Minimal invasive surgery for hip replacement: a new technique using the NILNAV hip system

Background: Minimal invasive surgical techniques are used for cruciate ligament reconstructions, unicondylar knee replacements and, more recently, for fixation of fractures. This is a report of the first instrumented technique for hip replacement using a 5‐cm incision without the need for a navigation system or X‐rays. Methods: It uses the C.F.P stem (LINK) but is universal. It includes jigs for the osteotomy of the neck, a right‐angled reamer and spacers (lollipops) to orientate the acetabular cup to the femoral stem. A case series of 14 patients using this new hip replacement technique (called NILNAV Hip System) is reported. Results: The procedure was successfully performed on all seven patients, with reduced postoperative pain and stiffness, and increased quality of life and functional status. All patients were discharged on postoperative Days 1 and 2 with minimal pain and blood loss. Conclusions: This new minimal access total hip replacement technique was successfully performed on seven patients. There are several advantages of using this system compared with the more traditional techniques. Such a technique should help reduce morbidity and mortality rates for those patients undergoing a total hip replacement.