Muscle-sparing hip replacement surgery

Total Hip Arthroplasty via the SuperPath Approach - An Optimal Solution for Patients to Return to Their Active Passions Early (Part 1)

Published on: 8/15/2026

Last Saturday, I had an enthusiastic and memorable working day in the operating room with a total hip arthroplasty using the muscle-sparing SuperPath technique, aesthetic suturing, and biological tissue glue.

What made this surgery special was not only the technique applied but also my companion in the operating room. He was Mr. Kris Van Thuye, Director of Medical Education at MicroPort, who has repeatedly accompanied international experts to Vietnam to train and guide doctors on the SuperPath technique.

Photo 1: Dr. Vu Anh and Mr. Kris Van Thuye – Director of Medical Education at MicroPort

If in previous conferences and training programs, I usually took on the role of professional support and translation, this time I was the primary surgeon directly performing the operation.

The patient was a 69-year-old female with stage 4 right hip osteoarthritis. She is very passionate about dancing, practicing yoga, and swimming. The patient's biggest desire was not merely pain relief. What she cared about most was being able to return to her rhythmic and active life as soon as possible.

The patient was meticulous and thoroughly researched the surgical method; she placed her trust in me and in the surgical technique I consulted – the SuperPath approach. The surgery went well and smoothly. The entire joint capsule and tendons/muscles were preserved. Thanks to that, the patient was able to practice walking the very next morning under the guidance of the doctor.

Photo 2: Myself and the surgical team performing the operation for the patient

Photo 3: Postoperative X-ray of the artificial hip joint

That is always one of the most joyful moments for medical practitioners: seeing patients recover and happily take their first steps after surgery with confidence and positivity. Regarding her postoperative recovery process, I will share the details in part 2 for you to follow.

Another important thing, after the surgery, Mr. Kris was very pleased and highly evaluated the procedure. Both sides also hope there will be many more opportunities for long-term cooperation to help bring treatment effectiveness to patients.

Throughout my medical career, I have always liked new techniques. If there is anything good, I must see it with my own eyes and learn it by all means. It is a driving passion that every time I successfully operate on a difficult case or perform a new technique, I feel very joyful. Up to now, my professional philosophy has always been consistent: "Medicine must be public; we must find a way for every patient to access modern medicine with optimal costs."

That is also the reason why I continue to learn, update, and persistently pursue the values that I believe will bring long-term benefits to patients.