Total hip replacement: What are the benefits of the direct anterior approach?

In this informative article, highly respected consultant orthopaedic surgeon Mr Panagiotis Gikas sheds light on the benefits of a direct anterior approach in total hip replacement surgery. The leading specialist also details what patients can expect from the recovery period which follows direct anterior total hip replacement surgery.

What is a direct anterior total hip replacement?

A direct anterior total hip replacement is a surgical technique that allows us to perform a total hip replacement without damaging any of the muscles around the hip joint. By performing the technique in this way, we preserve all of the muscles and soft tissues around the hip and therefore, this means faster rehabilitation for the patient.

What are the benefits of the direct anterior approach?

The benefit of a direct anterior approach lies in the fact that we perform the hip replacement without damaging any muscles. By not damaging the muscles and preserving the soft tissues, we allow the patient to recover faster, without significant pain, and return to their daily activities as well as sporting activities much more quickly.

Who is suitable for direct anterior hip replacement?

Almost all patients are suitable for a direct anterior hip replacement. There are few exceptions that are based on anatomical characteristics of the patients, but this is a discussion to be had with the individual patient in preparation for the hip replacement surgery.

What risks are involved with a direct anterior hip replacement?

The risks involved with a direct anterior hip replacement are the same risks as those involved with all other types of hip replacements. In preparation for the hip replacement and during the consenting process, these risks are going to be discussed in detail with each individual patient and an explanation will be given about how we deal with these complications in the unlikely event that they happen.

Is a direct anterior total hip replacement major surgery?

All operations should be considered as big operations and should be approached with respect. Hip replacement surgery, at the moment, is a routine operation in orthopaedics and the principal aim of hip replacement surgery is to return the patient to their normal quality of life so they can enjoy their daily life without pain.

How long does it take to recover from an anterior total hip replacement?

Typically, recovery from a hip replacement surgery is between four and six weeks. On the other hand, with the anterior hip replacement, we preserve all of the muscles around the hip joint and avoid any injury to the soft tissues and so we aim for recovery to be much faster.

Usually, after a total hip replacement, you expect a patient to be in hospital approximately three days. With the anterior hip replacement, however, due to faster rehabilitation and the fact that the muscles are preserved, we aim for the patients to be discharged within twenty-four hours of the operation.

If you require hip replacement surgery and wish to schedule a consultation with Mr Gikas, you can do so by visiting his Top Doctors profile.