What This Procedure Involves
Extensive incision around the hip. Vessels and nerves divided. Femoral head disarticulated from acetabulum. Gluteal flaps fashioned for wound coverage. Takes two to four hours.
Hip disarticulation removes the entire lower limb at the hip joint for tumours of the proximal thigh or hip where more distal amputation cannot achieve clear margins.
Extensive incision around the hip. Vessels and nerves divided. Femoral head disarticulated from acetabulum. Gluteal flaps fashioned for wound coverage. Takes two to four hours.
For locally advanced proximal femur or hip tumours where AKA would not achieve clear margins.
Limb salvage, AKA if margins allow, radiotherapy.
Sarcoma centre. Full staging. MDT. Psychological preparation.
Complete tumour removal. Well-padded stump may allow prosthetic fitting.
Very common.
Expected.
Large wound area.
With prior treatment.
Neuroma formation.
General anaesthesia. Significant blood loss.
Hospital one to two weeks. Some patients achieve prosthetic walking. Many use wheelchair. Intensive psychological support.
Oncology surveillance. Rehabilitation. Psychological support.
Hip disarticulation prosthetics exist and some patients achieve walking, but it requires significant energy. Many prefer wheelchair for distance.