The anterior approach to total hip replacement surgery is a newer technique and alternative to the traditional total hip replacement surgery. This technique sometimes referred to as Same Day Hip Surgery, offers many benefits such as quicker recovery and less pain.

Total Hip Replacement: Traditional Approach

Hip replacement surgery is a safe and effective procedure that can reduce pain, increase motion, and help many patients return to normal, everyday activities.

In a total hip replacement procedure, also referred to as Hip Arthroplasty, the damaged bone and cartilage is removed and replaced with prosthetic components. Traditional hip replacement surgery involves operating from the side or the back of the hip, which requires a significant disturbance of the joint and connecting tissues. As a result, the recovery process can take much longer as the soft tissue heals. Patients often require longer use of assistive devices, like walkers, and experience a slower return to activities.

Anterior Technique

In comparison, the Anterior Approach to hip replacement surgery is less invasive. The surgeon does not need to detach any of the muscles or tendons with this technique. Because no major muscles are cut or detached, this reduces post-operative pain and leads to a faster recovery.

Many patients also like the range of motion allowed after the Anterior Hip replacement. After this technique, unlike the traditional surgery, patients may bend and cross their legs without concern for hip dislocation.

Who is a candidate?

Not all patients are candidates for the anterior approach. Overweight and muscular patients may not be candidates for this approach.

Key benefits of Anterior Approach

The Anterior Approach to total hip replacement offers many benefits. These include:

• Quicker recovery: patients often return home the same or next day and often return to their daily activities faster.
• Less pain.
• More stable – dislocation risk is lower than compared to other approaches with less range of motion restrictions.
• Smaller incision.

Risks

Dislocation, leg length discrepancy, need for further surgery, neurovascular damage, DVT/PE and those risks associated with anesthesia are potential risks for this hip procedure.

Contact us to see if the anterior approach to hip replacement may be an option to get you on the road to recovery.