People experiencing hip pain that makes it difficult to do the things they want or need to do should seek medical assistance to help maintain their quality of life.
Hip replacement surgery may become an option to consider when nonsurgical treatments such as medication, physical therapy, and walking aids are no longer effective.
What is anterior hip replacement surgery?
Anterior hip replacement surgery is a procedure to replace the worn ends of the bones in the hip joint caused by osteoarthritis. Traditional hip surgery uses a "posterior" approach, which cuts through the muscles in the buttock to access the hip joint. The anterior hip replacement procedure involves the surgeon making an incision through the front of the hip, rather than the back.
Anterior hip surgery allows the surgeon to move the muscles aside rather than cutting through them. This creates less damage and trauma to the soft issues around the hip, allowing for a shorter recovery period. This approach also lowers the risk of dislocating the new prosthesis because the muscles used to support the hip joint remain intact and strong.
Benefits of the anterior approach
Research shows that patients who have an anterior hip replacement spend less time in the hospital and recovery facilities. Anterior hip replacements also offer the following additional benefits:
- Quicker recovery
- Faster return to usual activities
- Increased joint stability and movement
- Fewer postsurgical precautions
- Lower dislocation risk
- Less pain
- Reduced need for pain medication