An anterior hip replacement surgery involves the replacement of damaged and painful bones with an artificial hip. Your doctor will utilize a metal or plastic implant that is designed to look and function like a natural hip joint.
The location of the surgical incision is the key distinction between anterior hip replacement surgery and standard total hip replacement surgery. This type of hip replacement surgery is done at the front of the hip by your doctor.
What Are the Benefits of Anterior Hip Replacement?
Because it is less invasive than the posterior and lateral methods, anterior hip replacement is becoming more common. When you introduce the artificial hip from the front, you do less injury to the surrounding muscles and tendons, resulting in a quicker recovery. It can also nearly always be done as an outpatient operation, allowing patients to return home the same day.
Less discomfort, a rapid and smooth recovery, a prompt hospital discharge, fewer limitations on activity after surgery, a lesser risk of hip dislocation following the procedure, and a lower risk of irregular leg lengths after surgery are all benefits of anterior hip replacement.
Am I a Good Candidate for Anterior Hip Replacement?
You may need an anterior hip replacement if you have osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, a fracture, a tumor, an infection, or abnormal growth in your hips. When arthritis is the main cause for a hip replacement, the anterior technique is most commonly used.
Anterior hip replacement can also be used to replace hips that have been damaged in any way. It can be utilized to repair a hip that has been replaced previously.
What Happens During an Anterior Hip Replacement Consultation?
Before anterior hip replacement surgery, it’s critical that your doctor has the most up-to-date and correct information about you and your health. This will help to achieve the greatest possible outcome.
During your consultation, your doctor will go over the benefits of anterior hip replacement. They will also discuss the preparation process with you. You will be instructed to fast for 8 to 12 hours before your anterior hip replacement and to cease taking certain medications.
You will need to inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements you’re taking, both prescription and over-the-counter, and any current and past medical concerns. You’ll talk about any previous operations and anesthesia you’ve had, along with allergies to drugs, food, and other items like latex gloves.
The Anterior Hip Replacement Procedure
Springhill Medical Center, Springhill Outpatient Surgery Center (GCSP), and Mobile Infirmary Hospital are all Gulf Orthopaedics surgery centers where the anterior hip replacement may be performed.
At the start of the procedure, anesthesia will be administered. The patient will not experience any pain during the procedure as a result of this.
They’ll almost certainly be given regional anesthetic if they’re having an outpatient surgery.
The alternative is general anesthesia, which will render them unconscious and allow them to remain completely unaware during the procedure.
The doctor will clean and sanitize the region around the front of the hip after the anesthesia takes effect. They will then drape sterile drapes over the area.
The incision will be made in front of the hip joint during the anterior hip replacement, allowing the doctor to pull muscle and other tissue out of the way until the bones can be seen. The top section of the thigh bone will be removed, as well as any diseased bone and cartilage in the pelvic bone. The doctor will close the incision once the implant has been attached and fixed.
What Is the Recovery Process?
Because the anterior hip replacement procedure is less invasive, the patient will most likely be able to leave the surgical facility the same day.
During the first week, pain must be managed through recommended methods, and the joint will be gradually rehabilitated. This process could take up to two weeks. After the two-week mark, your doctor will recommend that you meet with a physical therapist again.
Recovery time and post-operative pain are considerably reduced with the anterior hip replacement technique. Within two to three weeks, most patients should be able to resume basic activities. Resuming strenuous activities can take up to three months. Once all healing is complete, you will experience the full benefits of anterior hip replacement surgery.
How Much Does Anterior Hip Replacement Cost?
Request a price estimate from your doctor to determine how much anterior hip replacement surgery will cost you. You will be charged for the entire cost if you do not have health insurance. If you have health insurance, your out-of-pocket expenses may be determined based on the surgeon’s fee, prescription medications, the facility cost, and the anesthesia fee.
Arrange Your Consultation
Make an appointment with Gulf Orthopaedics to learn more about the benefits of anterior hip replacement in Mobile. Contact us today for your consultation.
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