Orthopedic Specialties / Anterior Hip Replacement

Anterior Hip Replacement

What is the Difference Between Anterior Hip Replacement and the Traditional Approach?

During Anterior Hip Replacement, your surgeon makes an incision on the front (anterior) of your leg instead of the side or back. During surgery you lie on your back on a specialized table, rather than on your side or front. Your surgeon can work between muscles and tissues rather than detaching them from your hip or thigh bones as they would using the traditional approach. Entering your hip from the front causes less damage to surrounding muscles and tendons, which leads to a faster recovery.

Your surgeon will determine that your implant is properly placed and your leg is the correct length using an x-ray during the operation. In the traditional approach your surgeon relies on a post-operative x-ray to check component placement & leg length.

What are the Potential Benefits of the Anterior Hip Replacement

  • Less trauma to your body
  • A smaller incision
  • Potentially less pain
  • Less tissue disruption which may lead to faster rehabilitation
  • Fewer restrictions during recovery

How Long Has Anterior Hip Replacement Been Used?

The anterior approach was first performed in 1947 by Robert Judet in France. In 2002, Dr. Joel Matta of California adopted the technique, helped develop a new table and began to teach the technique in the U.S.

Anterior Hip Replacement Physicians

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