Anterior Hip Replacement

What is Anterior Hip Replacement? 

A hip replacement (arthroplasty) replaces a damaged hip joint with artificial parts. In an anterior hip replacement, your surgeon operates through an incision on the front of your hip.

The anterior approach uses a smaller incision compared with traditional procedures that access your hip through the back or side of the joint. It also avoids significant disruptions to healthy muscle tissue.

Other benefits of anterior hip replacement surgery include: 

• Decreased chance of dislocation after surgery
• Faster recovery
• Less limping
• Reduced pain
• Shorter hospital stay

Is Anterior Hip Replacement Right for Me? 

Doctors usually recommend hip replacement when there’s severe joint damage from wear and tear (osteoarthritis) or other medical issues. This typically happens after nonsurgical treatments such as medication or physical therapy haven’t helped.

You may be eligible for the anterior approach if you:

• Are within a healthy weight range
• Do not have metal implants from a previous hip surgery
• Do not have a wide pelvis

Prepare for Anterior Hip Replacement 

You’ll likely need several tests before the procedure, including:

• Electrocardiogram (EKG) checks your heart rhythm to make sure surgery is safe.
• MRIs help us assess soft tissue, such as muscles and tendons near the hip joint.
• X-rays evaluate the alignment, shape and condition of your hip joint and surrounding bone structure.

Learn more about preparing for orthopedic surgery.

What to Expect During Anterior Hip Replacement 

You receive general anesthesia, so you are asleep and experience no sensation during the operation. Our medical staff monitor your blood pressure, heart rate and other vital signs throughout the procedure. During anterior hip replacement surgery, your orthopedic surgeon: 

1. Makes an incision in the front of your hip
2. Separates muscles to access the hip joint
3. Removes the damaged hip joint
4. Places the artificial parts
5. Uses X-ray guidance to confirm the joint is placed correctly
6. Closes the incision

You go to a recovery room while the anesthesia wears off. Your care team helps you stand and walk as soon as you’re able. Most people spend the night in the hospital and go home the next day.

Recovery After Anterior Hip Replacement 

After the procedure, you use a cane or crutches for two to three weeks. You may also see a physical therapist in outpatient rehabilitation to help you regain strength and mobility.

You may see your orthopedic surgeon after a week or so to check that the incision is healing as expected. It’s important to keep all your follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing.

You should be able to perform light activities after a couple of weeks. Full recovery usually takes about three months.

Daily Activities During Recovery

Watch these videos to learn how to protect your hip during the early stages of recovery: