Driving after Hip Replacement
April 26, 2020
Anterior Hip Replacement Scar
The scar of an anterior bikini hip replacement is usually on the outer part of the groin crease of the upper thigh. Usually this is an aesthetically pleasing cosmetic scar and usually runs in the natural Langers lines of the skin – This means that the surgical scar usually heals well.
The standard anterior hip replacement scar is usually a vertical scar which actually crosses the groin crease. This is located in the front of the upper thigh. The location of a traditional posterior hip replacement scar is usually on the side/back of the hip. The incision located around and extending back from the greater trochanter.
The scar for the anterior bikini hip replacement is located in the above position because the hip joint is naturally located in the skin fold of the thigh and means relatively easy access to the surgeon from the front without cutting any muscles or tendons.
The anterior approach hip replacement is an inter-nervous and inter muscular approach and the location of the incision for the bikini hip replacement enables the preservation of the lateral circumflex vessels.
Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline
Through this approach, there is less post-operative pain as muscles are not cut, less blood loss, less muscle weakness, early mobilisation, rapid recovery and early discharge home with resumption of activities including driving within a week.
Dr. Nizam avoids using vertical scars used in the standard anterior hip replacement approach as the incision is perpendicular to the natural skin Langers lines and the incision passes perpendicular to the groin crease within the crease itself – this could potentially cause wound issues and unsightly scars patients may dislike.
Hence Dr. Nizam prefers to do All anterior hip replacements through a bikini hip replacement scar and he has done one of the largest numbers of these cases in Australia and he has published papers and presented on this technique.
It is also important that patients look after the surgical scar in the weeks after surgery with specific instructions given to the patient in the form of a 30 paged information booklet before surgery and patients should read this.
It is also important to keep the surgical incision/dressing dry until it can be exposed as instructed by Dr. Nizam to reduce infection risk.
Scar Management
Anterior hip replacement scars can vary from patient to patient and Dr. Nizam will ensure all factors are taken into account when placing the incision to ensure optimal healing. It is also up-to the patient to ensure all instructions are followed to the letter when it comes to scar management to get the best looking scar.
But ultimately it is important to understand – it is what happens under the scar – that is more important and not the scar itself although a nice-looking scar is psychologically appealing.
Disclaimer – Individual results can vary – patients are asked to discuss their specific restrictions with their surgeon after surgery.
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