Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery Performed in Arlington, VA
Direct anterior hip replacement is one approach to total hip replacement surgery, which is widely is regarded as one of the most valued and successful orthopedic procedures performed today. The goal is to relieve pain and restore mobility to an individual whose hip joint was damaged through osteoarthritis or trauma.
Because there are several approaches to total hip replacement, it is important to work with an experienced hip specialist who can determine the right method for you. Among other things, this will involve evaluating unique factors such as your anatomy, medical history and preferences. In Arlington, Virginia, you can consult with Dr. Farshad Adib, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who practices at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center. Dr. Adib is dedicated to continually improving upon the success of hip replacement surgery by developing, evaluating and refining existing and new surgical techniques through extensive research. His specialties include direct anterior hip replacement, which involves accessing the hip joint through the front of the leg.
Advantages of the Anterior Approach to Hip Replacement
By accessing the hip joint from the front instead of the side (lateral approach) or back (posterior hip replacement), Dr. Adib can minimize the disruption to surrounding muscles and other tissues. As such, this approach is generally associated with less postoperative pain, especially in the first two to four weeks after surgery. Many patients are up and walking with the assistance of a cane on the same day as their procedure, which allows for greater independence and a faster recovery. Cane use can generally be discontinued in about three weeks; from there, daily activities can be gradually resumed with a full return to active sport by three months.
Other surgical approaches necessitate detachment of muscle from the femur during surgery. The hip is replaced through a natural interval between muscles in the anterior approach. Rehabilitation is accelerated, and hospital time decreases because the hip is replaced without detaching the muscle from the pelvis or femur. In the anterior approach, preserving the lateral and posterior soft tissues also accounts for immediate stability of the hip and a low risk of dislocation. Another advantage of the anterior approach is that patients who require a bilateral hip replacement can be performed during a single operative session.
In general, the results of total hip replacement are outstanding in terms of pain relief and enhanced mobility.
If you would like to learn more about total hip replacement, contact Nirschl Orthopaedic Center at (703) 525-2200 to request an appointment with Dr. Adib in Arlington, VA. He can help you decide if hip replacement surgery is right for you and, if so, determine the best surgical approach.