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.