Top 3 Reasons Why Total Hip Replacement Surgery Patients May Want to Consider the Anterior Approach

The anterior approach is a revolutionary improvementto normal function.
in hip replacement surgery, according to leadingPatients and doctors alike are encouraging this
orthopedic surgeons in the United States. It makesmethod because it reduces pain, blood loss, scarring,
patients heal much faster, but it is still not offered asmuscle trauma and the risk of dislocation.
an option in most U.S. hospitals.Reason Three:Less Restrictive. After conventional hip
Reason One: Faster Recovery. While it may takereplacement surgery, patients must limit flexing of
patients four to six months to fully recover followingthe hip to no more than 60 to 90 degrees, which
conventional hip replacement surgery, the anteriorcomplicates normal activities like sitting in a chair, on a
approach enables patients to recover in only fourtoilet seat, putting on shoes or getting into a car.
weeks. An orthopedic surgeon and founder of theSimply climbing stairs may also be more difficult during
Hip and Pelvis Institute at St. John's Health Center inrecovery when following the conventional
Santa Monica, California, was the first to bring thisreplacement surgery.
method from Europe and develop it in the UnitedThe anterior approach to hip replacement surgery
States.allows the surgeon to reach the hip joint from the
Despite its positive outcome for patients, the anteriorfront of the hip as opposed to the lateral (side) or
approach to hip replacement surgery is not offered inthe posterior (back) approach. This way, the hip can
most hospitals. Popular in Europe, it's been used inbe replaced without detachment of muscle from the
Paris, France some 25 years ago.pelvis or femur during surgery as is performed in
Since learning from the small group of Europeantraditional surgery. The surgeon can simply work
surgeons who practiced this method, a US doctorthrough the natural interval between the muscles.
has been instrumental in bringing awareness of theThe most important muscles for hip function, the
anterior approach as a hip replacement surgerygluteal muscles that attach to the pelvis and femur,
method to the United States and worldwide. He hasare left undisturbed and, therefore, do not require a
performed over 1600 anterior approach hiphealing process to recover from surgical trauma.
replacement surgeries and continues to giveThe technique is advanced even further by designing
instructional seminars for surgeons around the Uniteda special, state-of-the-art surgical table to replace the
States to introduce them to this method. Theoriginal French orthopedic Judet table. The table has
popularity of the anterior approach as a total hipunique capabilities to facilitate this smaller and less
replacement procedure has been growing rapidly.invasive approach. The table has carbon fiber spars
Over 400 surgeons will receive training this yearthat support the legs that move appropriately to
alone.manipulate the operated leg during surgery.
Reason Two: Minimally Invasive. The anteriorAdditionally, the table has a sterile motorized robotic
approach to hip replacement is the most minimallyattachment that reaches inside the wound and lifts
invasive choice for people suffering from arthritis, hipthe femur to an accessible position. Numerous other
pain, stiffness and limited hip movement. Followingsurgical innovations and protocols for replacement
the anterior approach surgical procedure, patients arereach beyond the original French technique.
instructed to use their hip normally withoutAs people increasingly learn more about the anterior
cumbersome restrictions and are sent home fromapproach to hip replacement, they will likely turn to
the hospital often in less than three days. Patientsthis method. Total replacement offers benefits that
can immediately bend their hip freely and bear fullthe traditional route to hip replacement just cannot
weight when comfortable, resulting in a rapid returnoffer.