Many people suffering with arthritis, hip pain, stiffness and limited hip movement can now choose minimally invasive surgery when hip replacement is the chosen treatment of both the patient and their New Orleans orthopedic surgeon. One of the least invasive surgical procedures is the anterior hip replacement, which is a proven technique that minimizes the pain and requires little to no recovery time.
The anterior hip replacement approach allows the New Orleans orthopedic surgeon to access the hip joint from the front of the hip as opposed to the side or the back approach. By doing so, the hip can be replaced without detachment of the muscle from the pelvis or femur during the hip replacement surgery. The orthopedic surgeon can easily work through the natural gap that exists between the muscles. The most important muscles for hip function are left undisturbed and, therefore, don’t require a recovery process.
Since the first anterior hip replacement was performed in 1947, the technique has been recurrently refined with advancing medical technology. Today, literally thousands of hip replacement patients have benefited from this minimally invasive approach.
Conventional Hip Replacement. Conventional side or back hip replacement surgery usually requires strict precautions for the patient. Most patients must limit hip motion for 6 to 8 weeks following the surgery. They must also limit flexing of the hip to no more than 60 to 90 degrees, which makes normal activities like sitting in a chair, sitting on a toilet, putting on shoes or getting into a car a difficult undertaking. Simply climbing stairs can also be more difficult during the recovery process.
Anterior Hip Replacement. Anterior Hip Replacement allows patients of their New Orleans orthopedic surgeon to immediately bend their hip freely and bear full weight when it feels comfortable to do so. This all results in a more rapid return to normal day-to-day function.
After anterior hip replacement surgery, patients are instructed to use their hip normally without the cumbersome restrictions of a conventional hip replacement procedure. In supervised therapy, patients required to go up and down a flight of stairs a number of times before their hospital release.
If you are experiencing pain in your hips and want to see if you’re a candidate for anterior hip replacement surgery, call our office today to Schedule a Consultation.