In the total hip replacement with posterior approach procedure, the surgeon first makes an incision of about 10 to 12 cm at the back of the hip, sections the soft tissue and then detaches some muscles in order to reach the hip joint. The femoral head (the ball at the top of the thigh bone) affected by arthrosis is then removed and after the preparation of the acetabulum (the hip socket) and the femur, the prosthesis is implanted. Before placing the implant definitively, careful dynamic assessments are made. The capsule is then sutured and the muscles are reattached with the appropriate sutures. The surgery finishes with the suture of the muscle and skin layers.
Invasive
A few hours after the surgery, the patient goes through gait rehabilitation with physiotherapists’ assistance in the ward and is immediately independent in managing his/her hygiene and personal care. The day after the surgery, the bandage is removed and the patient can walk with crutches, go up and down the stairs with the help of physiotherapists and also on his/her own. 3-5 days after the operation, the patient is discharged and should be able to follow through physiotherapy independently.
Everyday activities can be resumed in the first 3-6 weeks, while total recovery time is 3 months. In the first few weeks, it is essential to take painkillers to control pain and perform regular physiotherapy exercises which speeds up the healing process. Driving is recommended after 6 weeks. The patient should be able to go back to work between 6-12 weeks depending on job tasks. Sports such as golf, cycling, double tennis, and cycle ergometer are possible between 12-16 weeks.