The Anterior approach hip replacement surgery allows the surgeon to access the hip joint from the front of the hip, which is a more direct approach and less muscle and tendon to dissect through. By performing the surgery from the front of the body, the hip can be replaced without the detachment of the muscle during surgery. The surgeon simply spreads the muscle, not cutting it. The gluteal muscles are left undisturbed leading to a faster and less painful recovery. Also the use of fluoroscopy, which is real-time imaging, allows the surgeon to put the prosthesis in position and make sure that everything is positioned perfectly before closing the wound. One of the most common side effects of the traditional hip replacement is leg length discrepancy and dislocation. With the anterior approach, the surgeon is able to reduce the risk of leg length discrepancy and dislocation of the prosthesis by using both the fluoroscopy with the specially designed operating table that allows the surgeon to both measure and manipulate the leg into the proper position while the patient is still on the table. Another advantage of the anterior approach hip replacement is that the recovery time is typically cut in half and the pain is significantly less. Patients are usually up and walking before they leave the hospital, as opposed to using a walker for six to 12 weeks after a posterior hip replacement surgery. The merits of the anterior approach hip replacement are: less muscle trauma for the patient, reduced hospital stay, smaller incision (three to five inches as opposed to 10 to 12 inches with traditional hip replacement), faster recovery (two to eight weeks as opposed to two to four months), reduced pain, reduced blood loss, reduced tissue healing required, reduced risk of dislocation, and more rapid return to normal activities.
For further information on this procedure and other joint replacement surgery, please contact our office at 661-726-5005.