Is It Beneficial To Opt For An Anterior Hip Replacement?

Is It Beneficial To Opt For An Anterior Hip Replacement?

Anterior hip replacement surgery is the new kind of surgery that is being used by surgeons on patients suffering from hip injuries and dislocations. Although thousands of anterior hip replacement surgeries are being performed every year, it is a relatively new concept, and you would have your own opinions about the same. But, before you decide whether it is a good option or a bad one, it is imperative that you learn in detail about all the advantages and disadvantages patients can encounter with an anterior hip replacement surgery. Only then can you make an informed and a right decision.

How beneficial is an anterior hip replacement surgery?

Lesser muscle damage – In the anterior approach, lesser number of muscles and tissues are slashed. This is because the front of the hip contains fewer muscles than in the back, which is why surgeons can work between them, without having to cut and detach them from the bone. And, lesser cuts mean lesser damage.

Lesser pain – Because fewer muscles are cut and lesser damage is done, there is obviously lesser pain; and thus, lesser medications required to comfort the pain.

Faster recovery – Because there is lesser muscle damage done, patients can recover faster after the anterior hip replacement surgery. Patients can stand and bend sooner than they can in the traditional hip replacement approach. Traditional hip replacement surgery patients are told not to bend or sit with legs crossed for at least 6 to 8 weeks after surgery, which is less likely in anterior hip replacement surgeries. Patients can also use crutches and walkers sooner than traditional surgery patients; and can walk without support sooner too.

Shorter hospital stay – It is obvious that faster recovery means there is a shorter hospital stay required by patients. (And, who wouldn’t like leaving the hospital faster and return home?)

Reduced hip dislocation risk – Generally, traditional hip replacement surgery patients may have to worry about dislocation of their new hip’s ball an socket joint. But, in the anterior approach, because the muscles and tissues are not disturbed, there is almost zero risk of hip dislocation, because the muscles and tissues prevent this from happening.

What limitations can keep you from undergoing anterior hip replacement surgery?

• Obese patients cannot undergo anterior hip replacement surgery. This is because the additional soft tissue in obese individuals can make it difficult for the surgeon to access the hip joint.
• Although the muscles and soft tissues are kept intact, there is a risk of nerve damage associated with anterior hip replacement surgery. This is because the lateral cutaneous femoral nerve that runs down the front of the pelvis may feel irritated, causing thigh numbness and painful skin irritation. Although there is only 1% chance of such damage to happen, it is a point of consideration.
• Only if the surgeon has an experience and strong hold over the anterior approach, should you opt for having him perform this surgery over your hip, because this is a technically very demanding procedure.

However, it is always better to leave the decision in the hands of your surgeon who can better decide about the kind of hip replacement surgery that must be performed on your hip. He will make an informed decision based on his skills and expertise, and depending upon your particular body type, health condition, lifestyle, and hip injury. Nevertheless, you can always get all your prostheses for hip replacement surgeries from Aditi Corporation, one of the leading suppliers of branded prostheses for total hip replacement in Bangalore.