the recision included removing damaged tissue bone and treating with antibiotic wash to destroy any infection. My scar is about 18 inches long! But if the revision is just because of wear to the joint it might be possible.

    Mike

    • carol19895
      carol19895 michael11283

      Posted

      Expect you’re right and I’m clasping at straws.  I’ve got a rather botched half hip replacement which has caused endless problems.  I use a wheelchair so am a dislocation risk and am terrified of revision.  Coping now but will need it in future. Any advance in technique gets my hopes up!
  • jimbone
    jimbone carol19895

    Posted

    Hi Carol,

    I wanted to reply to your question because I too have spent a lot of time grasping at straws.  The superpath approach is a surgical procedure plain and simple.  It is a newer approach but has had good success and limits the amount of tissue disruption.  Being new, there are fewer surgeons trained and experienced in using it- which IMO is the most critical factor in surgery- the experience of the surgeon.  I was actually surprised to hear it was offered in the UK.  You can find more information on Youtube.  There is a Dr. Headley and some of his associates in Arizona USA that use this approach and provide more information.  If you google Dr. Pritchett in Seattle WA, USA you will find his website that gives extensive explanation of various surgical approaches, but not superpath.  Pritchett is aware of the approach but does not use it.  He did however know one of the two doctors in WA state that perform this surgery and speaks well of one of them.  Unfortunately that doctor does not accept my insurance.  I sympathize with both your pain an your fear.  You are not alone experiencing these emotions.  I would hope you can find a surgeon with extensive revision experience that you have researched for successful revision surgery and in whom you trust.  It can be difficult for some of us to face up to this troubling decision but keep in mind this forum is mostly folks who have encountered complications and the replacement surgery is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures performed today.  Best wishes.

    Jim

    • carol19895
      carol19895 jimbone

      Posted

      Thank you.  Feeling a bit “why me” today.  I’ve had so many problems with my half hip operation that maybe the revision will go okay.  Just worried about dislocation given my wheelchair status and don’t know of any wheelchair users who’ve gone through a revision.  Don’t have to do it yet.  This website has been a godsend for the last year since I broke my hip.
    • michael11283
      michael11283 carol19895

      Posted

      Carol

      All I can say is that I and oithers on this forum have had revision surgery that has worked. We may have had different problems resulting in the need for revision and your case may be different again. But life in a wheelchair must be tough so I imagine the potential for an imrovement to your life is significant.

      Hope it goes well if you decide to go ahead.

      Mike

    • ptolemy
      ptolemy carol19895

      Posted

      Hi Carol

      Dislocation is not that common although we are all worried about it. Hip surgery has come a long way in the last few years. It is supposed to be the most successful surgery in the world. 

    • AlexandriaGizmo
      AlexandriaGizmo carol19895

      Posted

      Hi Carol again, I did say I wasn't sure didn't I.

      Are you wheelchair bound because you need a revision or is this a permanent situation that actually will stay the same no matter whether you have it or not.

      I hope you will get your op quickly if its going to help you to be more mobile or at least pain free.

    • carol19895
      carol19895 AlexandriaGizmo

      Posted

      MS put in a wheelchair years ago as I can’t balance which is why I fell and broke my hip.  That will only get worse hence my worries about dislocation after revision.  MS isn’t giving me any pain and my botched hemiarthroplasty (implant is too high so eroding my socket) is quite bearable at the moment but I will need a revision but waiting until pain gets worse.  Lots of reassuring posts so feeling a bit more positive.  
    • AlexandriaGizmo
      AlexandriaGizmo carol19895

      Posted

      That's good that at the moment you are like me and not suffering greatly pain wise, it would be great if they could do yours and mine that way, sounds like its a less aggressive procedure even if it does take a little longer.

      When you fractured it did they repair it or replace it, if repair it will be like a first time so you would be good to go with this procedure, I'm a crutch user so like you restricted to what I can do exercise wise

    • carol19895
      carol19895 AlexandriaGizmo

      Posted

      Unfortunately the femur was replaced.  It’s the implant that’s causing the problem as it’s too high in my socket so I’m getting symptoms similar to osteoarthritis as it’s rubbing against my cartilage.  The superpath approach obviously isn’t going to be possible for me.  At least I know.

      Ironic.  People get hip replacements to stop osteoarthritis.  I got a hip replacement that caused it!

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