How ROSA Hip Technology Works
Before surgery
Prior to surgery, you’ll get a series of X-rays done, which will help your surgeon create a personal plan for your surgery at HSHS St. Mary's Hospital Medical Center. Your personalized plan plus data collected during your surgery will provide immediate feedback to your surgeon, resulting in a surgery completely customized to you.
During surgery
The surgical procedure using the ROSA Hip robot is similar to conventional hip replacement, but with a robotic assistant. Your surgeon has been specially-trained to use the ROSA Hip robot to personalize the surgical approach for your unique anatomy. It’s important to understand that the robot does not operate on its own. Your surgeon is in the operating room the entire time and is making all the decisions throughout your surgery. During your procedure, your surgeon will take several X-rays, which the robot will use to provide real-time data to your surgeon. This information, combined with your surgeon’s skill, helps him/her know how to position your implant based on your unique anatomy.
When performing your procedure with ROSA Hip, your surgeon will use a direct anterior approach (incision on the front of your hip) using a 3 to 6 inch incision on the front of your leg, compared to a 10 to 12 inch incision on the side or back of your leg with a conventional hip replacement procedure. The direct anterior approach is a muscle sparing approach that has been shown to have better outcomes at three years after surgery compared to a traditional posterior approach (incision on the back of your hip).3 This approach has also been shown to reduce the risk of dislocations compared to the posterior approach. A dislocation occurs when the ball of your hip joint comes out of the socket.
Every patient’s surgical experience may differ, but the minimally invasive, direct anterior approach with ROSA Hip is designed to:
- Improve accuracy of cup positioning compared to traditional hip replacement using the same direct anterior approach.
- Reduce dislocation rates after total hip replacement compared to a posterior approach.
- The direct anterior approach has been associated with a faster recovery and less pain.
- Less radiation exposure as a CT Scan is not required.
After surgery
Following surgery, you may be hospitalized based upon the recovery plan your surgeon decides is best for you. Upon returning home you will need to continue taking your regular medications and exercising as directed by your surgeon or physical therapist. Walking, remaining active and practicing the required exercises are the quickest ways to full recovery.
Recovery time varies, but most people should be able to drive after one to twelve weeks, and return to sporting activities between three to six months after surgery depending on the level and demand of the sport. Your surgeon will tell you when and what activities you can return to and what activities to avoid.
