3 months post SuperPath hip replacement: "I walk 3 km every day"

During his follow-up visit at approximately 3 months post-op, Mr. Gioi, 66 years old, met me again in high spirits, walking confidently after undergoing a total hip arthroplasty using the SuperPath technique.

Figure 1: The patient posing for a photo with Dr. Vu Anh 3 months after hip replacement surgery

Not only is he walking normally, but he can also easily perform hip abduction, forward leg extension, and sitting-to-standing movements without any motion restrictions or pain. For someone who had endured prolonged hip pain, this is a truly worthwhile transformation.

Figure 2: The patient performing easy range-of-motion exercises

Before surgery, he was diagnosed with late-stage avascular necrosis of the femoral head. Following a bicycle fall, his hip area sustained trauma, and the pain progressively worsened. Initially, he sought treatment at various places using different methods, ranging from medication and intra-articular injections to some word-of-mouth remedies. However, his pain did not improve and only grew more severe.

He shared: "Back then, I walked with a severe limp and was in immense pain; I couldn't even manage to wear my slippers, and sometimes the pain made me so irritable". Every single step was painful, greatly affecting his daily activities. Even simple tasks like picking up or bathing his grandchild became burdensome for him.

Upon clinical examination and imaging, the results showed that the femoral head had undergone stage IV avascular necrosis. Given this degree of damage, total hip arthroplasty is the most appropriate solution to help him regain mobility and quality of life. Thanks to a friend's recommendation, he placed his trust in me with the hope of becoming pain-free and returning to normal mobility. I chose to perform the hip replacement using the SuperPath technique, combined with aesthetic suturing and application of biological glue for him.

His postoperative radiograph is one of my most satisfying imaging results, with the prosthetic components positioned exceptionally well. The acetabular cup is placed at an appropriate inclination angle of about 40–45 degrees, allowing for natural hip motion, minimizing impingement during abduction, and facilitating an optimal range of motion. His bone quality remained good. After reaming the acetabulum to the desired precision, I was able to place the acetabular component in the optimal position without the need for additional fixation screws. This provides favorable conditions for bone ingrowth and secure fixation to the implant surface in the subsequent months. The implant surface features a special porous coating that allows bone to grow and firmly adhere to the prosthesis over time.

The stem component was also placed in the ideal axis, ensuring better biomechanical force distribution and reducing the risk of periprosthetic fracture in the event of future trauma.

Another crucial factor is that his postoperative leg lengths are nearly perfectly balanced. When measured on X-ray, the discrepancy is almost negligible. This is why he can walk naturally without any sensation of limb length discrepancy or discomfort during movement.

Figure 3: The patient's surgical scar

Figure 4: The patient's radiographs 3 months post-surgery

His recovery rate was also very impressive. Just over 10 hours after surgery, he was already able to sit up independently, stand up by himself, and begin gait training.

Figure 5: The patient posing with Dr. Vu Anh 12 hours post-surgery

Up to now, he is completely pain-free. Currently, he maintains daily walks of about 3 km, lives normally, and has returned to his familiar household chores. "Now I can walk without any pain, my steps are very steady, and I no longer limp. That is truly joyful!", he cheerfully shared during his follow-up visit.

For late-stage avascular necrosis of the femoral head where the joint is severely damaged, prolonging conservative treatment is inappropriate and sometimes only causes patients to waste more time and endure prolonged suffering. The key is to be examined by the appropriate specialist to accurately assess the condition and choose the right treatment plan.

For me, the greatest joy after every surgery is the moment I see patients walking comfortably, returning happily to their daily lives, and enjoying simple moments with their families.