Robotic Superior Approach Hip Replacement

Hip replacement is an extremely successful operation for restoring people’s quality of life, eradicating pain and restoring the ability to walk.

This is regardless of the surgical approach used, and regardless of the use of technology such as robotic guidance for its implantation.

Mr O’Bryan underwent a year-long fellowship in multiple hip approaches including the superior approach. He uses the superior approach in select cases, when not using the anterior approach. These are performed with robotic or computer assistance to help ensure implants are optimised for each patient’s situation. Specifically, that means using software to identify where to position an implant to minimise the risk of dislocation and recreate the patient’s leg length and optimise muscle power with millimetre accuracy.

The superior approach is a relatively “new” technique which is conceivably an advancement on the posterior approach. It is “muscle-sparing”, but most importantly is intended to avoid dislocation. It is therefore similar in the principles afforded by the anterior approach, which is not appropriate for all patients.