Hip prosthesis anterior approach

1- What is the anterior hip prosthesis?
2- Why is it performed?
3- What does it consist of?
4- How is the preparation?
5- Care after the operation

6- What are the alternatives?

What is the anterior hip prosthesis?

The anterior hip prosthesis is a minimally invasive technique that differs from the traditional ones because it is performed through the front area of the hip, instead of through the lateral or rear area.
The great advantage of this procedure is that it accesses the hip without cutting any muscle. This preserves the structure and allows a faster and less painful recovery for the patient.

Why is it performed?

Most anterior hip replacements are performed to replace a joint worn out by osteoarthritis. In some cases it is also used for the treatment of hip fractures. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and restore function to the hip.

What does it consist of?

It is an operation in which a hip prosthesis is implanted through a special, minimally invasive surgical approach, which is called “direct anterior approach or direct anterior approach”.
The type of prosthesis that is placed in the anterior approach, its duration, preparation for surgery, anesthesia and risks are practically the same as when using conventional approaches.
However, this technique has the particularity that it is performed through the front of the thigh, which allows the hip prosthesis to be placed without the need to cut any muscle. This preserves the musculature and the structures around the hip intact, which will give stability to the prosthesis and reduce postoperative pain.

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What is the preparation like?

This technique does not require any special preparation.

Care after the operation

Patients start walking the same day or the day after the operation, with progressive support of the operated leg and assisted by two crutches. Normal gait dynamics are restored in about two to three weeks.

In most cases only one or two nights of hospitalization are needed after surgery, although it is advisable to keep the wound clean and dry and to wear an elastic stocking to prevent the leg from swelling.
Finally, it is not necessary to follow special hip mobility restrictions, which allows patients to lie on their side in bed, go to the bathroom normally and sit down without the risk of dislocating the prosthesis.

In which cases can this technique be applied and what are the alternatives?

Almost all patients with osteoarthritis of the hip may be good candidates for the anterior approach, but individualized criteria must be followed. The people who benefit most from this technique are younger or active patients.

The alternatives to this procedure are the classic hip prosthesis approaches, such as the anterolateral and lateral or posterior approach. However, it should be noted that because the anterior approach preserves the integrity of the hip muscles, this technique presents much less risk of dislocation or dislocation than traditional procedures.