Anterior Hip Replacement

What is Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement Surgery?

Anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive hip surgery to replace the hip joint from the front (anterior) using a specialized surgical table that allows Dr. Eccles to move the legs independently throughout the procedure. The surgery is done without cutting through any major muscles or tendons.

Anterior Hip Replacement Procedure

• Anterior hip replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. You will lie down on your back, on a special operating table that enables Dr. Eccles to perform the surgery from the front of the hip. He will also use fluoroscopic imaging during the surgery to ensure the accuracy of component positioning and to minimize leg length inequality.
• A surgical cut is made in the front of the hip region. The muscles are pushed aside to gain access to the joint and perform the replacement.
• The surface of the socket is cleaned and the damaged or arthritic bone is removed using a reamer. The acetabular cup component is inserted into the socket in a press fit manner, or occasionally using screws or bone cement. A liner made of plastic, is placed inside the acetabular component and serves as a smooth gliding surface.
• The femur or thighbone is prepared by removing the arthritic femoral head portion and preparing the femoral canal to accept a metal femoral component. This femoral component is then inserted into the femur either by a press fit or using bone cement. Then, the femoral head ball component made of ceramic is placed on the femoral stem. Both sides of the hip joint with the new components are put in their proper positions together. The entire joint is then irrigated and cleaned with a sterile solution. The incision is carefully closed and a sterile dressing is placed over the incision.

Risks and Complications of Anterior Hip Replacement

All surgeries and various approaches to the hip carry an element of risk, whether it is related to the anesthesia or the procedure itself. Risks and complications with anterior hip replacement are rare, but can occur and may include:

• Infection at the incision site or joint space
• Fracture of the femur or pelvis
• Injury to nerves or blood vessels
• Formation of blood clots in the leg veins
• Leg length inequality
• Wearing out of the hip prosthesis
• Failure to relieve pain
• Loosening of the implant
• Dislocation

Advantages of Anterior Hip Replacement

The advantages of anterior hip replacement include:

• Smaller incision
• Potentially less postoperative pain
• Minimal soft-tissue trauma
• Potentially quicker recovery
• Less postoperative restrictions
• Quicker return to normal activities
• Lower risk of dislocation

If you would like to have additional information on the treatment of hip arthritis or would like to learn more about anterior hip replacement surgery, please contact Christian J. Eccles, M.D., serving the communities of Georgetown, Murrells Inlet, SC.