Newer Approach to Total Hip Replacement Means Added Patient Benefits

Hip pain caused by osteoarthritis, injury or trauma can have a major impact on one’s quality of life. When the pain becomes unbearable and more conservative therapies to minimize inflammation, discomfort and problems with mobility have not been effective, many patients turn to the hip replacement experts at Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland (OACM) for total hip replacement surgery. While a major procedure that requires dedicated rehabilitation, OACM orthopaedic surgeon Sam Sydney, M.D. explains that total hip replacement arthroplasty is often a life changing surgery for patients.

Anterior Total Hip Replacement Improves Function and Mobility

The anterior approach to total hip replacement surgery is a newer approach that has been performed for several years with great benefits to patients. The anterior approach, meaning the surgeon uses one small incision in the front (anterior) of the hip compared to a larger incision in the side or back, is a minimally invasive technique that allows the surgeon to operate around the hip muscles. The anterior approach spares the surrounding tissues and is performed without detaching the muscles from the hip or thigh bones.

This results in a number of important advantages for patients including:

• Preservation of muscles, ligaments and tendons in the back of the hip, which dramatically reduces risk of dislocation and speeds up recovery.
• A shorter hospital stay; typically patients are discharged one to two days after the surgery, with some patients being discharged that same day.
• Only one, small incision in the front of the hip.
• Less post-surgical pain.
• Shorter post-operative rehabilitation time.
• Improved mobility; many patients are using a cane within three weeks post-op, sometimes sooner, compared to being able to use a cane or crutches within six to eight weeks after surgery with a traditional hip replacement procedure.
• Early return of function, lack of post-operative restrictions and greater stability.

Specialized Technology Adds to Procedure’s Precision

OACM surgeons utilize the specialized HANA Table for performing the anterior hip replacement surgery. This table allows the patient to lay flat on their back as opposed to on their side for hours during the procedure, resulting in less discomfort post-operatively.

The biggest advantage of this operating table is the ability of the surgeon to access the hip joint with greater precision to ensure excellent placement of the prosthesis (the new ball and socket of the hip joint). This also results in better control of leg length discrepancy (ensuring both legs remain the same length after the procedure), which can be more common in traditional hip replacement techniques.

Experience the benefits of advanced approaches to joint replacement surgery, including the anterior approach to total hip replacement. Call Orthopaedic Associates of Central Maryland at (410) 644-1880 or (855) 463-2663, or visit www.mdbonedocs.com to learn more about advancements in joint replacement surgery.