Mako Robotic Hip Replacement Surgery
Hip pain may present as an aching, sharp or burning sensation around the hip joint, groin or thigh area, sending thousands of people to the doctor's office each year in the United States. It can range from mild to severe, depending on the severity of the condition.
What Causes Pain in Hips?
Possible hip pain causes include muscle strain, infection, injury, arthritis and inflammatory disorders. Conservative hip pain treatments, such as flexibility and strength training exercises, may help relieve pain. However, certain conditions require more invasive interventions, such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, osteonecrosis and injuries or broken bone from trauma or disease.
At Shelby Baptist Medical Center in Alabaster, we know chronic hip pain may keep you from experiencing the fullness of life. Our goal is to be your partner in care in helping you get back from the sidelines through longer-lasting solutions for hip pain. We offer minimally invasive hip pain treatments, including the Mako robotic hip replacement procedure, combined with compassionate care.
Whether your hip pain is the result of arthritis, sports injury or wear and tear, our dedicated team of experienced orthopedic surgeons and staff in Alabaster will work with you to help restore mobility and get back to doing the things you love without hip pain.
How Do You Know When You Need a Hip Replacement?
If everyday activities like walking, getting up from a chair or putting on your shoes make you want to go back to bed because of pain, your hip may be severely damaged. Consult your doctor if any of the following symptoms accompany your hip pain:
- Your hip remains painful after one week of rest
- You develop a fever or rash
- You are diagnosed with sickle cell anemia
Additionally, if medication and the use of walking aids do not provide adequate help to relieve your symptoms, you may consider discussing hip pain surgery with your doctor.
What Is Hip Surgery?
Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure that allows a hip replacement surgeon to remove the damaged bone and cartilage of the hip joint through an incision over the side of the thigh. These parts are then replaced with prosthetic components that mimic the way a normal hip joint works.
Improvements in surgical techniques have significantly increased the effectiveness of hip replacement. Today, it is known as one of the most successful operations in all of medicine, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. These developments have made robotic hip replacement surgery available to patients with severe and chronic hip joint pain.
How Does Mako SmartRoboticsTM Work for Total Hip Replacement?
Total hip replacement surgery using the Mako SmartRobotics™ system could be a good fit for patients who suffer from degenerative joint disease or a hip injury. The system uses 3D computed tomography (CT)-based planning software so your surgeon can learn more about your anatomy to create a personalized joint replacement surgical plan. This 3D model is used to pre-plan and assist your surgeon in performing your total hip replacement.
During the procedure, the combination of the robotic arm and three-dimensional tracking technology provides your surgeon with real-time feedback, enabling reproducible precision and optimal positioning of the hip implant. It is this level of accuracy that facilitates optimal implant positioning and alignment, resulting in a more natural motion following surgery and a better, longer-lasting outcome.
Is Robotic Surgery Better for Hip Replacement?
While every patient reacts differently to surgery and recovery, some of the benefits include the following:
- Relief from hip pain and stiffness
- Accurate placement of the hip implant can reduce the likelihood of hip dislocation
- Greater consistency in leg length
- Potentially decreasing the need for a shoe lift
- Reduced risk of the implant and bone abnormally rubbing together
Recovery differs from one individual to another. In most cases, patients typically experience some temporary pain in the replaced joint due to weakened muscles surrounding the joint. This pain should resolve in a few months while the tissues heal and the body adjusts to the new joint. The majority of patients can get back to their pre-surgery routine after surgery.
How Long Does a Hip Replacement Last?
Generally, joint replacements can still function 15-20 years later, but other factors, such as wear and tear caused by a lifetime of movement, can affect its performance and lifespan. Younger patients may need to have their artificial hips and knees revised during their lifetime.
Insurances Accepted and Payment Plan Options
Getting help for your hip joint pain is a journey best taken together. When you come to Shelby Baptist Medical Center, we'll provide you with all the information you need upfront, including financial obligations.
As with any medical procedure, we know that planning is essential. That's why we have made it easier for you to make payment arrangements for peace of mind. We work with various insurance providers and offer flexible payment plans for most treatments and procedures. Please contact your insurance carrier with specific questions about your covered services and benefits.
Listen to your lingering pain. If you have an upcoming procedure or surgery you've been putting off. Please don't delay care. Our dedicated staff is ready to address your questions and help make financial arrangements. Visit our patient financial resources page to learn about our insurance, payment plans, pricing information and estimates or watch this video to learn how we make healthcare more affordable.
Find a Hip Replacement Surgeon in Alabaster
Hip pain doesn't have to be part of your routine. Shelby Baptist Medical Center is here to help you understand your risk and explore treatment options if you already have a diagnosis. We're here with safe and compassionate care, always.
Please call 833-251-9898 or find a hip replacement surgeon nearby to learn more about our services. If it's an emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Please don't delay care.