Anterior Hip Replacement

As you age, your body begins to break down, and one of the most common places this happens is in your hips. If you're starting to feel pain in that area or find it difficult to move around, you may need a hip replacement.

Anterior hip replacements are a newer, less invasive type of surgery that can help get you back on your feet faster. Keep reading to learn more about anterior hip replacements and whether they may be the right option for you.

What is an Anterior Hip Replacement?

Anterior hip replacement is a surgery where the surgeon replaces the damaged parts of your hip's ball-and-socket joint or bone with a prosthetic implant and hard plastic through an incision in the front of your hip. It differs from traditional posterior or lateral approaches, which require a longer incision and disrupts more muscles.

An anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive surgery, which means that it requires only a small incision and less muscle damage. It results in less pain and a shorter recovery time. Dr. Logan Cooper, a fellowship-trained total joint and reconstructive specialist and orthopedic surgeon at Summit Orthopaedics, has this to say about anterior hip replacements recovery:

"I tell patients that 80 to 90 percent of recovery occurs during the first six weeks; then it takes several months to get that last 10% to 20%. But the good news is that research and literature consistently show a quicker and easier recovery for patients who undergo an anterior approach to total hip replacement."

The procedure's post-op restrictions are also lessened. For example, posterior hip replacement patients are advised not to cross their legs for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery. With an anterior hip replacement, those restrictions aren’t needed.

Anterior hip replacements are also associated with a lower risk of dislocation than other types of hip replacement. Patients who experience minimal pain after the operation can return to their daily activities and normal lifestyle much sooner.

That's why only the best and most experienced surgeons, like Dr. Cooper, should perform your anterior hip replacement. Since the operation requires special expertise, it's important to choose a fellowship-trained surgeon with significant experience in performing the procedure.

What Are the Benefits of Anterior Hip Replacement?

Perhaps the biggest advantage of anterior hip replacement is that it's a minimally invasive surgery. Surgeons like Dr. Logan Cooper only need to make a small incision, which results in less pain and a shorter recovery time for patients.

  • Some other benefits of anterior hip replacement include:
  • A quicker return to normal activities
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Lower risk of dislocation
  • Lower risk of a persistent limp post-operation
  • Shorter hospital stay

The procedure is also friendly to patients who may have had previous hip surgery. If you've undergone a posterior hip replacement and are experiencing complications, Dr. Logan Cooper can often still use the anterior approach to help you recover more quickly.

When Are Hip Replacements Needed?

You may need a hip replacement if you're experiencing any of the following symptoms:

  • Persistent pain in your hip or groin, even when resting
  • Stiffness in your hip that makes it difficult to move
  • Swelling or tenderness in your hip
  • Decreased range of motion in your hip
  • A clicking, grinding, or popping sound when you move your hip
  • Reduced muscle strength in your leg

If you have any of these symptoms, contact Summit Orthopaedics to make an appointment with Dr. Logan Cooper. He will conduct a physical examination and review your medical history to determine if you need a hip replacement.

You may also need a hip replacement if you've previously had a hip injury or surgery that didn't relieve your pain. In some cases, patients with a hip fracture may also need one to regain mobility.

Who is A Good Candidate for an Anterior Hip Replacement?

A good candidate for an anterior hip replacement is someone who has hip pain that limits their daily activities and does not respond to conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, medications, or injections.

Anterior hip replacement may also be an option for people who have developed arthritis in their hip joints. This condition can cause the cartilage in the hip joint to break down, leading to pain and stiffness.

Anterior hip replacement may also be an option for people who have suffered a hip injury or fracture. These injuries can sometimes damage the hip joint and lead to arthritis.

What Are the Risks of Anterior Hip Replacement?

As with any surgery, there are potential risks associated with anterior hip replacement. These include, but are not limited to:

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Nerve damage
  • Femoral head or neck fracture
  • Heterotopic ossification (bone growth in abnormal location)
  • Loosening or dislocation of the implant

While these risks are rare, discussing them with Dr. Logan Cooper before your surgery is important. He will cover all the potential risks and complications associated with anterior hip replacement so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the surgery.

If you're experiencing hip pain that limits your daily activities, contact Summit Orthopaedics to make an appointment with Dr. Logan Cooper. Dr. Cooper is a fellowship-trained hip specialist who offers the latest, minimally invasive techniques for hip replacement, including anterior hip replacement. Call us today to learn more about your treatment options and to schedule an appointment!