ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY
The goal of hip replacement surgery is to remove damaged cartilage and bones from the hip and replace them with an artificial joint. This procedure can help reduce arthritic hip pain and restore your range of motion.
Traditional hip replacement surgery is invasive because your surgeon must make an incision through your hip muscles to expose the joint. Anterior means front, and anterior hip replacement surgery is minimally-invasive because the surgeon makes an incision through the front of your hip instead of the side or rear. The muscle and soft tissues in the front of the hip can be gently separated, not cut, to give the surgeon access to your hip joint.
Anterior hip replacement surgery is not as common as traditional hip replacement surgery because it is a demanding procedure. The surgeon who performs an anterior hip replacement surgery must be very skilled and experienced doing the surgery.
Fortunately, our team at Phoenix Spine & Joint does have the skills and many years’ experience in performing anterior hip replacement surgeries. Minimally invasive hip replacement surgeries are the only kind we do. You can be confident that we only use the latest technologies, implants and procedures available in the field of orthopedic surgery for your procedure.
WHO NEEDS ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY?
The most common reason people need hip replacement surgery is for arthritis. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis damage the cartilage in your joints, which cause the hip joints to wear down, so that the bones nearly rub against each other. The friction between the two bones is quite painful and can lead to degeneration of the bone.
You may also need hip replacement surgery for the following:
- Hip fractures
- Bone tumors in the hip
- Osteonecrosis
Not everyone with hip pain is a good candidate for anterior hip replacement surgery. Some people are at higher risk for complications during or after the procedure. These include people with hip infections or the morbidly obese.
If you have an infection, it must be fully treated before considering surgery. If you are morbidly obese, with body mass index over 40, weight loss is recommended before you can undergo hip replacement. In addition, smoking increases the risk of pneumonia with surgery, and lowers the chance of a good result.
If you’ve been told you need hip replacement surgery, our team at Phoenix Spine & Joint will review your condition to determine if you’re a good candidate for anterior hip replacement surgery.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY?
Anterior hip replacement surgery is newer than traditional hip surgery, but it is the more desirable option for patients who can find an experienced surgeon who can perform it. Anterior hip replacement surgery requires smaller cuts with less damage to your muscles. This results in less pain and a much faster recovery.
Other benefits of anterior hip replacement surgery include:
- Less blood loss
- Can be done as outpatient
- Faster recovery times
- Less scar tissue
- Low chance of hip dislocation
ARE THERE ANY RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY?
As with any surgery, anterior hip replacement surgery comes with some risks. Surgeons who are highly experienced in the procedure help minimize the possible risks but they can still happen.
Risks of anterior hip replacement surgery can include:
- Infection
- Blood loss
- Blood clots in the vein
- Nerve damage
- Dislocation of the hip joint
- Altered leg length
- Bone marrow entering the bloodstream
Our team at Phoenix Spine & Joint takes special precautions to lower the risks associated with anterior hip replacement surgery. You can take comfort in knowing that our facilities have a nearly zero percent infection rate after our patients’ surgeries.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY?
Recovery from anterior hip replacement surgery can take up to six weeks or more. Most people who have anterior hip replacement surgery can go home after the procedure, avoiding the need and risks of hospitalization.
During your recovery, your doctors or therapist will assist you with movements and exercises that can help promote healing and keep your blood flowing and show you how to safely walk with a cane, walker or crutches.
CONTACT PHOENIX SPINE & JOINT FOR ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY
Is arthritis or another chronic condition causing you to live with severe hip pain? Have you been told you need hip replacement surgery, but your surgeon only offers the traditional approach? Are noninvasive treatments not helping to reduce your pain or improve your mobility? Anterior hip replacement surgery may be a better option. Contact us today to talk to one of our patient care coordinators to schedule a free second opinion.
