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SuperPath Approach THR

Posted , 6 users are following.

cheryl99365
cheryl99365

Hi, I had a right THR last Thursday using a SuperPath Approach.  It's a technique that's been used in America for years but has only been trialled in my area since October.  It requires a smaller incision and the muscles are parted rather than cut (sorry if you're a bit squeamish!).  The recovery rates are supposed to be much better as a result.  I'm back to see my consultant next Thurs, so 2 weeks later rather than the usual 6 weeks, but this may just be because of trial data collection.  Has anyone else on the Forum had experience of this ?  I had a GA, by the way. Thanks.x

1 like, 15 replies

15 Replies

  • ann19982
    ann19982 cheryl99365

    Posted

    Hello Cheryl I did ask about this but as it is in trial it is not normally performed on us oldies as we will not need a revision due to replacements having a longer life span. I was an 8 week recovery due to bone condition and another follow up in 4 months. Have to say all very successful under a spinal and avert neat scar - no staples, no socks. At 8 weeks I can now walk 5 miles unaided in an hour and a half not bad for a 66 year old

    Be good to hear how you progress. Where in the country did you have it done?

    • cheryl99365
      cheryl99365 ann19982

      Posted

      Hi ann, I had it done in Rugby.  I'm 55 and the first GP I saw said  because of funding issues the NHS didn't like to do THR until you were 70!  Think I also had a ceramic joint, which lasts longer and doesn't need to be replaced after 10years - hope so, anyway!  Glad to hear you are doing the miles now - that's what I've missed over the past 7 months.  Thanks for your input.x
    • ann19982
      ann19982 cheryl99365

      Posted

      Me too ceramic and steel peg and well cemented in.  Thank goodness funding does not dictate when it is done in my area.  Yes I have read that recovery is supposed to be swifter due to the muscles being saved.  Wonder if it is quicker to do.  The posterior approch takes 90 minutes and usually done with a spinal block in my area and then home on day 3.  We get 6 physio sessions while in hospital and then the booklet to carry on at home.  It has all be very efficient and the occupational therapy do an excellent home assessment to see what is required to aid our recovery at home.  I chose NHS as the private sector in my area do not offer these add ons but do point you in the direction to research them for your self.  I was given a 6 week window and called within 4 weeks.  Seems the NHS gets it right in some counties - wonder why?? I am in the South East which is heavily populated

      Good luck with your recovery

  • rachel71953
    rachel71953 cheryl99365

    Posted

    Hi Cheryl 

    So pleased you are making good progress.  Can you tell me please where you had your super path hip replacement done?  Did you have it done on the NHS?

    • cheryl99365
      cheryl99365 rachel71953

      Posted

      Hi Rachel - yes it was done on the NHS in Rugby St Cross Hospital which is part of the University Coventry and Warwickshire Hospital Trust.  As I understand it, they have only been trialing the procedure since October 2014.  I only knew I was having it when I was admitted, so It wasn't something I had researched beforehand.  I don't know if it is available elsewhere or what the criteria is for surgery.  I was just so grateful for the surgery, it didn't matter what they did, to be honest, but now I realise just how lucky I have been to have had this technique.  Still not running marathons, though, but it is only Day 6 !  Hope this helps.x
  • mark38570
    mark38570 cheryl99365

    Posted

    Hi Cheryl my name is Mark from Sydney Aust and I too had a RTHP under the Superpathhip method last December I am glad that this method is now available in the UK it's brilliant. While the op takes longer to do the recovery time is much shorter. I was able to walk unaided 2 hours after returning to the ward and I was discharged the following day and left hospital walking unaided. The beauty of this op is that there is no restriction on leg movement ie 90 degree or sleeping with pillow between legs etc. the surgeon said the hip will not dislocate it will operate exactly as it did before, but without the pain.Trust your recovery goes as good as mine.
    • ann19982
      ann19982 mark38570

      Posted

      Hello Mark I am interested inthe different methods and wndered if in Australia they do this method regardless of age. Here int he UK they tend to only do it in younger patients who will need a revision at some stage.  I have had the traditional method as it was most suitable for me and my recovery has been very good.  The first 10 days were difficult but now at week 9 i am able to walk 5 miles/ 8 Kms in about an hour and a half unaided.  I can do most things except have a bath as getting out would be a problem
    • cheryl99365
      cheryl99365 mark38570

      Posted

      Hi Mark, thank you for your reply.  Because it is new in my area, I am being given the same physio advice as those having the normal surgery.  Although my consultant told me there was much less risk of dislocation I have been told to observe the 90 degree rule and sleep with a pillow between my knees etc by the physios.  I don't think they are at the stage when they can relax the precautionary measures yet.  So I was sent home on two crutches - but you just can't carry anything with two crutches, can you ? Unless you have a pouch!  So I've found myself managing on one crutch at Day5 and on Day 6 I had a Lazarus moment when I found myself in the downstairs loo with no crutches!  Think I may have furniture surfed a bit, but I blame the codeine.  So it was then I started to trust my leg, although I am not planning to ditch the aids completely.  It is now Day7 and I'm back in Clinic on

       Day14 when I hope to find out more (and stop sleeping in strange positions!). Do some miles for me today !x  

  • mark38570
    mark38570 cheryl99365

    Posted

    Hi Ann I am not sure about age restriction with Superpathhip I am 64 it was never mentioned by the specialist who did the op and he was the doctor who pioneered  the method in Aust. Good to see your able to get out walking again and have your freedom back. I too walk some 10k's a day.

    Regards Mark

  • rachel71953
    rachel71953 cheryl99365

    Posted

    Hi Cheryl

    Thank you for your reply.  Can you tell me the name of the surgeon - also did you have it done on the NHS or privately.  Did you have two incisions - or just one?  

    Best wishes for a fantastic recovery.  

    • cheryl99365
      cheryl99365 rachel71953

      Posted

      Hi Rachel.  Yes, I had it done on the NHS.  I think there was just one incision, it's covered with a waterproof dressing which won't be removed until Wednesday, so I can't check for you, I'm afraid.  My consultant is a locum to the UCWH Trust, so I'd rather not give his name on this Forum.  He did say that the protocol meant that there were two consultants operating on me, and I'm afraid I've forgotten the name of the second consultant, because I never met him.  Good luck with your research - have you found anywhere else in the UK that is using this procedure ?
  • jason42777
    jason42777 cheryl99365

    Posted

    Hi Cheryl, All, 

     I had superpath at rugby on 9th march (nearly 11 weeks ago) scar is about 3 inches long ples small stab scar an inch away about 1/4 inch  dia like an * in shapesmile.

    ceramic joint, great care from all staff, GA slight nausiosness for a few moments then went back to sleep till morning, up on frame after breakfast sitting in chair, then onto two crtches by lunch home 2 days later, dissolvable stitches , water proof dressing,removed after week1 . stiches dissolved by end week 2, bathed in week three no problem getting in and out. Officially rules are still applied but even physio on surgeons team said in another year there be no restrictions on people with this op. 

    atb jay

    • cheryl99365
      cheryl99365 jason42777

      Posted

      Hi Jason - thanks for the info - can't wait to see the scar now - sounds exotic !  I agree about the care from the staff - really a good feeling on the ward - nothing too much trouble.  Even enjoyed the food!  Everyone talks about the miles they are now doing post-op - what about you, Jason?  Take care.
    • jason42777
      jason42777 cheryl99365

      Posted

      Have not found a limit since about week 3 when i stopped getting so tired, went back to work in engineering at wk6. Only problem for me has been weak muscles around my left knee😕 cant run or take stairs properly still.

      Atb Jay

    • cheryl99365
      cheryl99365 jason42777

      Posted

      Sounding positively bionic, Jason!  Have to say I'm only using two crutches when I go out (not very often at the moment), and that is more to keep other people away from the wound - it's still sore and tender and because of where it is, I'm finding it difficult to sit for any length of time, but then I did before the op!  Thank you for your replies. Regards, Cheryl 
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