A 32-year-old farmer from Dharashiv found relief from excruciating hip pain through a Bilateral Robotic Hip Replacement with the Anterior approach, conducted by a team of doctors at Acrus Hospital in Wanowrie, Pune, under the leadership of Dr. Rohit Luthra. This innovative approach, known for its muscle-sparing technique with minimal incisions and quicker recovery, made a significant difference in the patient’s life.
Explaining the case, Dr. Rohit Luthara, a joint replacement and arthroscopy surgeon at Acrus Hospital, highlighted the patient’s severe hip pain and limited mobility, which prevented him from working in the fields. After a thorough diagnosis and assessment, it was determined that he was an ideal candidate for bilateral hip replacement surgery, given his absence of prior surgeries or comorbidities.
The Anterior approach, also known as the ‘Front’ approach, is a minimally invasive and muscle-sparing procedure. Unlike traditional methods, the incision is made from the front, avoiding the need to detach muscles or tendons. This approach minimizes muscle damage and allows patients to bear weight and walk sooner. The use of a robotic system enhances the accuracy of the procedure, ensuring that the implant is placed correctly with minimal risk of malposition or dislocation.
Planning is a crucial aspect of robotic procedures, ensuring precision and safety for patients. Implant sizing is determined through a pre-operative CT scan, creating a 3D virtual model of the hip. This data guides the surgical plan, executed with precision by the robotic system. Additionally, limb length can be easily verified as patients lie supine during the procedure.
In the case of this patient, considering the pain and his occupation, the medical team opted for a Bilateral Robotic Hip Replacement with the Anterior approach. This technique, with smaller incisions, minimal blood loss, and reduced muscle damage, leads to faster recovery. The entire procedure was completed in about three hours. The patient was able to stand within four hours of the surgery, walk with a walker the next day, and significantly recover within six weeks.
This approach to hip replacement offers a promising future for patients. Although relatively new in India, it presents a game-changing solution for those in need of hip replacements.
