The minimally invasive anterior approach to total hip replacement is the newest approach to hip replacement. It has gained in popularity since the early 2000’s due to it’s muscle sparing technique which leads to faster recovery, less pain and improved hip stability. Dr. Melvin was trained by nationally recognized experts on the anterior approach during fellowship and has utilized this approach extensively for both primary and revision hip replacement since completing fellowship in 2011.
The anterior approach to hip replacement is a minimally invasive, muscle sparing surgery and is employed as an alternative approach to traditional hip replacement surgical techniques. 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 or tendons 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 often used that facilitates various anatomical positions enabling the surgeon to replace the hip joint anteriorly.
Benefits of anterior hip replacement compared to the traditional hip replacement surgery, may include the following:
- Smaller incision
- Minimal soft tissue trauma
- Reduced post op pain
- Faster recovery time
- Earlier mobilization
- No post-operative restrictions
- Reduced hip dislocations
- Decreased hospital stay
- Improved component positioning
- Reduced hip dislocations
- Decreased hospital stay
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:
- Avoid the combined movement of bending your hip and turning in your foot.
- You should sleep with a pillow between your legs for 6 weeks.
- 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.
- An elevated toilet seat should be used.
For Anterior Hip Replacement patients, however, hip precautions are unnecessary. Because the muscles are not cut, the risk of dislocation is greatly lessened enabling the patient much more freedom of movement after surgery. Rehabilitation is much faster for patients as well due to less muscle trauma during the surgery.
New Hips & Hurricanes
LAST FALL WAS QUITE EVENTFUL for John Boyd, 73, of St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands. In August, he finally received long-awaited surgery to replace both hips—during one single operation at Sibley. In September, while he was completing rehabilitation at the hospital, two Category 5 hurricanes just weeks apart pummeled St. Croix and his home.
