Direct Anterior Hip Replacement

Posted on

Jan 26, 2016

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WHEN DEBILITATING PAIN AND STIFFNESS IN YOUR HIP
limit your daily activities, you may need a total hip replacement. The development of total hip replacement began over 40 years ago. In 2007, more than 270,000 people in the United States underwent traditional hip replacement surgery. Today, there are more options in hip replacement surgery.The most frequent cause of discomfort and chronic hip pain is arthritis. Arthritis is the leading cause of disability in the United States. In fact, 1 in 5 people have been diagnosed with arthritis and two thirds of them are under the age of 65.When medication and other conservative treatments have failed, total hip replacement may be recommended. Total hip replacements help relieve pain and allow patients to perform activities that may be limited due to hip pain.Traditional hip replacement is the surgical replacement of the ball and socket of the hip joint with implants. There are three major components used in hip replacement. The shell replaces the socket and the femoral stem and ball replaces the top of the femur. In traditional hip replacement, an incision is made on the side on the hip, cutting muscle to access the hip joint and replacing the damaged anatomy.The anterior approach provides the potential for less pain, faster recovery and improved mobility. The technique allows for the implant to be placed by working between the muscles and tissues without detaching them from either the hip or the thigh bone. This allows for fewer restrictions, reduced scarring from the smaller incision and equal leg lengths.The direct anterior approach takes advantage of a specially designed surgical table and instruments that allow for easier access and less disruption of muscle and soft tissues. This allows for better alignment of patient and implant.The anterior technique also allows for the potential of a shorter hospital stay where many patients go home after an overnight stay. They return to the office two weeks after surgery, many using only a cane for ambulation. Some patients are not using any assistive devices at all.New techniques have provided improved functional recovery and exciting options for treatment for the hip arthritis patient. The important part is for the patient to recognize their symptoms and seek advice from trained professionals to make the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.

This article was submitted by Dr. Kurtis Biggs, Orthopedic Surgeon at The Joint Replacement Institute in Naples, Fl. He can be reached at 239-261-2663 (BONE) or visit his website at www.JointInstituteFL.com for further information

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