What is a Bikini Incision Hip Replacement?
A bikini incision hip replacement is a minimally invasive hip replacement procedure in which the damaged hip joint is replaced with implants through a small diagonal incision made in the front of the hip. The surgical scar formed as a result of this surgical technique is small enough to be concealed by a bikini.
Benefits of the Bikini Incision Hip Replacement
Some of the benefits of the bikini incision hip replacement surgery include:
- Minimal tissue damage
- Less pain
- Better wound healing
- Faster recovery
- Improved cosmetic results due to discrete location of surgical incision in alignment with the skin crease.
Preparation for Bikini Incision Hip Replacement
Preoperative preparation for a hip replacement generally involves the following steps:
- A thorough examination is performed by your doctor to check for any medical issues that need to be addressed prior to surgery.
- Depending on your medical history, social history, and age, you may need to undergo tests such as blood work and imaging.
- You will be asked if you have allergies to medications, anesthesia, or latex.
- You should inform your doctor of any medications, vitamins, or supplements that you are taking.
- You may need to refrain from supplements or medications such as blood thinners or anti-inflammatories a week or two prior to surgery.
- You should not consume any solids or liquids at least 8 hours prior to surgery.
Bikini Hip Replacement Procedure
The surgery usually involves the following steps:
- General or regional anesthesia will be administered.
- You will be lying on your back on a special operating table.
- A short oblique incision (bikini incision) is made in the crease of the groin.
- The tissue and underlying muscles are carefully moved aside to gain access to the joint and perform the replacement.
- The thighbone (femur) is separated from the hip socket (acetabulum).
- The acetabular surface is prepared using a special instrument called a reamer.
- The acetabular component is cemented or fixed with screws into the socket.
- Then a liner made up of plastic, metal, or ceramic is placed inside the acetabular component.
- The damaged portion of the femoral head is excised and the femur is prepared using special instruments so that the new metal component fits into the bone properly.
- The new femoral component is inserted into the femur either by a press fit or by using special bone cement.
- The femoral head component made of ceramic or metal is then placed on the femoral stem.
- Once the artificial components are fixed in place, the instruments are withdrawn and incisions are closed with sutures and covered with a sterile dressing.
Post-operative Care for Bikini Incision Hip Replacement
As bikini incision hip replacement is a minimally invasive procedure there are less restrictions compared to posterior hip replacement. Your doctor will give you specific instructions to be followed at home for a faster recovery. These include:
- Take medications as prescribed to relieve pain and prevent infection.
- Participate in physical therapy to restore hip function and strength.
- Eat a healthy diet and do not smoke to facilitate healing and promote a faster recovery.
- Contact your doctor if you observe increasing swelling or redness in the operated area.
Risks and Complications of Bikini Incision Hip Replacement
All surgeries carry an element of risk, whether it is related to the anesthesia or the procedure itself. Risks and complications of bikini incision hip replacement are rare, but can occur and may include:
- Infection at the incision site or joint space
- Fracture
- Nerve damage
- Hemarthrosis - excess bleeding into the joint after the surgery
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
- Leg length inequality
