Like other types of equipment, our hip joints do a lot of work and can become damaged or worn-out. And like you would repair a part in a machine, you can also fix up your hip joint. When doing so, it’s optimal to reduce the invasiveness of the procedure. Anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive option for repairing worn-down hip joints that offers less pain, a faster recovery, and better future mobility than previous traditional procedures. Here’s a breakdown of anterior hip replacement and who may benefit from the procedure.
How Anterior Hip Replacement Works
One of the greatest achievements in orthopedics is how much hip replacement surgery has advanced. In a short period of time, doctors have developed a range of approaches to hip surgery with their own unique pros and cons. Anterior hip replacement involves making a small incision near the front of the hip, allowing doctors to access the joint and reconstruct it as necessary. Damaged bone and cartilage in the area is what limits movement and causes pain, so the surgeons then remove the damaged parts and replace the hip joint with an artificial one for improved mobility.
Comparing Anterior and Posterior Hip Replacement
Previously, the most common type of procedure for hip replacement was posterior hip replacement surgery, which involves reaching the hip joint from an incision on the side of the hip rather than the front as with anterior hip replacement. However, keep in mind that a doctor may still decide on a posterior approach for better access to the joint rather than the less invasive option depending on the specific case. Luckily, the posterior approach is still very safe, and recovery time has improved due to technological advancements.
Anterior Hip Replacement Benefits
One of the biggest benefits of anterior hip replacement is that it is less invasive since the surgeon doesn’t have to cut into as much tissue to reach the bone. When inserting the implants, the surgeon can instead simply move the tendons and muscles to the side for less pain overall and a speedier recovery time.
Anterior Hip Replacement Risks
There are anterior hip replacement risks with every surgery, but fortunately advancements in medical technology have made anterior and posterior replacements some of the safest procedures you can go through. Depending on the surgeon, interior hip replacement usually takes longer to finish. Both anterior and posterior procedures also come with a risk of hip dislocation, particularly in the weeks after the operation. However, dislocation is less likely with anterior hip replacement. There may be numbing or tingling in the weeks after anterior hip surgery if the procedure damages the nerve that gives sensation to the outer skin of the thigh. Recovery time is short, though patients typically need a walking cane or crutches for 1-2 weeks, and physical therapy may be necessary in some cases.
Contact Us Today
If you’re considering anterior hip replacement, it’s important to have a team of medical providers you can trust. Call ACME Spine & Orthopedics to schedule an appointment with a top orthopedics clinic today.