An overview of diagnosis, procedure, follow-up care / rehab and change.
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Yale-technique
The Yale technique is a particularly gentle surgery method for implanting artificial hip joints. We have been using this minimally invasive procedure since 2003 and have to date performed over 8000 hip replacements in our department using this approach.
This surgery method developed by
Dr. Jack Irving (Yale University, USA) involves 2 small incisions of approx. 6-8 cm long for the implantation of a hip prosthesis. One incision is made on the front of the hip joint and the other on the back, whereby the length may vary depending on anatomical factors. Surgery is performed via naturally created gaps in the muscle. This means: We do not cut through any muscle groups that are important for the hip function, but rather gently move the muscles aside to insert the new hip joint. The surgeon still has a good view of the operating area, however. The skin incisions are made in such a way that the operating area is perfectly visible – both the socket and the shaft of the femur. The implants can thus be inserted extremely accurately.
Benefits
The
Yale technique
has distinct benefits for the patient: Since only tiny incisions are made and no muscles are injured, the patient is mobile again a lot sooner. The muscles surrounding the hip joint are fully functional immediately after surgery. Less pain is experienced and blood loss can be minimised.
Even on the day of surgery the patient can generally put full load on the leg. Walking with the new joint begins on the operative day; crutches are only used for improved stability.
the x-rays show the hip: before - planning - after
Revision surgery
In the last few years we have also increasingly been using the Yale technique for hip replacement revision surgery. Even with these complex procedures, the hip muscles can be better protected than with conventional procedures.
The efficacy of the Yale technique has also been shown in a comparative gait analysis study ⇒ (pdf Download)
To find out how a joint replacement procedure is performed please click here ⇒ Video OP Yale Hip
