SPAIRE technique in hip replacement surgery- Revolution in Hip Surgery

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SPAIRE technique in hip replacement surgery- Revolution in Hip Surgery

Over the years, many surgical techniques have been developed to improve treatment results, decrease recovery times, and reduce complications and one such advanced technique used is the SPAIRE technique in hip replacement surgery. 

Hip replacement surgery is a type of orthopedic surgery done to relieve pain and restore function in people suffering from a severe type of hip arthritis or other advanced types of hip conditions.

In this article, we will be discussing in detail the SPAIRE technique in surgery.

• What is SPAIRE technique?
• How is SPAIRE technique different from traditional hip replacement surgery?
• How to prepare for hip replacement surgery using SPAIRE technique?
• What is the procedure for SPAIRE technique in hip replacement surgery?
• How to care after hip replacement surgery using SPAIRE technique?
• What are the risks of hip replacement surgery using the SPAIRE technique?
• What are the benefits of SPAIRE technique in hip surgery over traditional hip replacement surgery?

What is SPAIRE technique?

The SPAIRE technique in hip surgery is a muscle-sparing type of approach used in hip replacement surgery. This technique helps reduce the disruption of the muscles and tendons around the hip joint.

Traditional hip replacement surgeries cause a significant disruption to the soft tissues surrounding the hip joint, leading to increased recovery times and more postoperative pain. The SPAIRE technique, however, helps in preserving the important muscle structures, thus improving postoperative recovery and treatment results. ( Know more about- What is Bone Fracture? )

How is SPAIRE technique different from traditional hip replacement surgery?

This technique in hip surgery differs from traditional hip replacement surgery in the following ways:

• Muscle preservation: The SPAIRE technique preserves the piriformis and obturator internus muscles in the hip region. These muscles play an important critical role in hip stability and function. The preservation of these muscles helps in reducing the trauma to the important soft tissues and, therefore, reduces the postoperative pain and helps in a quicker recovery.
• Repair and reinforcement of the external rotators: The SPAIRE technique involves the repair and reinforcement of external rotator muscles, especially the obturator externus muscle. This helps in maintaining the stability of the hip joint and decreases the risk of dislocation after surgery.
• Modified Posterior Approach: The SPAIRE technique is a modification of the traditional posterior approach. There are some modifications made in the incision and dissection planes to help in muscle preservation in the SPAIRE technique. This modification needs a high level of surgical expertise and a proper understanding of the complex hip anatomy.

How to prepare for hip replacement surgery using SPAIRE technique?

The doctor will first recommend undergoing a few diagnostic tests, including blood tests and certain imaging tests such as MRI scans and X-rays. These tests help the doctor in assessing the general health of the patient, see if the patient is fit to undergo a surgery, and check the condition of the hip joint to plan the surgery.

The following preparation steps may be needed before undergoing this  technique in hip replacement surgery:

• The patient needs to inform the surgeon about any pre-existing medical conditions, as well as any current medicines that he or she may be taking.
• The patient is instructed to stop smoking at least a couple of weeks before the surgery.
• The patient needs to stop taking blood-thinning medicines a few days before and after the surgery.
• The patient will be asked to avoid eating or drinking anything eight hours before the surgery. ( Know more about- Cost of Total Hip Replacement Surgery in Bangalore )

What is the procedure for SPAIRE technique ?

The procedure is generally done under general anesthesia (the patient is kept asleep during the procedure). The steps involved in this procedure are as follows:

• The surgeon makes a small incision in the posterior aspect of the hip while carefully avoiding the major blood vessels and nerves. The precise placement of the incision is important to reduce tissue damage and promote faster healing.
• The piriformis and obturator internus muscles will be carefully identified and spared during the dissection by the surgeon. This type of surgical approach navigates around these muscles to access the hip joint without damaging these important stabilizing structures.
• The hip joint is then gently dislocated to expose the femoral (thigh bone) head, which is then removed. 
• The acetabulum (hip socket) is then prepared by removing any damaged cartilage and bone, to create a suitable surface for the implant.
• The acetabular component (socket) is first implanted, followed by the femoral component (stem and ball). The components are fixed in place using either cement or a press-fit technique, depending on the patient’s bone quality and the surgeon’s preference.
• The short external rotators, especially the obturator externus muscles, are repaired and reinforced to ensure postoperative stability. This step is important for preventing hip dislocation and promoting optimal functional outcomes.
• The surgical incision is closed in layers, taking care to minimize any tissue trauma and ensure proper healing. Sutures or staples are then used by the surgeon to close the skin. A sterile dressing is then applied to the surgical site.

How to care after hip replacement surgery using SPAIRE technique?

Most patients are discharged from the hospital one or two days after the surgery. The post-operative recovery steps are as follows:

• The patient is encouraged to start walking with assistance using a walker, crutches, or other devices within the first 24 hours after surgery. Early mobilization helps in preventing complications like blood clot formation and promotes quicker recovery.
• A personalized physical therapy program is prepared for the patient to help strengthen the hip muscles, improve the range of motion, and ensure proper gait mechanics. Therapy usually continues for many weeks to months, depending on the patient’s progress.
• The doctor recommends certain pain-relieving medications to help relieve the pain and discomfort after the procedure.
• Regular follow-up appointments are recommended after the procedure to monitor the healing and function of the new hip joint. The doctor may recommend undergoing some X-rays to ensure that the implants are in the correct position and there are no signs of complications. 
• Most patients can return to work and resume all their activities six to eight weeks after the surgery. Complete recovery may, however, take about three to six months. ( Know more about- What is Physiotherapy? )

What are the risks of hip replacement surgery with the SPAIRE technique?

The complications associated with this technique in hip replacement surgery are as follows:

• Infection 
• Blood clot formation 
• Allergic reaction to anesthesia used
• Hip dislocation 
• Nerve injury ( Know more about- Tingling sensation in hand and feet )
• Periprosthetic fractures (fractures around the implants)
• Loosening of the prosthesis
• Wear of the implant parts over time

What are the benefits of SPAIRE technique over traditional hip replacement surgery?

This technique has several benefits over traditional hip replacement surgery, which includes the following:

• Lesser post-operative pain
• Quicker recovery 
• Lower risk of hip dislocation 
• Improved hip function and stability 
• Improved patient satisfaction rates

We hope that we were able to answer all your questions about SPAIRE technique in hip surgery through this article.

If you want more information about SPAIRE technique in hip replacement surgery, you can contact a good orthopedic surgeon.

We only aim to give you information through the article and do not recommend any medication or treatment in any way. Only a qualified doctor can give you good advice because no one else is better than them.