Hip Replacement Anterior Versus Posterior Approach

The long term outcome is very good.

Hip replacement anterior versus posterior approach.

Posterior hip replacement surgery is the traditional approach but it takes you longer to heal. The big difference in anterior vs posterior hip replacement is primarily where the incision is made and how long it is. Anterior hip replacement surgery is the new less invasive procedure but fewer physicians perform this surgery. During this traditional approach the orthopedic surgeon makes an 8 10 inch while you lie on your side.

There are actually a variety of hip replacement approaches including. In the short term anterior hip replacement is less painful and leads to a quicker recovery of mobility and strength compared to a posterior or lateral approach. Over the years each approach has had its day in the sun. The anterior approach hip replacement is a muscle splitting approach meaning that the surgeon gets to the hip between two muscles rather than by removing and then reattaching a muscle.

In a posterior hip replacement the procedure is done on the side of the hip. These differences can have short term and possibly long term effects on patients. Anterior approach posterior approach direct superior approach anterolateral approach and direct lateral approach. From that point on i have used the anterior approach to hip replacement almost exclusively for primary hip replacement and have even used it on selective revision surgery.

Anyone with a painful or deteriorating hip should ask their doctor about anterior vs. The key phrase here is well placed i used the posterior approach for all hip replacements i performed from 1983 until late in 2013. The most obvious difference between anterior and posterior hip replacement surgeries is the location of the incisions. Posterior hip replacements for patients with osteoarthritis or that have experienced trauma to their hip a total hip replacement can restore function and decrease pain.