Anterior approach total hip replacement is an increasingly popular minimally invasive technique of performing hip replacement through a 4-5 inch incision. It is a method of accessing the hip joint by going in between muscles in the front of the hip that offers several advantages to patients including:
-Enhanced recovery with decreased time using gait aids (cane / walker)
-No specific movement restrictions (or “precautions”) after surgery
-Less muscle damage
-Low risk of hip dislocation
-Precise implant positioning due to use of x-ray during surgery
The primary disadvantage with the anterior approach is that many patients have an area of numbness over the outer thigh after surgery. This often improves over time but may never go away completely. It rarely bothers patients, however. Additionally, very overweight patients may not be candidates because they have a higher risk for developing wound healing complications.
Dr. Canham is among a small number of surgeons in Rochester, NY that perform this procedure. If you are interested in learning more about anterior approach hip replacement, contact Dr. Canham.