Anterior Hip Replacement

Anterior Hip Replacement

If hip arthritis or other damage is causing persistent pain, stiffness, or difficulty walking, anterior hip replacement in Colorado Springs may be an option when nonsurgical treatments no longer provide adequate relief. Michael Van Manen, DO, is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon specializing in hip and knee conditions, arthritis management, and total joint replacement. He provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for patients considering hip replacement surgery.

If chronic hip pain is limiting your ability to work, exercise, walk, or enjoy everyday activities, an evaluation with an experienced Colorado Springs hip replacement surgeon can help determine whether anterior hip replacement is appropriate for you. Treatment recommendations are individualized based on the condition of your hip joint, symptoms, medical history, activity level, and recovery goals.

What is Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement Surgery? 

Direct anterior hip replacement, also called direct anterior total hip arthroplasty, is a minimally invasive hip surgery to replace the hip joint without cutting through any muscles or tendons as against traditional hip replacement that involves cutting major muscles to access the hip joint. 

What is the Procedure for Anterior Hip Replacement?

Anterior hip replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. You will lie down on your back, on a special operating table that enables your surgeon to perform the surgery from the front of the hip. Your surgeon may use fluoroscopic imaging during the surgery to ensure the accuracy of component positioning and to minimize leg length inequality.

Your surgeon will make an incision, about 3-4 inches long on the front of the hip. The muscles are pushed aside to gain access to the joint and perform the replacement. Next, the femur is separated from the acetabular socket. The acetabular surface is prepared using a special instrument called a reamer. The acetabular component is cemented or fixed with screws into the socket. Then a liner made up of plastic, metal, or ceramic is placed inside the acetabular component.

The femoral head that is worn out is cut off and the femur is prepared using special instruments so that the new metal component fits the bone properly. Then, the new femoral component is inserted into the femur either by a press fit or by using special bone cement. The femoral head component made of ceramic or metal is then placed on the femoral stem.

Once the artificial components are fixed in place, the instruments are withdrawn and incisions are closed with sutures and covered with a sterile dressing.

What are the Risks and Complications of Anterior Hip Replacement?

All surgeries carry an element of risk, whether it is related to the anesthesia or the procedure itself. Risks and complications with anterior hip replacement are rare, but can occur and may include:

• Infection at the incision site or joint space
• Fracture
• Nerve damage
• Hemarthrosis - excess bleeding into the joint after the surgery
• Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
• Leg length inequality

What Does Postoperative Care for Anterior Hip Replacement Involve?

Post surgery, your doctor will give you specific instructions to be followed at home for a faster recovery. These include:

• Take medications as prescribed to relieve pain and prevent infection.
• Participate in physical therapy to restore hip function and strength.
• Eat a healthy diet and do not smoke to facilitate healing and promote a faster recovery.
• Contact your doctor if you observe increasing swelling or redness in the operated area.

After traditional hip replacement surgery, you would be instructed to follow precautions to prevent your new hip from dislocating. These guidelines are very restrictive and include: 

• No bending or flexing of the hip past 90 degrees. 
• No crossing of legs. 
• Use a pillow between the legs when sleeping. 
• Use an elevated toilet seat.

As anterior hip replacement uses a muscle-sparing technique there is increased joint stability after surgery and in most cases, these precautions are not needed.

What are the Advantages of Anterior Hip Replacement?

The advantages of anterior hip replacement include:

• Smaller incisions
• Shorter operative time
• Minimal blood loss
• Short hospital stay
• Less postoperative pain
• Minimal soft-tissue trauma
• Less scarring
• Quicker recovery
• Early mobilization
• Less postoperative restrictions
• Quicker return to normal activities
• Lower risk of dislocation

Why Choose Dr. Michael Van Manen, DO for Anterior Hip Replacement in Colorado Springs?

Choosing the right orthopaedic surgeon is an important part of planning hip replacement surgery. Michael Van Manen, DO is a board-certified orthopaedic surgeon serving patients in Colorado Springs with a clinical focus that includes hip and knee arthritis, total joint replacement, revision joint replacement, general orthopaedics, and fracture care.

Dr. Van Manen is part of the joint replacement team at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group. His experience treating hip and knee conditions allows patients to receive an individualized evaluation and discuss appropriate surgical and nonsurgical treatment options. When hip replacement is recommended, the treatment plan can be tailored to the patient's joint condition, overall health, functional needs, and recovery goals.

Patients considering anterior hip replacement in Colorado Springs can discuss whether the direct anterior approach is appropriate for their specific condition during an orthopaedic consultation.

Anterior Hip Replacement FAQs

Schedule an Anterior Hip Replacement Consultation in Colorado Springs

Persistent hip pain does not have to prevent you from walking comfortably, staying active, or participating in the activities you enjoy. If arthritis or another hip condition is affecting your mobility and conservative treatments have not provided adequate relief, a comprehensive orthopaedic evaluation can help you understand your options.

Michael Van Manen, DO provides hip and knee care and total joint replacement services in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Contact Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group to schedule an evaluation and discuss whether anterior hip replacement may be appropriate for your condition and goals.