Anterior Approach for Hip Replacement

Sharp Grossmont Hospital is proud to be one of only a few health care facilities in Southern California to offer the anterior approach for hip replacement. This minimally invasive surgery option is the latest technology available to treat chronic hip pain. Patients who undergo this procedure experience less scarring and pain, a shorter hospital stay and a quicker return to normal activities. This cutting-edge procedure is part of Sharp Grossmont’s commitment to providing advanced technology and to improve the health of the people we serve.

The Procedure
The anterior approach for hip replacement allows the surgeon to operate on the front of the hip joint, rather than the side or back. The benefit of this approach is that the hip can be replaced without disturbing major muscles in the pelvis and femur during surgery. The technique allows the surgeon to work between the muscles without detachment from the pelvis or femur. The results are that patients can immediately bend their hips postsurgery.

State-of-the-Art Operating Table
During surgery, the patient is placed on a special, state-of-the-art operating table. The unique capabilities of the table facilitate surgery through this smaller and less invasive approach. The carbon fiber bars that support the legs move appropriately and manipulate the operated leg during surgery. Additionally, the table has a sterile robotic attachment that reaches inside the surgical area and lifts the femur to an accessible position.

Recovery
Patients who undergo anterior approach hip replacements experience a quicker recovery time than with conventional surgery. The majority of patients find themselves walking the day after surgery.

Anterior Approach vs. Conventional Surgery

Advantages Anterior Approach Conventional Surgery
Hospital stay 1 to 3 days 3 to 4 days
Incision size 3 to 4 inches 8 to 10 inches
Muscle trauma No muscle incisions Muscle incisions
Recovery 2 to 8 weeks 2 to 4 months

 

 Read a story about a pair of best friends who both had a hip replaced, less than a year apart, by the same doctor.
Patient Stories
Read a story about a pair of best friends who both had a hip replaced, less than a year apart, by the same doctor. Read this patient story now.

 


Find a San Diego Orthopedic Surgeon
To learn more about orthopedics at Sharp or to find a Sharp-affiliated doctor, search for San Diego orthopedic surgeons or call 1-800-82-SHARP (1-800-827-4277), Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 6 pm.

For More Orthopedics Information
To find general information about orthopedics, visit Orthopedic Surgery in Adult Health or read the Orthopedics News archive.