Hip Replacement Anterior Versus Posterior Approach

The long term outcome is very good.

Hip replacement anterior versus posterior approach.

The advantage is thought to be that rehabilitation can proceed more quickly by not having to allow the reattached muscle to heal. There are actually a variety of hip replacement approaches including. The most obvious difference between anterior and posterior hip replacement surgeries is the location of the incisions. Anterior hip replacement surgery is the new less invasive procedure but fewer physicians perform this surgery.

Over the years each approach has had its day in the sun. This is done by replacing the damaged or diseased bone with a metal or plastic implant which is designed to replicate a healthy hip joint. During this traditional approach the orthopedic surgeon makes an 8 10 inch while you lie on your side. In a posterior hip replacement the procedure is done on the side of the hip.

The surgical steps of an anterior approach hip replacement differ from the steps of the posterior approach. 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. These differences can have short term and possibly long term effects on patients. 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.

Posterior hip replacement surgery is the traditional approach but it takes you longer to heal. 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. The big difference in anterior vs posterior hip replacement is primarily where the incision is made and how long it is. The key phrase here is well placed i used the posterior approach for all hip replacements i performed from 1983 until late in 2013.