Total hip replacement accounts for a large number of surgeries in older patients because the hip joint deteriorates as we age. As the condition worsens, patients experience chronic pain and are often forced into a sedentary lifestyle. Those looking for permanent relief often consider a hip replacement. Although doctors agree that hip replacement surgery should only be conducted as a last resort, the MAKOplasty® technology implemented at Bumrungrad International Hospital is an excellent choice for eligible candidates.

Major causes of deteriorated hip joints include degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis (bone death caused by poor blood supply), or rheumatoid arthritis. If you have a particularly active lifestyle or had one in your younger years that included high impact or highly repetitive activities, this overuse can cause wear and tear on the hip joints and surrounding cartilage. Sports injuries or car accidents can result in a severe fracture, misalignment, or dislocation of the hip and lead to hip complications as well.

Hip pain occurs when the cushiony cartilage within the ball-and-socket joint of the hips begins to deteriorate. As it wears away, the pelvic bone and the thigh bone rub against each other causing pain, stiffness, and swelling. Symptoms of hip joint damage are most commonly felt in one or more areas of the lower back, groin, inside the hip joint, outside the hip joint, and thigh.
 

What is MAKOplasty®?

MAKOplasty® is an innovative technology in which a robotic arm is controlled by a surgeon to assist in joint replacement surgery. This highly advanced robotic arm technology allows surgeons to treat patients who need either total hip replacement or partial knee replacement surgery with a level of precision that was previously unattainable with conventional instrumentation.

In addition to the robotic arm, this technology also includes a 3D imaging system that generates a computerized model of the hip’s orientation and alignment with real-time adjustments. It offers a new level of accuracy when aligning and placing implants that minimizes surrounding tissue trauma, and significantly reduces the chance of patients experiencing future complications or repeat surgeries.

The most common problems found in traditional total hip replacement surgery are leg length discrepancy, hip dislocation, and the possibility of a shortened lifespan of the artificial hip. But with the absolute precision produced with the robotic arm, these complications are considerably reduced.
 

Good Candidates for MAKOplasty®

Before considering hip replacement surgery, we encourage people to explore all the available non-invasive options first. The most successful alternatives include physical therapy, both traditional and holistic medicine, and losing weight – or combination of these options.

However, if these less obtrusive options are not giving you the relief you need, then it may be worthwhile to consider a total hip replacement.

Please note that this is not appropriate for some candidates, including those with severe instability of the hip joint, excessive weight, and certain types of infections, mental disorders, and neuromuscular disorders. It is best to speak with your doctor about your options.

Total hip replacement surgery recovery time is faster than conventional hip replacement surgery. Many patients are able to walk within one to two days after the surgery (with an assisting device), and are possibly released from the hospital after 3-4 days.