"Anterior Approach" Hip Replacement

[DK]

Has anyone on the forum had any experience with this new type of hip replacement?

It seems great, downtime less than one week, but it's a relatively new procedure.

Any information would be appreciated.

Dan

[J.Mencalice]

Has anyone on the forum had any experience with this new type of hip replacement?

It seems great, downtime less than one week, but it's a relatively new procedure.

Any information would be appreciated.

Dan

First off, make sure that you have an experienced orthopod  who has done a goodly number of these surgeries; no rookies and no experimenting on my body for your "practice".

My wife (at age 62) had her right hip replaced in January of 2015 utilizing this surgical technique.  It works best for younger (below 70 years) and with people who are flexible, well toned muscularly, and in overall good health.
There is less cutting of large muscle fibers and associated nerves with this technique, but the contortions that the patient is put through on the operating room table are not so traditional.  A flexible person fairs better, I believe.  The hardware that was put in is a bit "lighter" than what is used during trauma fixes. 

She came through it splendidly with minimal pain, physical therapy requirements and exercises at home, and a relatively short recuperative period.  She was back to riding her horse (about 4 months post-op) and resumed work after about 6 weeks of time off.  There were restrictions and cautions about certain leg and hip positions so as to avoid a dislocation of the artificial joint (don't ruin the mechanic's handiwork).

Today, sixteen months later: No complaints, free from pain (she had an arthritic joint, no trauma) and living the good life again.
She progressed from a walker to a cane to no assistance within 4 weeks post-op.  If you can avoid the opiates and tough out the pain, you'll be more able mentally to meet the challenge of walking freely again.
Good luck, best wishes.

[John Schmidt]

I've not had the procedure yet, but if my pain is any indication then it's not too far in the future. I've also looked at the anterior method and want it as my only remedy/procedure. One thing to keep in mind, this method has been in use for quite a few years but many drs. are reluctant to use it....mainly because they haven't been trained. The biggest benefit in my view is there is no cutting of muscle tissue, and if needed it's only minimal. I know of at least one guy in his 60's that had it done, was in good shape physically and active. He blew his drs. mind....walked into his 1-week followup w/o a cane, walker, or crutches. That's what I want if I end up getting the surgery, and I want a heavy duty piece of hardware....one that will last at least 10-12 years. Figure by then I won't be riding a motorcycle(now 78). 

[Valkorado]

My dad had this technique done several years ago, and he said he wouldn't have wanted it done any other way.  He was over 80 at the time, and since he lives alone he went to a facility to heal and rehab some before returning home.  He really did his homework, and found a board certified Colorado surgeon who has much experience with the procedure and had glowing reviews form patients and peers.

[Bighead]

Not a new technique at all just some DRs just now starting to learn to do them. Recovery is way quicker than the traditional posterior replacement. There is also and anterior lateral approach which falls in between the two as far as recovery time. A true anterior hip is best on a normal size person on a large person it is very difficult to do. There are some Drs sending their patients home the same day when doing an anterior approach,but that would be for a select group of patients considering overall health,size and other risks involved. And as stated above do your home work on your Dr. I have been in Orthopaedics for 30 yrs and just because you have a diploma and Dr in front of your name don't qualify you as an expert..... Just sayin'

[Atl-Jerry]

I had my left hip replaced using this method last March (14 months ago) and regret waiting and suffering as long as I did.  In fact, I sold one of my IS’s because I thought my riding days were coming to an end.  I did not spend a single night in the hospital, checked into the hospital at 6 AM, surgery at 10:30, a 40 minute procedure, I was walking the hallways at 2 and released between 7 and 8 PM.  Would have sprung me sooner but he had emergency surgery where a woman fell and broke her hip.  The guy I chose averages 20 hip replacements per week, which I think is the way to go.  At 9 the next morning they sent a nurse to the house to check me out and change the bandage and the physical therapist came at 10.  24 hours after surgery I was able to climb stairs “step-over-step”.  When the therapist came back two days later I met him at the car and helped bring in his stuff.  The only restriction was they told me not to pivot on that hip with all my weigh on it for the first couple of months.  Even the scar is almost gone, barely visible but who’s looking nowadays.  I’m surprised insurance companies are approving the old method with the protracted recovery period, it surely must be more expensive.  Here’s a video of the guy who did my surgery.  If I every need another one, I will go to the end of the earth to find him.         

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_pGOwhyXBo

[DK]

Thanks, everyone.

I'm looking for the right surgeon.

Dan

[RP#62]

As everyone has indicated, make sure you get someone with much experience with this procedure.  It has a greater chance of nerve damage if not done properly than the conventional method (according to my wife's doctor anyway).

-RP

[Bighead]

Actually less chance as the major nerves run down the gluteal muscle which is also known as the caboose