Hip Replacement Surgery Anterior Approach

Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip Replacement Surgery Anterior Approach

Traditionally, hip replacement surgery is done either with a lateral approach or a posterior approach. In both techniques, the muscles and tendons need to be detached from the hip, for replacing the joint. It can be very painful and the recovery period can last for a few months to a few years. There is also a risk of hip dislocation, which leads to failure of hip replacement. The anterior approach for hip replacement is a newer, minimally invasive technique.

What is the anterior approach for hip replacement surgery?

In this procedure, instead of making an incision behind or on the side of the hip, an
incision is made in front of the hip. Since 1980, this approach has been opted more by surgeons since it is less invasive as compared to the other ones. By using this approach, the damage caused to the surrounding tendons and muscles is less, which contributes to a faster recovery period as well.


Advantages of anterior approach for hip replacement surgery

There are various advantages of an anterior approach for hip replacement surgery,
such as –
● Less damage to surrounding muscles – With an anterior approach, there is no need to cut into major muscles, since there are fewer muscles in the front of the hip. Thus, instead of detaching the muscles from the bone and then repairing it after surgery, the surgeon works between the fewer muscles in the front itself.
● Fewer complications post-surgery – As compared to a posterior approach or a lateral approach, there are very few complications post-hip surgery performed with an anterior approach.
● Faster recovery period – Since an anterior approach is used, the recovery period is faster as no major muscles or tendons have been cut through during surgery.
● Less pain post-surgery – Patients require very less medication for pain relief after hip replacement surgery performed with this approach.


Procedure

A hip replacement surgery, also known as hip arthroplasty is a procedure wherein a patient’s hip joint is completely replaced with an artificial joint. First, the patient is put under general anaesthesia. The surgical site is cleaned and any hair from that area is removed. Next, the surgeon makes an incision in the front of the hip joint and separates the muscles from the hip joint. The damaged bone and cartilage from the pelvis and the upper part of the femur are then removed. The acetabulum as well as the head, neck and part of the shaft of the femur is replaced with an artificial joint. To ensure that the joint has been placed correctly, the surgeon will take an X-ray.


Recovery

After the procedure, the patient is gradually allowed to eat and drink. Mostly, patients can go home a day or two after the surgery. Initially, you may find that you would need canes or crutches to walk. Physical therapy is also suggested for patients.Usually, patients regain their strength and mobility within four to six weeks of the surgery.

Risks

With every surgery, some risks are always associated. Similar to risks of other hip replacement approaches, a few risks of an anterior hip replacement surgery include:
● Complications due to anaesthesia
● Bleeding from the incision
● Deep vein thrombosis
● Pulmonary embolism
● Hip joint infection
● Hip bone infection
● Dislocation of the hip joint
● Loose joint
● The difference in length of legs
● Injury to nearby nerves and muscles

Outlook

Recovery after an anterior hip replacement surgery is quicker, as compared to the posterior and lateral approaches. Patients can regain their strength and range of motion quicker.With any approach, artificial hips need to be replaced after a few years if they get loose or wear out. However, the anterior hip replacement is an effective approach and
the patients quality of life is improved significantly.At Germanten Hospital, we have a team of the best Arthroplasty as well as physiotherapists, led by Dr.Mir Jawad Zar Khan. It is the number one centre for hip replacement surgeries. With more than 200 beds, each operation theatre at Germanten Hospital has high-advanced laminar airflow for total infection control. For its highly advanced technology and minimally invasive surgical procedures, Germanten Hospital has been graded as the Best Emerging Orthopaedic Hospital by the Times of India in 2019. It has also been named the Best Orthopaedic Hospital in South India, by the Economic Times in 2021. Dr.Mir Jawad Zar Khan is at the forefront of Germanten Hospital. A gold medalist from Osmania University, Dr.Mir Jawad Zar Khan has an experience of more than 20 years in the field of orthopaedics. Having received advanced training from Germany and the USA, he has performed more than 10000 surgeries. To celebrate his achievements and efforts, he was awarded the title of Best Doctor by the ex-CM of
Joint Andhra Pradesh & Former Governor Tamilnadu, Shri Roshaiah Garu in 2018. In 2019, he was honoured with the Vaida Ratna Award by the Honourable Health Minister of Telangana, Shree Etala Rajendra.