Anterior Hip Replacement

What is anterior hip replacement?

Anterior hip replacement is a type of surgery in which your surgeon removes an old, painful, or damaged hip joint and replaces it with artificial parts. 

They use a direct anterior hip approach — a minimally invasive technique that makes a tiny incision near the front of your hip, allowing your surgeon to remove cartilage and damaged bone. They insert your new artificial hip joint without damaging surrounding tendons and muscles.

What are the benefits of an anterior hip replacement?

The benefits of undergoing an anterior hip replacement at Restoration Orthopedics include optimal precision and accuracy and a shorter recovery time, allowing you to leave the hospital sooner than you would with other types of hip replacement surgery. 

Furthermore, the incisions are small. This means a lower risk of complications, less bleeding, reduced pain, and less scarring. 

The anterior approach to hip replacement spares soft tissues, as it doesn’t involve cutting into nearby tendons or muscles to reach the affected damaged joint. Your surgeon gently pushes ligaments and muscles aside to insert implant materials, moving them back into their original alignment afterward. 

Restoration Orthopedics uses the latest technological advances, including robotics, to ensure optimal results. 

Am I a candidate for an anterior hip replacement?

Your surgeon discusses your lifestyle, medical history, and symptoms to determine if you’re a candidate for anterior hip replacement surgery. 

They also complete a physical exam and may order blood testing, heart function tests, X-rays, an MRI, a CT scan, or other imaging procedures. If other treatments haven’t eased your pain or you have severe discomfort and limited mobility, a hip replacement may be right for you.

What can I expect during anterior hip replacement surgery?

Follow your pre-surgery instructions before your scheduled appointment. You might need to avoid taking certain medications, make arrangements for someone to drive you home and stay with you, and avoid food and drink on the morning of the procedure. 

You receive regional or general anesthesia to maximize comfort or help you fall asleep. Your surgeon uses an anterior approach to remove diseased or injured joint parts and replace them with artificial joint components. The procedure may last several hours. 

What happens afterward?

Afterward, you can rest in a recovery area and sometimes go home on the same day as the surgery. Follow your post-care instructions, including icing the area, taking medications as directed, avoiding certain activities until given the okay, and completing physical therapy. Follow up with your Restoration Orthopedics surgeon to ensure optimal healing.

Schedule an evaluation at Restoration Orthopedics by phone or online today to determine if you’re a candidate for anterior hip replacement surgery.