Total Hip Replacement Helps a Variety of Issues
Total Hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the hip joint is replaced by a prosthetic implant for debilitating cases of:
- Osteoarthritis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Avascular necrosis
- Traumatic arthritis
- Protrusio acetabuli
- Hip fractures
- Benign and malignant bone tumors
- Arthritis associated with Paget’s disease, ankylosing spondylitis
- Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis
The aims of the procedure are pain relief and improvement in hip function.
The Anterior Approach Total Hip Replacement Procedure
As a hip and knee specialist, Dr. Hill performs a cutting-edge form of hip replacement called Anterior Approach Total Hip Replacement. This approach uses an interval between the sartorius muscle and tensor fascia latae, in other words, the surgery is performed from the front through a smaller incision, rather than from the back or side.
Most orthopedic surgeons aren’t trained and experienced in performing this variation of total hip replacement surgery. But Dr. Hill’s fellowship training prepared him for these procedures which hold several benefits for patients including:
- Fewer cases of dislocation
- Lower tendency for limps
- Diminished risk for leg length inequality
- Quicker recovery
- Less painful recovery
Patients of anterior approach total hip replacement are encouraged to go right back their normal activities after surgery, engaging hip function, bearing weight and bending their hip freely.
- Hospital Stay: Though you should be able to start moving soon after surgery, plan on 1-2 day stay for observation and pain management.
- Recovery Time: Full recovery is expected in 6-8 weeks, though normal levels of activity are often suggested immediately following the procedure.
- Other Notes: Before performing a total hip replacement surgery, an orthopedic surgeon may recommend hip arthroscopy in order to identify the source of hip pain.