ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENTS

After non-surgical treatments for arthritis have been exhausted, hip replacements can be very beneficial to ease pain

ANTERIOR VS. POSTERIOR

• Posterior hip replacements have been prevalent throughout the history of joint replacements, but they often result in unsatisfactory joint function.
• Within the last 10 years, the number of surgeons using the anterior approach has increased to nearly 20%.
• The anterior hip replacement is a relatively new procedure, but has already shown great results

THE PROCEDURE

• Using the anterior approach, the surgeon will cut through the front of the pelvis instead of the gluteal muscles to reach the affected hip.
• The risk of dislocation is greatly reduced because the surgeon can avoid cutting through major muscle groups

THE TABLE

• A special table is used so optimal placement can be ensured with a C-arm fluoroscope
• The HANA table allows for hyperextension and external rotation during a hip replacement.
• Because of this improved access, the surgeon can operate with less tissue damage and a smaller incision, resulting in a shorter hospital stay.

RECOVERY

• The recovery is much faster than the posterior hip replacement
• The patient can return to normal daily activities much faster and with fewer restrictions
• Patients can live a much more normal life- many people say they can forget they ever had surgery

Studies show that after 20 years, 90% of joint replacements are still functioning well. A joint replacement can give the patient years of pain-free function that their original joint could not provide.