Hip Replacement Anterior Versus Posterior Approach

Posterior hip replacement surgery is the traditional approach but it takes you longer to heal.

Hip replacement anterior versus posterior approach.

Anyone with a painful or deteriorating hip should ask their doctor about anterior vs. These differences can have short term and possibly long term effects on patients. There are actually a variety of hip replacement approaches including. Anterior hip replacement surgery is the new less invasive procedure but fewer physicians perform this surgery.

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. 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. 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.

The advantage is thought to be that rehabilitation can proceed more quickly by not having to allow the reattached muscle to heal. Over the years each approach has had its day in the sun. The big difference in anterior vs posterior hip replacement is primarily where the incision is made and how long it is. Anterior approach posterior approach direct superior approach anterolateral approach and direct lateral 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. 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. The key phrase here is well placed i used the posterior approach for all hip replacements i performed from 1983 until late in 2013. During this traditional approach the orthopedic surgeon makes an 8 10 inch while you lie on your side.