Protocols for Rapid Recovery
On the one hand, the improvement of the surgical process has been of biomaterials and implants, which allow better integration to the bone and significantly less wear between the surfaces, and on the other hand, due to its implantation through less invasive surgeries, with fewer incisions on the skin and muscle. What seems to have the best result is to make an incision respecting and reconstructing the anatomy and using minimally invasive techniques using specific instruments that respect more the patient's tissues.
The incision or the route through which the surgeon enters to operate the hip for the placement of the prosthesis is in front (anterior route) or behind (posterior route). There are currently no differences in the result between these two routes in the medium and long term. The anterior route presents slightly less pain in the first weeks after surgery, but after four weeks the results are equal in almost all the variables studied. The survival and good long-term result of the hip replacement is mainly related to the correct placement of the implants during surgery.
Almost as importantly, there has been an evolution in the anesthetic process and in postoperative pain control that allows the patient to start rehabilitation quickly on the day of surgery. We have incorporated several mechanisms to optimize the patient, especially in hemoglobin levels before surgery. Patients with anemia require iron or other medications to optimize (prepare) them for surgery. Currently we continue to request a blood reserve in anticipation of a postoperative transfusion but it is needed in only about 5 to 10% of surgeries.
This clinical improvement has required close collaboration between the orthopedic surgery, anesthesia, nursing, rehabilitation, social assistance and clinical management teams. As the team in charge of your surgical process, we want to emphasize that hip replacement surgery is very safe and that we will provide you with the clinical means to make a quick recovery that allows you to return home in about 48 to 72 hours in most cases. cases.