Why SUPERPATH? My personal FAQ sheet

There are several techniques used for total hip replacement.  Generally speaking, there are three: the posterior approach, the anterior approach and the "north star" or SUPERPATH approach.

In layman's terms, the posterior approach involves access from the backside or the body, the anterior approach involves access from the front side, and the SUPERPATH approach is from the side.

Each technique has pros/cons for the patient and surgeon, and if you go through the Bonesmart forum, you'll find a ton of insight about the risks and benefits of each.

While some folks that I've met are convinced that one technique is "better" than another, I personally don't subscribe to that mindset.  At the end of the day, I feel that the end result is what matters, regardless of the method used to get there.

With that said, here's a quick personal FAQ sheet that explains why I chose SUPERPATH.  Obviously, each person is different, each situation is different, and what is "best" for one person may not be best for all.  

Hipster-chic’s FAST FAQs About SUPERPATH^®

Note: the information below is based upon (a) my own personal experience and (b) information gleaned from the Internet.  I’m not a medical professional by any stretch of the imagination; just someone who went through the Superpath procedure and thought it would be helpful to list some common Q&A info for others who may be considering the technique. 

Q.    What is SUPERPATH^®? 

A.    SUPERPATH^® stands for Supercapsular Percutaneously Assisted Total Hip. It’s a surgical technique used for total hip replacement, where no muscles or tendons are cut.   Because it is considered a “micro invasive” approach, there is typically less blood loss during the procedure or postoperative restrictions afterwards.  To learn more about SUPERPATH, go here: http://www.superpathhiptechnique.com/

Q. Why did you opt for this approach?

A.  There were several reasons for me, personally.  I liked the idea of a “micro invasive” approach, with nominal muscle and tissue trauma during surgery.  Additionally, I liked the idea of a surgeon working within the hip capsule, versus dislocating the limb as is done with both the anterior and posterior approaches.  For me, the procedure just made sense, and once I met the surgeon (Dr. Elvis Grandic, who has successfully completed more than 700 hip replacements using this method) it further cemented my decision. 

Q.   Is recovery time really faster with SUPERPATH than other techniques?

A.   I suspect that everyone is different in terms of his or her condition prior to surgery, so that can certainly impact how one recovers, regardless of the technique used.  From my personal experience, I was in very bad shape before surgery (my hip was beginning to collapse from AVN, and I could barely walk without excruciating pain, nor could I sleep through the night). I had been suffering from OA and AVN for just over three years, and over that period, my mobility decreased from somewhat active to borderline totally inactive. My surgeon told me that my recovery would likely be a little more difficult than what most Superpath patients experience because of my pre-surgical condition. I was pleasantly surprised, however, that I was able to get out of bed on the day of my surgery and, using a walker, walk several steps to use a commode.  I had significant pain that first day, but once the medical team was able to create a pain management plan that worked for me, the immediate hospital recovery was pretty much textbook, where I was able to walk using a walker, get myself out of bed, etc. My incision was glued, so I didn’t have to worry about the pain from any sutures or staples.  At two weeks post op, I am flying through PT and was able to transition to a cane.  I feel great and my incision is healing nicely (and only 3” long).  I have very little swelling and am finding that I only need minimal pain management drugs each day.   Is this “faster” than other approaches?  Who knows?  But this was my personal experience and for me, the experience exceeded my expectations.

Q.  How did you find your surgeon?

A.  I went to the SUPERPATH website and found this section (http://www.superpathhiptechnique.com/patients/find-physician.asp) where they list all US surgeons who perform the procedure.  Although I live in GA, I was willing to travel for the “right” surgeon, and I was pleasantly surprised to find Dr. Grandic in Boynton Beach FL, which, conveniently, is only 15 minutes from a family members home in FL, which is where I stayed following surgery.  I’ve since met others who traveled for the procedure, and took advantage of local hotels in order to be close by immediately following surgery.  And while this may not be a good solution for everyone, it is a possibility.  Again, in my situation, all the stars were in alignment, and after my consultation with Dr. Grandic, I “knew” he was the surgeon for me.

Q.  What about the restrictions?  Is it true there are NO post op restrictions with SUPERPATH?

A.   I had no post op restrictions.  No “45 degree” rules to follow, no sleeping with pillows between my legs, etc.  I’m not sure if this is the case for all SUPERPATH patients, but this was my experience.  My surgeon has a very specific PT protocol and I suspect that the exercises were selected specifically to ensure proper post-op healing.