"The SPAIRE Surgical Approach in Total Hip Replacement" by fellowship trained orthopedic surgeon, Gonzalo Valdivia, MD.

The SPAIRE (Save the Piriformis And obturator Internus, Repair Externus) hip replacement technique is a modern and innovative approach in orthopedic surgery that focuses on minimizing muscle and tendon damage around the hip joint. It only requires dividing and repairing the obturator externus tendon while preserving other critical tendons and muscles. By maintaining the natural anatomy and biomechanics of the hip, the SPAIRE technique allows patients to exercise their hip through a full range of motion immediately after surgery, leading to quicker post-operative recovery and improved functional outcomes. Notably, it imposes no post-operative restrictions. This approach is especially beneficial for patients with a higher BMI, larger girth, and abdomen, expanding the range of candidates for life-changing hip replacement surgery.

Key Features of the SPAIRE Hip Replacement:

Muscle-Sparing Mini-Posterior Approach:

• The Gluteus Maximus, a very coarse and resilient muscle, is only separated, not cut, during the procedure.
• Only the Obturator Externus tendon is divided and repaired.
• All other short rotators, abductors, anterior capsule and anterior tendons are preserved.
• The posterior capsule is repaired at the end of the procedure.

• The protective posterior “cloak “of tissue and muscles is restored, preserving hip joint biomechanics, strength and stability.

  

Enhanced Recovery:

• Enhanced stability allows immediate exercise of the hip through a full range of motion post-surgery.
• Therefore, no post-operative restrictions are required, speeding up rehabilitation and the return to normal function.
• Small, 4 - 5 inch incision in most patients.

Available to More Patients:

• The SPAIRE technique is suitable for most patients, including those with higher BMI, larger girth, large abdomen and those with a more muscular build.  
• This technique will give access to life changing hip replacement surgery to more patients, avoiding lengthy and painful delays.

Enhanced Safety and Efficiency:

• The SPAIRE incision can be safely enlarged to address possible problems such as fractures or a more challenging anatomy.
• This technique does not require the use of X-rays or special tables, minimizing the number of people in the operating room. This potentially decreases the risk of infection, reduces cost, and optimizes the use of hospital resources.
• Because it is an improved form of the mini-posterior incision, when compared to the anterior incision, the SPAIRE technique carries a lower risk of femur fracture, bleeding, nerve injury, infection, and dislocation.

Allows the Use of a Wider Variety of Proven Implants:

• The SPAIRE technique’s more anatomic approach to the femur allows the utilization of tried-and-true contemporary implants, both cementless and cemented designed with the latest advancements in biomedical engineering.
• This will ensure that incision will not dictate the implant to be used, but the surgeon will be able to choose the best implant for each situation. This will result in optimal personalization, compatibility, durability and functionality.

If you still have questions regarding the SPAIRE hip surgery, or if you would like to know if this technique is appropriate for your condition, do not hesitate to contact our office for a prompt consultation.

Dr. Gonzalo Valdivia, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in joint replacement surgery, has more than 20 years of experience in hip replacement. Dr. Valdivia is now routinely performing the SPAIRE hip replacement as he believes that it is the best option for his patients in Palm Bay.

In the end, all surgical approaches are successful in the hands of an experienced surgeon. When it comes to hip replacement surgery, choose a surgeon you trust, not the incision. It will guarantee a rapid recovery and long-term success.