Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle Offer Anterior Hip Replacement

Our orthopedic surgeons Dr. Watt, Dr. Peterson, and Dr. Downer, now perform total hip replacement and other hip surgeries through a smaller, less-invasive approach.

Seattle, WA (I-Newswire) October 4, 2012 - The anterior approach to total hip replacement allows less disruption of surrounding tissues. When the doctor performs this procedure through smaller incisions, there is less pain and a faster
recovery because there is less soft-tissue and muscle dissection.

Anterior hip surgery has been available since the 1980s. However, what is new about the anterior hip replacement procedure is the surgeons are using smaller incisions and more specialized instruments to make the surgery less traumatic to the patient.

The main goal with this procedure, regardless of where the incision is made, is that they replace
the ball and socket of the hip joint.

What are some Unique Aspects of Anterior Approach Hip Replacement?

To help limit post-surgical soreness and irritation, the minimally invasive anterior approach uses
a small incision. The anterior approach to hip replacement is a muscle-splitting approach as well.

This means that the orthopedic specialist gets to the hip between two muscles, rather than by
removing and then reattaching the muscle tissue to reach the hip joint.

The advantage is thought to be that recovery can proceed quicker because there is no reattached muscle that needs to heal. Another advantage of the anterior approach is that there tends to be a lower rate of dislocation. Most complications, however, are similar to those complications of standard hip replacement.

Is Anterior Hip Replacement Better than Traditional Surgery?

Our orthopedic specialists feel that the anterior hip replacement option is an improvement
over other approaches for surgery because of the increased recovery time. The goal of surgery
is to give you a joint that is pain-free and will last you a long time, allow you to recover in a
shorter period of time, and to get you back to your activities of daily living.

Contact OSS to see if you are a candidate for minimally invasive hip replacement surgery.