X-rays taken at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi revealed that Phuong's hip joint was severely degenerated, with narrowed joint space, worn cartilage, and bone spurs in multiple locations on the femoral head and pelvis.

Dr. Nguyen Quang Ton Quyen, Deputy Head of the Orthopedic Trauma Department, performed a total hip replacement using a minimally invasive technique. The surgical plan was developed using specialized TraumaCad software, allowing for precise measurements and selection of the most suitable implant size. Dr. Quyen chose the SuperPATH approach, which involves accessing the joint through the upper part of the joint capsule, rather than cutting the capsule and surrounding muscle tissue. This minimizes blood loss and tissue damage, preserving the soft tissue and surrounding muscles.

One day after surgery, Phuong experienced no pain when moving his hip, was able to walk around his hospital room unaided, and did not require a walking frame. Dr. Quyen assessed his recovery as excellent, with a dry surgical wound, leading to his immediate discharge. After two weeks of remote physical therapy guided by technicians from the Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Department, Phuong could walk, perform daily activities, change positions, bend his knee, and cross his legs comfortably.

Dr. Quyen explained that traditional hip replacement techniques often restricted patients from crossing their legs due to the risk of dislocation, and typically required a 5-7 day hospital stay. Modern anterior approaches like DAA, ABMS, and SuperPATH significantly reduce this risk, allowing patients greater freedom of movement. Patients recover faster, experience less pain, and can often be discharged within 24 hours.

Dr. Quyen performing hip replacement surgery. Photo illustration: Tam Anh General Hospital.

Hip osteoarthritis commonly affects older adults and, if left untreated, can lead to joint deformity and even disability. The disease often progresses silently without symptoms, resulting in late diagnosis. Individuals experiencing symptoms such as hip stiffness after waking, pain in the groin or hip radiating to the thigh, buttock, or knee, sharp pain when squatting or crossing legs, a limp, or reduced hip range of motion should seek medical attention promptly. Mild cases can be managed with medication, while severe cases may require hip replacement surgery.

Dr. Quyen noted that older surgical techniques for hip replacement often caused significant damage to the joint capsule, muscles, and surrounding soft tissues, hindering recovery in elderly patients. Tam Anh General Hospital's adoption of minimally invasive techniques like the SuperPATH approach allows older patients to avoid long-term disability, extending their healthy lifespan and improving their quality of life. Younger, healthy patients without underlying conditions can often be discharged within 24 hours of surgery.

Thanh Long

*The patient's name has been changed.