This innovative approach ensures safety, accuracy, and precision, minimizing soft tissue trauma without cutting any muscles promoting early mobility with reduced discomfort
Pune: The surgical technique for a Super PATH hip replacement is a promising advancement to traditional total hip replacement. This minimally-invasive innovative approach offers quicker recovery times, and preserves important muscles and soft tissues during the procedure, resulting in improved stability and function of the new hip joint. Due to the successful patient outcome, this technique is the go-to option for hip replacements yielding successful outcomes in early patient mobilization.
The prevalence of hip problems has been on the rise owing to sedentary lifestyles and an ageing population. Other factors such as obesity, lack of physical activity, and poor posture have contributed to the hip pain. Numerous individuals seek a second opinion when faced with the choice between anterior or posterior approaches for hip replacement surgery. Conditions such as avascular necrosis (AVN) and arthritis not only affect the bones but also impact the surrounding tissues and muscles. It is crucial to understand that it is the muscles, rather than the bones, that support hip movement. For activities like driving, biking, and exercising, a surgeon’s main focus should be on preserving soft tissues. As a result, there is a growing need for hip replacement surgeries to improve the quality of life and mobility for these individuals. Hip replacement surgery involves the consideration of soft tissues rather than bone tissues. The SUPERPATH technique offers a novel minimally invasive way for total hip replacement by avoiding sacrificing muscle tissue.
“A cutting-edge technique known as the Super PATH or supracapsular percutaneously assisted total hip replacement is an innovative modification of the lateral approach pioneered in India. This landmark technique, originally developed in the US and now gaining popularity in India, involves replacing the hip joint while the patient is positioned on their side during surgery. The success rate of this technique is high, with 95% of patients undergoing SuperPATH Hip Replacement Surgery experiencing early mobilization without sacrificing muscles. By utilizing a smaller incision that minimizes damage to surrounding tendons, muscles, and ligaments, precise femoral replacement of approximately 2 inches can be achieved using specialized instruments and robotics. Modern implant options such as ceramics, metal on metal, and metal on polyethylene can now be implanted percutaneously as part of this advanced procedure,” Said Dr Aashish Arbat, Orthopedic & Joint Replacement Surgeon, Jehangir, Manipal Hospital and Oyster & Pearl Hospitals (ONP Hospitals), Pune.
Patient Mr Sagar Bairagi, a 35-year-old Model and IT professional from Pune was having bilateral avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip around 2 years. He suffered from constant hip pain and performing daily activities was challenging for him. Moreover, the hip pain also impacted his career. He took expert opinions from 4-5 doctors from Bangalore and even a video consultation with a doctor based in the US but couldn’t find that much-needed relief for his hip pain. The patient was admitted on 5th February 2024 and underwent bilateral total hip replacement with the Super PATH technique on 6th February 2024. The patient was discharged on 9th February 2024 and has resumed his daily routine with ease and taking up modeling assignments like before without any trouble.
A 23-year-old man named Tannu Mishra from Bihar suffered a severe hip injury in an accident. He consulted many doctors, however, the condition did not improve and the hip pain became unbearable. His brother came to know about Dr Aashish Arbat and he immediately brought Tannu to Pune for further treatment. After medical tests confirming the hip injury, he underwent hip replacement with the SuperPATH technique. Now the patient is pain-free.
Patient Mr Swapnil Jadhav, a 39-year-old Merchant Navy Officer from Pune had unbearable hip pain for the last two years due to which he wasn’t able to walk, stand, or sit and required the assistance of his family members. He was having bilateral avascular necrosis of the hip. The patient had to leave his job due to his deteriorating condition. However, the patient was admitted on 31 May 2024 and underwent total hip replacement with the SuperPATH technique for the right hip on 1st June 2024. The patient was discharged on 3 June 2024 and is doing well now. The demand for hip replacement surgeries is expected to increase in the coming years as awareness of technological advancements makes these procedures more accessible.
“The innovative Super PATH technique involves a small incision, faster recovery, shorter hospital stay, and reduced pain by minimizing tissue damage. This unique approach ensures patient satisfaction and decreases the risk of post-surgical complications like hip dislocations and infections. By preserving muscles and tendons and allowing for a more natural joint movement, SuperPATH facilitates quicker healing, precise implant positioning for long-term durability, and enhances the quality of life post-surgery. Patients experience no restrictions after the procedure and can easily resume daily activities without any trouble. They can walk independently after surgery and can also sit crossing their legs. The success of this technique has enabled us to treat more and more patients with guaranteed outcomes in the safest and most comfortable ways,” Said Dr Arbat.