Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement Surgery

Direct anterior approach hip replacement is a smaller-incision-or minimally invasive-surgery that offers several advantages over traditional hip replacement. During traditional hip replacement, the surgeon will operate from the side lateral or back posterior of the hip through an incision 8-12" long. This incision, because of the placement of the patient, requires significant disturbance of the hip joint and connecting tissues. With direct anterior approach using the hanaŽ table, the surgeon is able to make an incision just 3-4" long at the front of the hip, without detaching any of the hip muscles or tendons. Because this surgery is less disruptive to the hip joint, I have found that the recovery rates among my patients have been fantastic.

How direct anterior approach surgery improves patient recovery

After direct anterior approach surgery, patients are immediately able to bend their hip freely and bear full weight when comfortable, resulting in a quicker return to normal functioning. Following surgery, patients are instructed to use their hip normally, without complicated or burdensome restrictions. In supervised therapy, provided by certified physical therapists, patients learn how to properly navigate stairs before their discharge from the hospital.

After conventional hip replacement surgery, most patients are required to limit hip motion for 6-8 weeks after surgery. These limitations, which don't allow for full hip flexion or range of use complicate normal activities such as sitting in a chair, going to the bathroom, putting on shoes, getting into a car or climbing stairs.

More benefits of direct anterior approach

Potential benefits of direct anterior approach include:

• Less post-operative pain
• Shorter recovery time
• Shorter hospital stay and quicker rehabilitation
• Less scarring
• Less blood loss during surgery
• Decreased chance of hip dislocation
• More rapid return to normal functioning and activity
• More accurate leg length control

Who is a candidate for direct anterior approach?

Nearly all patients with arthritis of the hip, hip pain, stiffness and limited hip movement, including those who are overweight, may be candidates for direct anterior approach hip replacement.

About the hana® table

The hana® is a specialized operating table that allows the surgeon to replace the hip joint through a single incision, via direct anterior approach, without having to detach muscle from the pelvis or femur thigh bone. Because the soft tissues from the side lateral or back posterior of the hip remain untouched, direct anterior approach surgery provides for immediate stability of the hip after surgery.

The hana allows proper positioning of the patient not available with conventional operating tables, and surgeons using the hana receive specialized training.

To learn more about direct anterior approach hip replacement surgery with Dr. Michael Jacobs, simply call 443.444.4764.

Click here to view some minimally invasive total hip replacement post op videos.

Disclaimer: The information provided is for informational purposes only and is not meant to replace any doctor's advice, evaluation or diagnosis and does not suggest any form of specific medical treatment for individual cases. Consult your doctor before starting any course of treatment.