Hip Replacement Anterior Versus Posterior Approach
Anyone with a painful or deteriorating hip should ask their doctor about anterior vs.
Hip replacement anterior versus posterior approach. In a posterior hip replacement the procedure is done on the side of the hip. Anterior approach posterior approach direct superior approach anterolateral approach and direct lateral approach. Over the years each approach has had its day in the sun. Posterior hip replacement surgery is the traditional approach but it takes you longer to heal.
The big difference in anterior vs posterior hip replacement is primarily where the incision is made and how long it is. The anterior approach hip replacement is a muscle splitting approach meaning that the surgeon gets to the hip between two muscles rather than by removing and then reattaching a muscle. From that point on i have used the anterior approach to hip replacement almost exclusively for primary hip replacement and have even used it on selective revision surgery. This is done by replacing the damaged or diseased bone with a metal or plastic implant which is designed to replicate a healthy hip joint.
Posterior hip replacements for patients with osteoarthritis or that have experienced trauma to their hip a total hip replacement can restore function and decrease pain. In the short term anterior hip replacement is less painful and leads to a quicker recovery of mobility and strength compared to a posterior or lateral approach. The most obvious difference between anterior and posterior hip replacement surgeries is the location of the incisions. During this traditional approach the orthopedic surgeon makes an 8 10 inch while you lie on your side.
These differences can have short term and possibly long term effects on patients. There are actually a variety of hip replacement approaches including. Anterior hip replacement surgery is the new less invasive procedure but fewer physicians perform this surgery. The long term outcome is very good.