Anterior Approach Hip Replacement

About This Procedure

The Anterior Approach to hip replacement surgery allows the surgeon to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip as opposed to the lateral (side) or the posterior (back) approach. This way, the hip can be replaced without detachment of muscle from the pelvis or femur during surgery. The surgeon can work through the natural interval between the muscles. The most important muscles for hip function, the gluteal muscles that attach to the pelvis and femur, are left undisturbed and, therefore, do not require healing after surgery.

Patient benefits include:

• Smaller incision
• Less pain
• Less pain medication
• Less scarring
• Normal hip mechanics
• Faster recovery
• Quicker return to normal function
• Little or no physical rehabilitation
• Reduced dislocation risk
• Earlier release from hospital
• Immediate use of normal toilet height
• No post-op abduction pillow required
• Ability to cross legs as desired
• No post-op sexual activity limitation

Compare to traditional hip replacement surgery