Computer-Assisted Hip Replacement

What is Computer-Assisted Hip Replacement?

From a patient’s perspective, a computer-assisted hip replacement — otherwise known as a robotic-assisted hip replacement — doesn’t affect the surgeon’s approach to the hip replacement. However, while the surgeon is still controlling everything that happens during surgery, they are aided by the computer’s ability to measure the patient’s anatomy and deformity to improve precision and customize the hip replacement to the patient’s needs. In doing so, the computer system’s detailed anatomical mapping can help the surgeon restore the patient’s hip to its full pre-arthritic function.

There are a number of computer-assisted solutions available, but OrthoNebraska uses VELYS Hip Navigation because of its precision and ease of use for our surgical teams. It utilizes preoperative x-rays to produce a model of the patient’s pelvis in the three functional pelvic positions — sitting, standing and laying down. This allows the surgeon to prepare ahead of the surgery and confirm the positioning with intra-operative imaging.

Who is Eligible for Computer-Assisted Hip Navigation?

Anyone who is a proper candidate for a total hip replacement or hip revision is a possible candidate for computer-assisted technology. For a very small number of patients with particularly unusual anatomy, a computer-assisted solution may be especially helpful. Mostly, the decision to perform computer-assisted surgery is driven by the familiarity and comfort level of the surgeon who is performing your total hip replacement.

If utilizing this newer technology is important to you, we recommend selecting an OrthoNebraska surgeon who uses VELYS when scheduling your initial appointment for hip pain.

Is Computer-Assisted Hip Replacement Effective?

Hip replacement is considered the gold standard for relief from intra-articular (in the joint) hip pain after conservative treatments have failed, however, a small percentage of patients have complications or have their new joints fail earlier than expected. Computer-assisted hip replacement is intended to reduce the variability in the surgery, which may lead to better outcomes. Some early research studies suggest that modern systems may assist in restoring leg length and offset, which may lead to better hip stability and preservation of your hip’s natural movement. Due to the ability to verify the desired implant position, your surgeon can potentially reduce the likelihood of hip dislocation and increase your joint’s stability.

What Can I Expect When I Have a Computer-Assisted Hip replacement?

After your surgery is scheduled at OrthoNebraska Hospital, a nurse navigator will reach out to discuss your needs, encourage you to review our online educational videos and help you prepare. 

Examples of things we will encourage you to do include: 

• Plan on having some help at home for the first few weeks after your procedure, as you will likely need assistance. If you don’t have someone to assist you, ask your surgeon about being admitted to a rehabilitation center for at least a few days.
• Plan ahead and think about ways to make maneuvering around your home easier, clearing obstacles out of the way and removing large rugs. Make sure all handrails are secure, and loose cords are tucked away to prevent falling.
• You may need a pre-surgical physical from your primary care doctor and possibly other specialists such as a cardiologist and/or pulmonologist to ensure you are healthy for surgery. 

After checking in at the hospital on the day of surgery, you will speak with your physician and anesthesiologist. The anesthesia team will discuss the various levels of sleep appropriate to your individual needs, which may include a nerve block, or spinal or general anesthesia.  

Your surgery will likely take approximately one to two hours. Following surgery, you will be in the recovery room for another one to two hours before going to your private room. 

Once you are settled in your room, your therapy team and nurse navigators will work with you and your doctor to monitor your progress and determine your discharge goals. After you leave the hospital, you may have outpatient physical therapy. Full recovery may take about a year, depending on your general health and dedication to measured progress in therapy. 

What Does Computer-Assisted Hip Replacement Cost?

OrthoNebraska’s hospital has made an investment in this technology because our surgeons believe in its potential to positively impact our patients. There is no additional cost to patients for this technology, and it is billed the same as any hip replacement or revision. For a cost estimate, please contact our patient financial services team at (402) 609-2423.