Anterior Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery Information

The key defining feature of minimally invasive hip surgery compared with traditional hip surgery is the surgical approach taken. In minimally invasive hip surgery the surgeon does not have to cut muscles to access the hip. Therefore it is a minimally invasive, muscle sparing surgery which utilises an alternative approach to traditional Total Hip Replacement.

Traditionally the surgeon makes the hip incision laterally (on the side of the hip) or posteriorly (at the back of the hip). Both of these approaches involve cutting major muscles to access the hip joint. However, with the Anterior Approach Hip Replacement the incision is made in front of the hip enabling the surgeon to access the hip joint without cutting through any muscles.

 

The benefits of an Anterior Hip Replacement compared to the traditional approaches taken in hip replacement surgery include:

• Muscles do not need to be cut or detached from the pelvis or femur

• Smaller incision, minimal soft tissue trauma, less scarring

• Recovery from an anterior hip replacement surgery is much quicker than traditional hip replacement surgery

• Less post-operative pain than traditional hip replacement surgery

• Faster healing time resulting and earlier mobilisation. This results in being able return to daily activities quicker

• Less post-operative restrictions and a decreased hospital stay