Direct Anterior Approach for Hip Replacement

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Direct Anterior Approach For Hip Replacement

If you need hip replacement surgery, you may be a candidate for a minimally invasive surgery called Direct Anterior hip replacement surgery. With this technique your surgeon accesses you hip joint from the anterior (front) of your hip.

With the Direct Anterior approach, your specially trained orthopedic surgeon can repair your painful hip through a natural space between the muscles of the anterior (front) portion of the hip, instead of making the incision on the posterior (back) side, which has the potential of damaging the muscles that make up the primary support system for the joint. These are the muscles you spend a great deal of time rehabilitating after surgery.

During the procedure the hip joint is exposed between the anterior muscles, without the need to cut tissue or detach tendons. Once access is gained, the portion of the upper thigh bone (the femoral head and neck) and the hip socket (acetabulum) are prepared for the insertion of the hip replacement implant, just as in a traditional procedure.

A hip replacement is made up of metal and plastic components that replace the ball-and-socket elements of the hip joint. They are secured within the femur (thighbone) and acetabulum (hip socket) either with bone cement or by “press-fit,” meaning the implants are shaped to achieve stability without bone cement. Using X-rays, your physicians can make sure the implants have the proper fit and alignment to ensure comfort and a natural range-of-motion after surgery.

Advantages to Utilizing the Direct Anterior Approach:

This minimally invasive technique allows for preservation of the soft tissue surrounding the joint, allowing for immediate stability following surgery, as well as a possible lower risk of dislocation, as the primary support muscles are left intact.

Patients may have a shorter hospital stay, as there are typically fewer post-operative restrictions and the possibility of a faster healing time associated with this technique.

As with all treatments, please discuss your options with your doctor to find out which if this hip surgery option is right for you.