Anterior Hip Replacement
Direct Anterior Hip Replacement is a minimally invasive, muscle sparing surgery using an alternative approach to traditional hip replacement surgery. Traditionally, the surgeon makes the hip incision laterally, on the side of the hip, or posteriorly, at the back of the hip. Both approaches involve cutting major muscles to access the hip joint. With the anterior approach, the incision is made in front of the hip enabling the surgeon to access the hip joint without cutting any muscles. A special operating table is used that facilitates various anatomical positions enabling the surgeon to replace the hip joint anteriorly.
Potential benefits of direct anterior hip replacement compared to the traditional hip replacement surgery, may include the following:
Smaller incision
Minimal soft tissue trauma
Reduced post op pain
Less blood loss
Shorter surgical time
Faster healing time
Less scarring
Earlier mobilization
Less post operative restrictions
Reduced hip dislocations
Decreased hospital stay
Surgical Procedure
Anterior Hip Replacement is performed in a hospital operating room under general or regional anesthetic depending on you and your surgeon’s preference. You will be placed supine, on your back, on a special operating table that enables the surgeon to perform your hip replacement anteriorly. Flouroscopic imaging is used during the surgery to ensure accuracy of component positioning and to minimize leg length inequality.
The surgeon makes one incision to the front of the hip, about 4 inches long. The surgeon then pushes the muscles aside to access the hip joint to begin the replacement. At no time during the surgery are any muscles cut.
The femur (thigh bone) is separated from the acetabulum (hipbone socket).The acetabulum (socket) is prepared using a special instrument called a reamer. The acetabular component is then inserted into the socket. This is sometimes reinforced with screws or occasionally cemented.
A liner, which can be made of plastic, metal or ceramic material, is then placed inside the acetabular component. The femur (thigh bone) is then prepared. The femoral head which is arthritic is cut off and the bone prepared using special instruments to exactly fit the new metal femoral component.
The femoral component is then inserted into the femur. This may be press fit relying on bone to grow into it or cemented depending on a number of factors such as bone quality and surgeon’s preference. The real femoral head component is then placed on the femoral stem. This can be made of metal or ceramic. The artificial components are fixed in place.
The surgeon withdraws the instruments and sutures the incision closed. The incision is then covered with a sterile dressing.
Post Operative Care
After surgery your surgeon will give you guidelines to follow. It is important that you follow your surgeons’ instructions for a safe and successful outcome.
Normally, after a traditional hip replacement, your surgeon would give you instructions on hip precautions to prevent dislocating the new joint. Hip precautions are very restrictive and usually include the following:
Do's
You should sleep with a pillow between your legs for 6 weeks
An elevated toilet seat should be used
Don'ts
Avoid the combined movement of bending your hip and turning in your foot
Avoid crossing your legs and bending your hip past a right angle
Avoid low chairs
Avoid bending over to pick things up. Grabbers are helpful as are shoe horns or slip on shoes