Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
DIRECT ANTERIOR HIP ARTHROPLASTY
The Direct Anterior Hip Arthroplasty is another approach to hip replacement that produces effective and dramatic relief for adult patients suffering from severe arthritis of the hip. This hip replacement procedure provides recovery and return-to-lifestyle benefits that may not be as easily obtained with other surgical approaches for hip replacement.
TRADITIONAL TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT VS. THE DIRECT ANTERIOR HIP ARTHROPLASTY?
In traditional hip replacement surgery, an incision is made along the posterior aspect of the thigh and buttocks. The posterior approach typically requires detachment of muscle and soft tissues, which are repaired, and inc-ludes a longer rehabilitation period by about 2-4 weeks. Furthermore, with the posterior approach, hip dislocation precautions are necessary to reduce the risk of the ball dislocating from the socket. This means the patient must avoid crossing their legs or flexing the hip beyond 90 degrees for about 6-12 weeks.
The Direct Anterior Approach for hip replacement tries to spare the posterior muscles and soft tissue from transection (although they may not be completely spared) allowing for the limited restrictions see with the other approaches and their slightly longer recovery.
Through an anterior incision, Dr. Lauro is able to access the hip joint without dividing or detaching any muscles in the front of the hip and limiting the injury to the posterior muscles. Hip dislocation precautions are typically no longer necessary.
Dr. Lauro accurately positions the hip replacement components using intra-operative X-ray. Dr. Lauro doesn’t need to use a special surgical table.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS TO THE ANTERIOR APPROACH?
WHAT ARE THE RISKS TO HAVING HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY?
Every surgical approach has risks and benefits. The performance of a hip replacement depends on age, weight, activity level and other factors. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time.
Direct Anterior approach
Direct Anterior approach for hip replacement
If you've been told you are a candidate for hip replacement surgery, you may benefit from a minimally invasive surgical technique called Direct Anterior hip replacement surgery. Put simply, this technique changes the direction from which a surgeon can access your hip joint.
With the Direct Anterior approach, your specially trained orthopedic surgeon is able to repair your painful hip through a natural space between the muscles of the anterior (front) portion of the hip, rather than making the incision on the posterior (back) side, which has the potential of damaging the muscles that make up the primary support system for the joint. These are the muscles you spend weeks and months rehabilitating after surgery.
During this procedure the hip joint is exposed between the anterior muscles, without the need to cut tissue or detach tendons. Once access is gained, the portion of the upper thigh bone (the femoral head and neck) and the hip socket (acetabulum) are prepared for the insertion of the hip replacement implant, just as in a traditional procedure.
The hip replacement is comprised of metal and plastic components that replace the ball-and-socket elements of the hip joint. They are secured within the femur (thighbone) and acetabulum (hip socket) either with bone cement or by "press-fit," meaning the implants are shaped to achieve stability without bone cement. Through the use of X-rays, physicians can ensure the implants have the proper fit and alignment to ensure comfort and a natural range-of-motion after surgery.
Smith & Nephew offers a wide range of hip replacement implants and your surgeon will choose the most appropriate one for you. One consideration used in selecting your implant may be its resistance to the scratching and abrasion that can cause an implant to wear out before its time.
Advantages to utilizing the Direct Anterior approach
This minimally invasive technique allows for preservation of the soft tissue surrounding the joint, allowing for immediate stability following surgery, as well as a possible lower risk of dislocation, as the primary support muscles are left intact.
Patients may have a shorter hospital stay, as there are typically fewer post-operative restrictions and the possibility of a faster healing time associated with this technique.
Important safety notes
Hip replacement surgery is intended to relieve hip pain and improve hip function. However, implants may not produce the same feel or function as your original hip. There are potential risks with hip replacement surgery such as loosening, fracture, dislocation, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Longevity of implants depends on many factors, such as types of activities and weight. Do not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless your surgeon tells you the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if you do not follow your surgeon's limitations on activity level. Early failure can happen if you do not guard your hip joint from overloading due to activity level, failure to control body weight, or accidents such as falls. Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment may be best for you.
All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient's case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor's specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.
All materials copyright © 2020 Smith & Nephew, All Rights Reserved.
ASK THE EXPERT
Dr. Gregory Lauro is available to answer any questions patients or their families may have regarding hip and knee conditions.
To Contact Dr. Lauro,
please click here >>>
TESTIMONIALS
Dr. Lauro just did my left knee on July 2016,,,did my right knee on March of last year. He took great care of me,, I always felt that I could ask him anything and get a direct answer. His staff can’t be beat..they are courteous, and always ready to help you with any inquires you might have…What more can you ask for in a doctor. He gave me excellent care.
Dr. Lauro was recommended by Dr Hennesy. He was encouraging and focused. I am very happy with the results of my hip replacement and recovery time has been very rapid. Would recommend this Dr. and procedure very highly.
Dr. Lauro was wonderful. I had many orthopedics problems that arose from another doctor and Dr. Lauro handle all of them without a problem. It has been a long year but I do not know what I would have done without Dr. Lauro’s expertise in his field and his great care the he provided me.
Replaced left hip. remarkable results! Appointment dates/time convenient and office wait minimal. Respects active life style. Honest, forthright advice.
Dr. Lauro replaced my hip 7 years ago. His office staff is wonderful to speak with and he takes his time during office visits. Never rushes you through and answers any questions thoroughly and honestly.
Dr. Lauro has been doing partial knee replacements for 25 years and worked wonders for me. After only 3 months I no longer need my cane and my scar looks amazing. His office staff is as friendly as you could want. Very clean environment. Little to no waiting both in and out of the waiting rooms. He is very attentive and explains things very well. He listens more than he talks and is dedicated to his practice. I would and have recommended him a lot. A true professional who knows what he is doing.
OUR SERVICES
| Hip Conditions | |
| Hip Treatments | |
| Knee Conditions | |
| Knee Treatments |
OFFICE HOURS
| Monday | 8:00 – 4:30 |
| Tuesday | 8:00 – 4:30 |
| Wednesday | 8:00 – 4:30 |
| Thursday | 8:00 – 4:30 |
| Friday | 8:00 – 4:30 |