Advantages of Anterior Hip Replacement

Less Pain / Faster Recovery

Whether it’s from arthritis or injury, the need for a hip replacement can be an overwhelming prognosis for a patient. While the goal of any joint replacement is to reduce pain and improve function, many automatically fear a long recovery, pain management and temporary loss of independence.

The anterior approach to hip replacement is just one example of continually evolving services offered at Heywood Healthcare, aimed at improving outcomes for patients. Proponents of anterior hip replacement surgery believe it offers several advantages, including a reduction in damage to major muscles, less postoperative pain, faster recovery and a decreased risk of hip dislocation.

Since the anterior procedure positions the patient on his/her back and utilizes an incision on the upper thigh instead of the hip, surgeons are able to avoid cutting major muscles. There are fewer muscles at the front of the hip, allowing the surgeon to work between them, rather than cutting through muscle fibers or detaching muscles from bones, eliminating the need to make these muscle repairs at the end of the procedure. The decrease in muscle repair helps patients not only recover faster, but have the ability to bend and bear weight on their hips sooner, and requires less medication to manage post-operative pain.

Another major worry for post-surgical hip replacement patients is that the new joint will dislocate. However, the anterior approach avoids disturbing the muscles and soft tissue structures that naturally prevent the hip from dislocating, dramatically cutting the risk of this complication.

A quicker and easier recovery means a shorter hospital stay for patients, allowing them to return home and regain independence faster.

While anterior hip replacement offers many advantages, you should consult with your physician to determine the course of treatment that best meets your health needs.