Hip pain and mobility challenges can significantly affect your daily life, making tasks like walking, climbing stairs, and even sitting uncomfortable. One effective solution for severe hip damage is a total hip replacement, a procedure in which we remove a damaged hip joint and replace it with an artificial one.
After hip replacement, 92% of patients enjoy meaningful improvement in their condition, making it one of the most successful forms of orthopaedic surgery.
Among the surgical techniques available, the anterior hip replacement method has gained popularity for its minimally invasive approach and faster recovery times. Our board-certified orthopaedic surgeon, Kevin Park, MD, is an expert in performing anterior hip replacements.
A total hip replacement involves removing a damaged or arthritic hip joint and replacing it with an artificial one made from metal, plastic, ceramic, or a combination of these materials.
Traditionally, surgeons access the hip joint from the back (posterior approach) or the side (lateral approach). But the anterior approach uses a muscle-sparing technique that has several advantages over conventional methods.
With anterior hip replacement, Dr. Park makes an incision at the front of your hip rather than the side or back. This approach allows him to reach the hip joint without cutting through major muscles and tendons, instead gently moving them aside.
Because the surrounding soft tissues remain intact, patients typically experience less pain than with posterior or lateral approaches and enjoy a faster recovery.
Before surgery, we administer either general anesthesia (where you’re fully unconscious) or a regional anesthesia like a spinal block to numb the lower body while you remain awake.
Dr. Park makes a small incision, usually around 3-4 inches long, at the front of the hip. He removes the damaged bone and cartilage while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible.
He then inserts an artificial hip joint, ensuring it’s perfectly aligned before he closes the incision and you go to the recovery area.
With anterior hip replacement, patients are often standing or walking within hours after surgery. Many go home within a day or two, depending on their recovery progress.
Patients need to use a cane to support them when walking for two to three weeks after anterior hip replacement surgery. We also recommend physical therapy, including guided exercises to regain strength and mobility.
Studies show that personalized rehabilitation is crucial to optimal postoperative recovery.
Patients can usually resume normal activities within three months, including low-impact exercises like swimming and cycling.
Anterior hip replacement offers the following benefits:
The frontal incision avoids cutting major muscles, making recovery more manageable and less painful.
Patients can begin walking within hours and may leave the hospital the same day or shortly after surgery.
Since muscles remain intact, postoperative pain is typically less severe compared with traditional methods.
Many patients require fewer painkillers following surgery.
Because key stabilizing muscles remain untouched, the risk of post-surgery hip dislocation is lower.
Having heard about its many benefits, you might now be wondering if anterior hip replacement is the right choice for you. Ideal candidates are those who:
Individuals with excessive muscle mass, obesity (BMI over 40), or a wide pelvis may require alternative approaches for better results.
After a comprehensive evaluation, Dr. Park discusses the options with you to ensure you benefit from the most suitable form of hip replacement.
Call our office today to arrange a consultation to discuss anterior hip replacement with Dr. Park. You can also get in touch with us via the Contact page on our website.
