In cases of irreparable wear of the hip joint, a total hip replacement is usually required. Surgeons can choose between different surgical approaches to the hip joint.
At Procelsio Clinic, we exclusively use the gentlest method currently available: the AMIS technique. AMIS stands for Anterior Minimally Invasive Surgery – a minimally invasive approach from the front. It is the least traumatic surgical method currently used to implant a hip prosthesis. This technique requires not only extensive surgical experience but also specific technical conditions.
The AMIS technique depends on a fully coordinated system involving a specialized operating table with leg support, precise surgical instruments, and high-quality implants. During the operation, the anterior muscles are gently moved aside through a small incision – not cut. This greatly reduces the risk of damaging muscles, tendons, blood vessels, or nerves.
The leg holder ensures optimal visualization of the joint despite the limited field of view, enabling the surgeon to reach all relevant structures safely and precisely. Because the soft tissues are spared, the risk of bleeding or infection is significantly reduced. The gluteal muscles, essential for pelvic stability, remain untouched. This allows for immediate postoperative muscle activity, which significantly accelerates rehabilitation. As a result, full weight-bearing is usually possible on the day of surgery.
Other so-called minimally invasive techniques (such as posterior, lateral, or combined approaches) may also use small skin incisions, but they often involve cutting muscles or tendons similar to conventional methods. The difference lies mostly in the external appearance – the scars may be smaller, but the internal trauma is not necessarily reduced.
After surgery, the range of motion is significantly less restricted compared to conventional techniques. The risk of dislocation due to detached muscles or tendons is greatly reduced.Typical issues such as an abnormal gait or limping are rarely observed. Overall, the AMIS technique enables a much faster restoration of joint function and helps minimize the risks associated with hip replacement surgery.
This often allows patients to return to work and physical activity sooner. Following discharge from the clinic, a rehabilitation program usually begins. After an AMIS procedure, this can easily be done on an outpatient basis – or, in some cases, replaced entirely by a customized physiotherapy program.
