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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 "Thanks for the great care and professional treatment. Greatly appreciated." Provider: Nader A Nassif MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "I always felt I was in excellent hands and attributed it to the confidence one feels when they know they are really good. Cara was especially personable and, I felt, accessible. The Healthloop team is great in answering any questions I have promptly." Provider: James T Caillouette MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "Really great people and a highly skilled Surgeon!" Provider: James T Caillouette 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 "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 "I had a very positive experience with my hip replacement surgery. Everyone involved was very professional and the hospital was one of the best that I have ever had contact with." Provider: James T Caillouette MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "Dr. Caillouette does not rush through your appointment and ensures you don't leave with any uncertainties on the procedure you're about to have. He encourages you to ask questions or any concerns you may have with the upcoming surgery." Provider: James T Caillouette MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "I was very impressed with the pre-op seminar. Very professionally done and informative." Provider: James T Caillouette MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "I appreciated Dr. Nassif’s wonderful personality and patience that allowed me to be comfortable in asking questions and have great trust in his abilities. All of the staff has been wonderful from walking in the door to the surgical procedure. Dr. Nassif ..." Provider: Nader A Nassif MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "Dr. Caillouette and Cara PA are great to deal with – they answer all questions promptly. All staff at the hospital was very helpful and friendly." Provider: James T Caillouette MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "The entire staff is a pleasure to work with; very professional, caring and efficient at their jobs. I have recommended them to several of my friends regarding their issues with hips and knees. I have truly enjoyed working with Dr. Caillouette & Cara Walk ..." Provider: James T Caillouette MD
  • Total Hip Replacement "The entire process was explained to me in advance. There were no surprises as I approached the surgical date. I felt confident and prepared. The enthusiasm and on-going support of the medical team was wonderful too." Provider: James T Caillouette MD
Patient Reviews are anonymous and provided through GetWell, a HIPAA compliant patient engagement tool.
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