Direct Anterior Hip Replacement is a technique in which hip replacement surgery is performed through an alternative approach compared to conventional hip replacement surgery. Historically, hip replacement surgery was performed utilizing traditional posterior or lateral approaches. This necessitates that certain muscles or tendons are cut in order to access the hip joint and perform the surgery.
The direct anterior approach utilizes a muscle interval in front of the hip joint in which muscles and tendons are not cut for exposure of the joint. Because exposure can be more challenging, special instruments and a custom operating table are used to assist in performing the surgery.
Patients who have undergone Direct Anterior Hip Replacement surgery report that the post operative pain and discomfort is markedly less than traditional approaches. In addition, their recovery is expedited. Most patients are discharged from the hospital by post op day #2 and are off of all walking aids (cane/crutches) by the 2nd week from surgery.
The Direct Anterior Approach is not applicable to all patients. Most patients who are undergoing Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty will be better served by more traditional approaches. Those patients who have hip deformities from childhood also, on occasion, are not candidates for the direct anterior approach.
Advantages to the Anterior Total Hip Replacement
No detachment or cutting of muscles, and therefore an earlier rehabilitation
No “hip flexion precautions” or restrictions on leg movement after the hip replacement
Early ability to walk unassisted
Average time in hospital: 2 nights
Accurate positioning of implants and correction of leg length as the surgeon has live x-ray ("fluoroscopy") to check during the procedure
Very low rate of hip dislocation, approaching 0 percent
Why have your Anterior Total Hip Replacement done at HFI-N
Dr. Kregor has performed over 300 Anterior Total Hip Replacements
Dr. Kregor has been performing the Anterior Total Hip Replacement for over 7 years
Dr. Kregor has lectured and published on the Anterior Total Hip Replacement
Dr. Kregor learned the approach by visiting Joel Matta, MD in 2002-2003
Dr. Kregor has over 16 years of extensive experience with complex hip surgery and with use of the fracture table
