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Anterior Approach to Total Hip Replacement

Board-Certified Orthopedic Hip Surgeons in Orange County

About Hip Arthritis

The hip is a ball and socket joint. The ball (femoral head) is covered with a layer of smooth cartilage. The socket (acetabulum) is also covered with a layer of smooth cartilage. In addition, there is a piece of cartilage that surrounds the periphery of the socket (labrum) and acts to help maintain a seal on the hip joint. The end result is smooth cartilage for a normal and healthy joint function.

Arthritis is the destruction of the normal cartilage.

The most common form known as Osteoarthritis, where the cartilage gradually thins and eventually the joint becomes bone-on-bone. There are many other reasons for destruction of cartilage such as inflammatory disease (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis), previous fracture or dislocation (post traumatic arthritis) or loss of blood supply (osteonecrosis) to name a few.

The end result for all of these conditions is the same: destruction of the joint surfaces leading to pain, inflammation and difficulty with performing normal activities, including walking, sitting and sleeping.

About Anterior Total Hip Replacement

Anterior total hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a technique where an incision is made on the front of the hip and surgery is done between the muscles. In contrast, the traditional posterior approach for hip replacement, required an incision along the side of the hip and the surgery is done through the buttock muscle (gluteus maximus), which can be a longer recovery for the patient and require more physical therapy to regain previous range of motion and movement.

Studies have demonstrated an advantage in pain relief and improved function, specifically in the first 2 weeks following surgery.

Anterior hip replacement surgery utilizes special instrumentation and operating room table to facilitate the procedure.

Recovery Following Anterior Hip Arthroplasty

Depending on the patient's age and preoperative activity level will determine how long a patient will stay in the hospital which can be one or two nights following surgery. For healthy and motivated patients, the Enhanced Recovery Program allows patients to go home the same day of their procedure.

Is the Anterior Approach right for me?

Multiple factors determine whether you are eligible to safely undergo Anterior hip replacement procedure, including your overall health, age, weight (Body Mass Index), the severity of arthritis, and previous operations on the hip. You and your surgeon will discuss these factors to determine eligibility.

Schedule a consultation with a Newport Orthopedic Institute orthopedic hip surgeon in Orange County to treat your hip arthritis. Call (949) 722-7038.

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Related Testimonials
  • Total Hip Replacement "Recovery from procedure much easier than I expected" Provider: Nader A Nassif MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "Dr. Nassif and his staff are very good. Matt the MA, had a good understanding of my case and handled the details quickly and competently. Drew PA also responded to questions timely via e-mail. Thank you!" Provider: Nader A Nassif MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "The team was organized and clear about all pre-op steps leading up to surgery. I had confidence going into surgery with Dr. Caillouette. I knew I was in good hands." Provider: James T Caillouette MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "Felt 100% confident in everyone's abilities." Provider: James T Caillouette MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "Dr. Nassif is very open to discussion about the procedure and does not question patients about their plans after surgery. Very polite, and extremely professional." Provider: Nader A Nassif MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "Dr. Nassif is very pleasant and positive to talk with. He explains everything very clearly and it is easy to understand the procedure when he explains it to you." Provider: Nader A Nassif MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "It was positive from the start." Provider: Nader A Nassif MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "From beginning to end, Dr. Caillouette and his team have exceeded my best expectations! I will enthusiastically recommend Dr. Caillouette every opportunity I have! 100% satisfied! THANK YOU!!" Provider: James T Caillouette MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "The hospital was first class - the home therapy was very good. Good follow up" Provider: James T Caillouette MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "Dr. Nassif is professional from the start. Great bedside manner, always made sure my questions were answered, showed me exactly what was going to be done, and performed the surgery perfectly." Provider: Nader A Nassif MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "Dr Nassif was upfront, positive & knowledgeable. Team works well together." Provider: Nader A Nassif MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "I loved that I could ask a question via Health loop and get an answer the same day without having to call the office." Provider: Nader A Nassif MD
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