How Effective Is An Anterior Hip Replacement?
02 NovA hip replacement surgery in itself is a very crucial decision to take, let alone thinking about what kind of total hip replacement in Bangalore to undergo. Patients are generally worried only with the thought of their natural hip bones being removed and replaced with artificial plastic or metal prostheses. They always want to find the safest and most beneficial alternative that involves lesser pain, lesser trauma, and faster recovery time. One such alternative is the anterior hip replacement surgery. Patients who have undergone this anterior approach have confirmed ease in recovery, lesser pain, lesser assistance, and quicker return to their normal activities. So, what is it that makes the anterior hip replacement so preferred against the traditional approach?
What is the anterior hip replacement approach?
The anterior hip replacement approach has the surgeon to assess and handle the hip joint from the front. This approach helps surgeons to work between the muscles without detaching them from the femur, which is otherwise the case in traditional hip replacement surgeries. Without such detachments, the posterior capsule and muscles are left intact, which in turn prevents post-surgical dislocations. For performing this surgery, the patient is laid down on a special surgical table that positions him in such a manner that the hip joint can be easily accessed from the front. Surgeons use a curved femoral replacement in this condition because it becomes very difficult to insert straight femoral components without injuring the abductor muscles.
What are the advantages of anterior hip replacement surgery?
Less muscle damage – As mentioned above, major muscles are left uncut in this type of surgery as the surgeon works between them, thus leading to less or no muscle damage.
Less pain – Because there is no major muscle cutting, patients experience lesser pain after surgery, and thus require lesser pain medication.
Less dislocation risk – This surgery does not disturb the muscles and soft tissue structures that naturally prevent the hip from dislocating. Therefore, patients are less likely to suffer hip dislocation.
Shorter hospital stay – Patients require a shorter stay in the hospital after an anterior hip replacement surgery.
Fast recovery – Patients who undergo this surgery can use crutches or walkers faster than those who undergo the traditional surgery. Also, patients can walk on their own sooner.
Better movement – Patients can bend over or sit with their legs crossed without any risk, unlike patients who undergo traditional surgery and are told to avoid bending and sitting with legs crossed for 6 to 8 weeks after surgery.
Is the anterior hip replacement approach suitable to all?
The type of hip replacement surgery to be used on the patient is decided upon by the surgeon, depending upon the patient’s condition and body type. Although the anterior hip replacement approach is highly beneficial in terms of recovery and pain, it is not suitable for overweight and muscular body types. However, any kind of surgery for these heavy body type patients is risky. Therefore, if it is possible for such patients to reduce their weight before undergoing a total hip replacement in Bangalore, it should be given priority.