Potential For Less pain. Faster recovery. Improved mobility.
The Anterior Approach for total hip replacement is a tissue-sparing alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery that provides the potential for less pain, faster recovery and improved mobility because the muscle tissues are spared during the surgical procedure. The technique allows the surgeon to work between your muscles and tissues without detaching them from either the hip or thighbones - sparing the tissue from trauma.
The Anterior Approach to hip replacement surgery allows the surgeon to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip as opposed to the lateral (side) or the posterior (back) approach. This way, the hip can be replaced without detachment of muscle from the pelvis or femur during surgery. The surgeon can simply work through the natural interval between the muscles. The most important muscles for hip function, the gluteal muscles that attach to the pelvis and femur, are left undisturbed and, therefore, do not require a healing process to recover from surgical trauma.
The Anterior Approach to hip replacement was first performed in Europe in 1947. Since that time, the technique has been continually refined with advancing medical technology. Today, literally thousands of hip replacement patients have benefited from this minimally invasive approach in Europe and America.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT?
Most people suffering with arthritis, hip pain, stiffness and limited hip movement can now choose minimally invasive surgery when hip replacement is the chosen treatment of the patient and their doctor. One of the least invasive surgical options is Anterior Hip Replacement. While only your surgeon can determine if you are a candidate, most patients who are candidates for conventional hip replacement are candidates for direct anterior hip replacement.IMPROVED TECHNOLOGY TO FACILITATE SURGERY
To facilitate surgery, a special operating table is utilized allowing for easier access to the femur and to allow free use of x-ray in the operating room. The hana® table allows hyperextension, abduction, adduction and external rotation of the hip for femoral component placements a positioning option not possible with conventional tables.
HOW DOES ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT IMPROVE PATIENT RECOVERY?
Conventional Hip ReplacementConventional lateral or posterior surgery typically requires strict precautions for the patient. Most patients must limit hip motion for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. They must limit flexing of the hip to no more than 60 to 90 degrees which complicates normal activities like sitting in a chair, on a toilet seat, putting on shoes or getting into a car. Simply climbing stairs may also be more difficult during recovery.
Anterior Hip Replacement
Anterior Hip Replacement allows patients to immediately bend their hip freely and bear full weight when comfortable, resulting in a more rapid return to normal function. After surgery, patients are instructed to use their hip normally without cumbersome restrictions. In supervised therapy, patients go up and down stairs before their hospital release.
POSSIBILITY FOR IMPROVED ACCURACY
With the anterior approach, the patient is positioned supine (lying on back) during the operation. This allows the surgeon to use x-rays in the operating room to ensure that your hip replacement is placed in as accurate a position as possible. This is in contrast to conventional hip surgery when the first x-ray is often in the recovery room.