Total hip replacement has taken on a whole new look. Like other medical advances, new surgical methods are being developed over time. Surgeries that once required months of recovery time now take only weeks, even days.
Any type of joint replacement surgery is going to carry certain risks. Sometimes the post-operative benefits simply outweigh any risks involved. Pain and movement impairment are two very real issues facing many people today.
Painful Joints Often Lead to Hip Replacement
Pain is difficult to deal with, especially for otherwise healthy people. The need for surgery to correct the source of pain can be intimidating. Total hip replacement often conjures thoughts of unsightly scars and months of recovery time.
The surgical procedure and anesthesia are worrisome enough. Patients most often worry about the length of time they will be out of work. The recovery process is generally lengthy and sometimes the pain does not go away completely.
Traditional vs. Anterior
Why choose the anterior approach rather than traditional hip surgery? Some of the reasons may amaze you. The human body simply responds to this approach better.
The surgery itself is performed with the patient on a surgical table that positions them in a way that allows the doctor access to the front and side of the body. Traditional surgical positions are limited side and some back access. The incision is long and muscle is cut away from the bone.
Using the anterior approach allows easier access in the pelvic area allowing the doctor to remove the hip without cutting the muscle from the femur. The incision is much smaller and heals more quickly. The risk of blood loss leading to a transfusion is also greatly reduced.
After hip surgery using the anterior approach, some people walk that very day. Traditional total hip replacement surgery warranted bed rest in a specific position for days on end. This caused pain and stiffness. Getting up that day allows not only
a faster recovery, but the rest of the body will not become stiff and sore while having to remain in a certain position. Getting up and moving around after a surgery with less pain also makes it easier on the patient and their families.
Risks Before and After Surgery
Prior to surgery most patients should be able to continue with day to day activities. Always take care not to pull or otherwise damage a muscle or the affected joint. If that means limiting your daily activities, do it. Recovery takes time; don't add to it with a pulled muscle. Some doctors may even recommend surgery be postponed if there is an injury.
Blood clots are a risk factor with any surgery. This risk is reduced with the anterior approach due to less time in surgery and the ability to move about shortly afterwards. The reduction of two of the most frightening surgical risks makes the decision to go forward with surgery easier for the patient and their family.
With the traditional approach, the risk for dislocation can be high. Patients who chose the anterior approach have yet to report dislocations after surgery. This means that once the patient returns to their families, lives and careers, the chance of another painful interruption is not likely.
The recovery time is cut by more than half in most patients. Some people return to normal activities within four to eight weeks. This is impressive, given the fact that the traditional approach requires up to six months for a full recovery.
Consider the Anterior Approach
If you have been told you may need a hip joint replacement, read about the anterior approach before making a final decision. Hip replacement surgery done via the anterior approach is an exciting, not so new, technique adopted by doctors worldwide. The relative ease of the surgery makes it the number one choice by both doctors and patients.
Author Resource:-
Dr. Joel Matta is an orthopedic surgeon and the founder and director of the Hip and Pelvis Institute at St John's Health Center in Santa Monica, CA. He is accredited with the American Board of Orthopedic Surgery and the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. Dr. Matta has performed over 600 total hip replacement surgeries using the anterior approach. More information about the anterior approach can be found at http://www.hipandpelvis.com
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