HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY

Total hip replacement surgery can be less disruptive to your lifestyle. Many people suffering with arthritis, hip pain and stiffness can now choose a less invasive procedure when hip replacement surgery is their treatment of choice. One of the least invasive surgical options is The Anterior Approach - a technique that minimizes the pain and time from surgery to recovery.

• Less pain
• Less scarring
• Faster recovery

WHAT IS THE ANTERIOR APPROACH?

The Anterior Approach 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 simply 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 a healing process with the Anterior Approach.

HOW IS PATIENT RECOVERY IMPROVED?

Conventional lateral or posterior surgery typically requires strict precautions for the patient. Most patients must limit hip motion for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. They must limit flexing of the hip to no more than 60 or 90 degrees which complicates normal activities like sitting in a chair, on a toilet seat, putting on shoes or getting into a car. Simply climbing stairs may also be more difficult during recovery.

The Anterior Approach allows patients to immediately bend their hip freely and bear full weight when comfortable, resulting in a more rapid return to normal function. After surgery, patients are instructed to use their hip normally without cumbersome restrictions. In supervised therapy, patients go up and down stairs before their hospital release.^1,2

A SPECIAL SURGICAL TABLE AIDS THE SURGEON.

A technologically advanced surgical table is used for The Anterior Approach. It works with the surgeon to minimize trauma under the skin by precise patient positioning not possible with conventional tables. For example, the patient's leg is extended downward to allow frontal access to the hip while minimizing tissue damage. It also allows for x-ray imaging during surgery to more accurately control implant placement and leg length.

POTENTIAL ADVANTAGES OF THE ANTERIOR APPROACH

• Less Hospital Stay
• Smaller Incision
• Less Muscle Trauma
• Faster Recovery
• Reduced Pain
• Reduced Blood Loss
• Reduced Tissue Healing Required
• Reduced Risk of Dislocation
• More Accurate Leg Length Control
• More Rapid Return to Normal Activities

WHO CAN PERFORM THIS SURGERY?