What is VELYS™ Hip Navigation?
Total hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the worn out or damaged surfaces of the hip joint (cartilage and bone) are removed and replaced with an artificial prosthesis (implant) to prevent painful bone-on-bone contact, relieve pain, and restore normal range of motion and hip function.
Precise positioning of the implants is crucial to accomplish a good clinical outcome and a successful total hip replacement. VELYS™ Hip Navigation is an advanced digital technology designed to assist surgeons with precision and accuracy in hip arthroplasty surgery. During the surgery, a picture known as a fluoroscopic image is obtained of your hip and analyzed in real-time, with the objective of accomplishing perfect alignment and placement of the hip implants. Better implant sizing and position help to accomplish a more natural feel, a higher degree of stability, and longer lasting implants.
VELYS™ Hip Navigation system provides your surgeon performing hip replacement with valuable information on precise analysis of implant selection and positioning with its simple-to-use non-invasive computer navigation, presurgical digital templating, and case planning.
Anatomy of the Hip
The hip joint is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints and is the point where the thighbone (femur) and pelvis (acetabulum) join. It is a ball-and-socket joint in which the head of the femur forms the ball and the pelvic acetabulum forms the socket. The joint surface is covered by smooth articular cartilage that cushions and enables smooth movement of the joint. The bones are held together by bands of tissue called ligaments that provide stability to the joint.
How Does VELYS™ Hip Navigation Work?
The information gathered by VELYS™ Hip Navigation system is employed by your surgeon to increase precision and accuracy during placement of your hip implants.
Prior to your hip replacement surgery, a fluoroscopic image is obtained of your hip bones and entered into the VELYS™ Hip Navigation system to aid in determining the distinctive size of your hip bones and the implant sizes that may best fit your hip anatomy.
At the time of surgery, this provides your surgeon significant information on femoral and acetabular implants, including cup position, femoral offset, and leg length that aids your surgeon at various stages of the hip arthroplasty to improve accuracy and results.
Indications for VELYS™ Hip Navigation
Your surgeon may recommend VELYS™ Hip Navigation system for hip arthroplasty for the following conditions:
- Treatment of arthritic conditions, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis of the hip joint
- Severe hip joint fracture or trauma
- Failed total hip replacement
- Malpositioning of the acetabular component
- Dislocation of the joint
- Impingement of the prosthesis
- Aseptic loosening of the prosthesis
- Periprosthetic osteolysis
- Polyethene liner wear of the implant
- Prosthetic joint infection
Preparation for VELYS™ Hip Navigation
Preoperative preparation for VELYS™ Hip Navigation assisted hip replacement may involve the following steps:
- A review of your medical history and a physical examination to check for any medical issues that need to be addressed prior to surgery.
- Depending on your medical history, social history, and age, you may need to undergo tests such as blood work and imaging to help detect any abnormalities that could compromise the safety of the procedure.
- You will be asked if you have allergies to medications, anesthesia, or latex.
- You should inform your doctor of any medications, vitamins, or supplements you are taking or any conditions you have such as heart or lung disease.
- You may be asked to stop taking blood-thinners, anti-inflammatories, aspirin, or other supplements for a week or two.
- You should refrain from alcohol and tobacco at least a few days prior to surgery and several weeks after, as it can hinder the healing process.
- You should not consume any solids or liquids at least 8 hours prior to surgery.
- You should arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
- A signed informed consent form will be obtained from you after the pros and cons of the surgery has been explained.
Procedure for VELYS™ Hip Navigation
The VELYS™ Hip Navigation assisted hip arthroplasty surgery is done under general anesthesia with you appropriately placed on the operating table. A surgical cut is made over the hip to expose the hip joint. VELYS™ Hip Navigation software provides the surgeon with real-time 3-D images of the mapped patient’s hip joint and the surgical instruments during surgery. The data for the images is provided by the infrared sensors fixed to the bones of the joint and the surgical instruments. Their position is tracked by an infrared camera placed above the surgical table connected to the VELYS™ Hip Navigation computer system. The computer then generates the real-time images with the help of the VELYS™ Hip Navigation software to guide the surgeon to precisely resurface and cut the bones of the hip joint and fix the implant precisely and accurately according to the pre-operative surgical plan. Once the surgery is completed, the incision is closed with sutures and covered with a sterile dressing.
The surgery is performed entirely by your surgeon. VELYS™ Hip Navigation system is just a tool to guide your surgeon and ensure accuracy with implant sizes and placement. It cannot replace the skills of an experienced surgeon.
Postoperative Care and Recovery
In general, postoperative care instructions and recovery after VELYS™ Hip Navigation assisted hip arthroplasty will involve the following steps:
- You will be transferred to the recovery area where your nurse will closely observe you for any allergic/anesthetic reactions and monitor your vital signs.
- You may notice pain, swelling, and discomfort in the hip area. Pain and anti-inflammatory medications are provided as needed.
- Antibiotics are also prescribed to address the risk of surgery-related infection.
- You will be placed on assistive devices such as crutches with instructions on restricted weight-bearing for a specified period of time.
- You are encouraged to move around in bed and walk as frequently as possible to prevent the risk of blood clots.
- Instructions on incision site care and bathing will be provided to keep the wound clean and dry.
- Refrain from strenuous and weight-bearing activities for the first few months and lifting heavy weights for at least 6 months. A gradual increase in activities is recommended.
- An individualized physical therapy protocol will be designed to help strengthen hip muscles and optimize hip function.
- You will be able to resume your normal activities in a couple of months’ time, but with certain activity restrictions. Return to sports may take at least 6 months or longer.
- Refrain from driving until you are fully fit and receive your doctor’s consent.
- A periodic follow-up appointment will be scheduled to monitor your progress.
Advantages of VELYS™ Hip Navigation
Some of the benefits of VELYS™ Hip Navigation system assisted hip replacement surgery include:
- Improved accuracy in sizing and positioning of your hip implant
- Improved functional outcome and joint stability
- Improved durability of the implant
- Reduced risk of leg-length discrepancies
- Reduced operative time and radiation dose
- Reduced risk of implant wear and dislocation
Risks and Complications
VELYS™ Hip Navigation assisted hip replacement is a relatively safe procedure; however, as with any surgery, some risks and complications may occur, such as the following:
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Postoperative pain
- Damage to nerves and vessels
- Thromboembolism or blood clots
- Allergic/anesthetic reactions
- Implant fracture/failure
- Dislocations (rarely)
