The Anterior Surgical Approach

The anterior surgical approach allows the surgeon to access the diseased hip joint through the front of the hip. A major advantage of this approach is that it allows your doctor to work through natural intervals between the muscles around your hip, without having to cut through the muscles or detach them from the pelvis or thighbone. Another advantage is that the patient can avoid the pain of sitting on the incision site since the anterior approach is performed through the front of the hip. This preservation of your soft tissues may result in a faster return to weight-bearing activities, less pain and a quicker overall recovery time. Keeping these muscles intact may also help reduce the likelihood of dislocation, which may occur when muscles weakened in surgery are not strong enough initially to keep the new femoral head in the socket. In addition, the anterior approach takes advantage of the shortest distance to your hip joint, which may allow for a smaller incision.

Why aren’t all hip replacements performed through the anterior approach?

Anterior approach hip surgery requires implants and surgical instruments that are compatible with the approach. Specialized surgical tables may facilitate the anterior approach by allowing precise positioning of the patient during surgery. Your doctor will consider a wide variety of factors in determining the best course of treatment. Please talk to your doctor and ask whether hip replacement through the anterior approach is right for you.