There is a trend in surgery to do more for the patient while minimizing the impact on normal tissues. This results in improved function and quicker recovery. Hip replacement is no exception. More patients are needing this procedure at a younger age and have different expectations than the traditional "older" patient. They want relief of pain and the ability to resume all their previous activities. They are busy and want to return to work as soon as possible. They are aware of changes in technology and demand greater accuracy from their surgeon.
Anterior hip replacement, in it's modern form was designed to address all of these issues. It is tissue sparing, as it avoids cutting through the large muscles of the hip. This results in less pain and faster recovery. It is highly accurate, precise and reproducible. Use of fluoroscopy during the procedure ensures that all the goals of the surgery are met. The single incision at the front of the hip is only about 4 to 5 inches and barely visible.
Our goal is patient satisfaction. Our orthopedic surgery practice has thrived because thousands of satisfied and devoted patients have referred family and friends to us. We want our patients to be informed about what we do. We want them to be comfortable enough to ask as many questions as they want without feeling rushed or embarrassed. Informed patients are part of our therapeutic team and are part of the decision making process.
Potential Advantages Include
Anterior Approach
Conventional Surgery
Average Hospital Stay
2 to 4 days
3 to 10 days
Smaller Incision
4 to 5 inches
10 to 12 inches
Less Muscle Trauma
No muscle detachment
Muscles cut from bone
Fast Recovery
2 to 8 weeks
2 to 4 months
Reduced Pain
Reduced Blood Loss
Reduced Tissue Healing Required
Reduced Risk of Dislocation
More Accurate Leg Length control
More Rapid Return to Normal Activities
When the cartilage cushion between the bone of the pelvis and femur wears you have arthritis.
The Anterior Approach to hip replacement surgery allows the surgeon to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip as opposed to the lateral (side) or the posterior (back) approach. This way, the hip can be replaced without detachment of muscle from the pelvis or femur during surgery. The surgeon can simply work through the natural interval between the muscles. The most important muscles for hip function, the gluteal muscles that attach to the pelvis and femur, are left undisturbed and, therefore, do not require a healing process to recover from surgical trauma.
Anterior Hip Replacement allows patients to immediately bend their hip freely and bear full weight when comfortable, resulting in a more rapid return to normal function. After surgery, patients are instructed to use their hip normally without cumbersome restrictions. In supervised therapy, patients go up and down stairs before their hospital release.
Corail titanium hip stem with hydroxyapatite coating promotes rapid ingrowth of bone
Alain Elbaz, MD. relocated his practice from Montreal, Canada and has practiced...
