Robotic Hip Replacement

Minimally invasive hip operation and quicker rehabilitation

The Orthopaedics and Traumatology Unit of Clinica San Francesco, in December 2012, was the first in Europe to carry out the innovative hip replacement operations by robotic system Rio, introduced in Italy by Dr Piergiuseppe Perazzini.

What is hip replacement?

The hip Makoplasty uses a computerized system which, taking advantage of TAC images realized by patients during last months before the operation, develops a three-dimensional hip model to operate that can be useful for surgeon to choose, before operation, the size and placement of hip prosthesis implant.

In operating phase, through sensors positioned on articulation, the surgeon provides robot computer other parameters causing the definitive model, added to the preoperative study.

The surgeon carries out the resection of collum femoris, applies the proof femoral prosthetic component and sets up the acetabular cup compartment through a cutter assembled on a mechanical arm, directly under the computer control.

After verification of proof implant correct working (limb length, component stability, muscle tension, etcetera) the definitive prosthesis will be implanted.

Why to use robotic surgery

The robotic procedure allows to reduce drastically the mistakes of prosthesis components placement and permits to control, during the operation, the keeping of biomechanical parameters that are necessary for correct working of prosthesis (rotation centre, length, tension of muscle groups moving and stabilizing hip, etcetera)

Benefits for Patients

The correct placement of components by Rio system involves a more stable articulation and a biomechanical efficiency; this permits to mobilize more calmly the patient and to start a quicker rehabilitation after operation.

The lacking use of analgesic drugs, owning to minimally invasive procedure, allows the patient to walk with two crutches, loading (height) on the operated limb, already the day after operation.

The homecoming can take place already in the first week after operation with indications to continue the rehabilitation programme of hip prosthesis at home or in outpatient system for three/four weeks.

In particular cases an admission period in a functional rehabilitation ward until stitches taking off (about two weeks after the operation) is suggested.