Our Summary

Surgeons and engineers are always trying to find ways to better place implants used in joint surgeries. One method being used is rapid prototyping to create patient-specific instruments (PSI). This method has already been used successfully in large-scale knee surgeries. It’s also been used in shoulder surgeries, but it’s not yet clear if it’s better than traditional methods. In hip surgeries, PSI has been used for positioning custom-made implants and it’s been tested by a small number of surgeons with different manufacturers. Early results show that it can accurately position implants in hip surgeries, but it’s more expensive and it’s unclear if it improves patient outcomes.

FAQs

  1. What is patient-specific instruments (PSI) and where has it been used successfully?
  2. How has PSI been used in hip surgeries and what are the early results?
  3. Despite its successful application, why is it unclear whether PSI improves patient outcomes in hip surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about hip replacement is to follow the post-operative rehabilitation plan carefully. This may include physical therapy exercises to help strengthen the muscles around the hip joint and improve range of motion. It’s important to be consistent with these exercises to ensure a successful recovery and optimal function of the hip joint. Additionally, the patient should follow any weight-bearing restrictions provided by the surgeon to prevent complications and promote proper healing. It’s also important to attend follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor progress and address any concerns or issues that may arise.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for hip replacement surgery include those with severe hip pain that limits daily activities, hip stiffness that affects mobility, hip arthritis that has not responded to conservative treatment, hip fractures, and other hip conditions such as avascular necrosis or hip dysplasia. These patients may experience significant pain, difficulty walking or performing daily tasks, and decreased quality of life due to their hip condition. Hip replacement surgery is often recommended for these patients to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and restore function to the hip joint.

Timeline

Before hip replacement surgery:

  1. Patient experiences chronic hip pain and limited mobility.
  2. Patient consults with an orthopedic surgeon who recommends hip replacement surgery.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery.

After hip replacement surgery:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to replace the damaged hip joint with an artificial implant.
  2. Patient stays in the hospital for a few days for monitoring and rehabilitation.
  3. Patient undergoes physical therapy to regain strength and mobility in the hip joint.
  4. Patient follows a recovery plan prescribed by their healthcare team.
  5. Patient gradually resumes normal activities and experiences improved hip function and reduced pain over time.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the benefits of using patient-specific instruments (PSI) in my hip replacement surgery?
  2. Are there any potential risks or drawbacks to using PSI in hip replacement surgery?
  3. How does the cost of using PSI compare to traditional methods of hip replacement surgery?
  4. Can you provide me with information on the success rates of hip replacement surgeries using PSI?
  5. Will using PSI in my hip replacement surgery require any additional imaging or testing beforehand?
  6. How much experience do you have with using PSI in hip replacement surgeries?
  7. Are there any specific manufacturers or brands of PSI that you prefer to use in hip replacement surgeries?
  8. What is the expected recovery time for a hip replacement surgery using PSI compared to traditional methods?
  9. Are there any specific post-operative care instructions or precautions I should be aware of if I choose to have a hip replacement surgery using PSI?
  10. How will using PSI in my hip replacement surgery affect my long-term outcomes and quality of life compared to traditional methods?

Reference

Authors: Henckel J, Holme TJ, Radford W, Skinner JA, Hart AJ. Journal: J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2018 Aug 15;26(16):e342-e348. doi: 10.5435/JAAOS-D-16-00719. PMID: 30052547