The Direct Anterior Hip Approach

Do you suffer from hip pain that decreases your mobility or reduces your quality of life? Do you experience stiffness or discomfort that limits activities of daily living, for something as simple as climbing a set of stairs? If you have been diagnosed with osteoarthritis and experience some of the symptoms mentioned above, you may be a candidate for the innovative and state-of-the-art procedure called the Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement.

Benefits of a Minimally Invasive Approach to Hip Replacement

This particular approach is a conservative and minimally invasive alternative to the traditional approach for hip replacements, and even allows for less pain and a quicker recovery time period. Put simply, this technique changes the direction from which your surgeon will access your hip joint. Through this cutting edge approach, your surgeon is able to repair your painful hip through a natural space between certain muscles on the front of your body rather than making the incision on the back side of your body. During this procedure, the hip joint is exposed between various anterior muscles without the need to cut tissue or detach tendons. Once your surgeon gains appropriate accessibility, the portion of the upper thigh bone and the hip socket are prepared for the insertion of the hip replacement implant, similarly as is seen in a traditional procedure.

Improved Fit and Alignment  

The hip replacement is generally made up of metal and plastic components which replace the ball-and-socket elements of the hip joint. These elements are secured within the thighbone and hip socket typically with either bone cement or by “press-fit,” which means that the implants are shaped to achieve stability without the use of bone cement. By obtaining X-ray images, your surgeon will confirm that the implants fit properly and are aligned as intended to ensure that comfort and a natural range-of-motion is guaranteed after surgery. 

Improved Outcomes with Fewer Restrictions

As faster healing times are associated with the Direct Anterior Approach, patients may experience shorter hospital stays. There are also fewer post-operative restrictions associated with this procedure as well. It is not unusual for therapists to teach exercises to improve your recovery the same day or the day after surgery. As early as one to two days after surgery, you may be able to sit on the edge of the bed, stand, or even walk with assistance. Full recovery from the surgery and full restoration of health may be seen as early as three months after surgery.