Article published on September 20, 2012 in the newspaper Costa Blanca News (German version, Dutch and English)
Topic: Hip Prosthesis

GREAT BENEFITS AND ADVANTAGES (LESS PAIN, BETTER MOBILITY AND FASTER RECOVERY) WITH ANTERIOR APPROACH IN TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT (PROSTHESIS)

First performed in 1960, hip replacement surgery is one of the most successful operations in orthopedics.

With the years, there have been lots of improvements in techniques (approaches), technology and materials which have contribute to increase its effectiveness. 

Hip replacement surgery benefits patients giving a better life quality (walking, exercising, cycling, golfing, dancing…)

Traditionally HIP REPLACEMENT is done by posterior or lateral approach, the muscles are split and detached, removing the damaged cartilage and bone, and positioning new metal, plastic or ceramic implants to restore the alignment and function of the hip.

THE ANTERIOR APPROACH FOR TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT

Is a very interesting new technique that is performed for several years to replace hips. It reports several advantages because the muscles and tissues are spared during the surgical procedure. In other approaches they are detached and split from either the hip or thighbones

This technique allows the surgeon to reach the join between the muscles and tissues detaching them.  Keeping the muscles intact provides less pain, better mobility and faster recovery and also helps to prevent dislocations.

POTENTIAL BENEFITS OF ANTERIOR APPROACH INCISION FOR TOTAL HIP PROSTHESIS

·      Better stability of the implant sooner after surgery

·      Less pain

·      Sooner recovery (two or three days of stay in hospital)

·      Bearing full weight walking and bending the hip one day after surgery

·      A small incision is performed in the front (anterior) of the hip, with less scarring and better sitting.

·      This technique can be used in the vast majority of patients

·      Requires no dislocation precautions

·      Early Full Mobility

* In case you need a Total Hip Replacement it would be advisable having a complete information about the anterior approach technique.