Our approach to hip surgery

Direct anterior approach

Total joint replacement

Hip replacement by direct anterior approach

 
 

Total joint replacement surgery is one of the most advanced successful procedures in patients dealing with severe hip and knee pain. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and restore the normal functioning of the joint and help patient resume normal activities.

Anterior hip replacement

Over the past few years, there have been great advances in the treatment options, implants, and minimally invasive techniques. The latest technique in joint replacement such as anterior hip replacement has resulted in a dramatic improvement in outcome.

What is direct anterior hip replacement surgery?

Direct anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive hip surgery to replace the hip joint without cutting through any muscles or tendons. Traditional hip replacement involves cutting or splitting major muscles to access the hip joint. Normally, after a traditional hip replacement, your surgeon would give you instructions on hip precautions to allow the cut muscles to heal.

However, for anterior hip replacement patients, hip precautions are not necessary as no muscles are cut.

At UNOVA Hip & Knee Center, our fellowship-trained joint replacement surgeons utilize the direct anterior approach to the hip. We believe it offers several advantages when compared to the standard posterior and anterolateral approaches to the hip. When combined with our minimal opioid/narcotic anesthesia and rapid enhanced recovery program, our post-operative patients recovery faster and with less pain.

Hip replacement direct anterior approach

  • Direct anterior approach

    • Small incision which can be hidden in groin crease

    • No muscle damage as hip joint is opened between the muscles

    • Rapid recovery

    • Lower risk of leg length inequality

    • Lower risk of hip dislocation

  • Posterior / Anterolateral approach

    • Large incision with scar - 15 cm

    • Hip joint is accessed through the muscles leading to muscle damage

    • Delayed recovery

    • Increased risk of leg length inequality

    • Increased risk of hip dislocation

 

Advantages of direct anterior hip replacement

  • Easier transition to ambulatory surgery center

  • Early mobilization

  • Quicker recovery and return to normal activities

  • Less post-operative restrictions

  • Easier return of function

 

A technically demanding procedure, but with a better outcome for patients

Why we use the direct anterior approach

 

At UNOVA Hip & Knee Center our patients recover more rapidly for a number of reasons. The first is the surgical approach which allows us to preserve muscle function and gait and limit the use of dislocation precautions. The second is the minimal opioid/narcotic anesthesia and recovery program which means that the vast majority of our patients are alert and oriented from the time they awaken in recovery, allowing us to perform most of these surgeries as an outpatient.

Many surgeons do not utilize the direct anterior approach to the hip because they face a steep learning curve for this procedure making it a technically demanding procedure. The surgeons at UNOVA Hip & Knee Center have spent many years perfecting their skills with this approach. It is important to remember that a successful hip replacement surgery depends on many factors besides the surgical approach. For example, the knowledge and skill of the surgeon, the type of hip prosthesis used, the patient’s weight and build, and the ability and willingness of the patient to participate in surgical preparation and post-surgical rehabilitation are important factors.

A patient considering anterior hip replacement surgery should speak with his or her surgeon about potential advantages and disadvantages in the context of the individual’s specific circumstances, such as the patient’s hip arthritis, anatomy, overall health, and lifestyle.

If you are considering a Total Hip Replacement, we invite you to learn more about the unique direct anterior approach and experience the UNOVA Hip & Knee Center difference for yourself.