Leading from the front with hip surgery
HIP REPLACEMENT surgery has been revolutionised by a minimally invasive technique known as an “anterior hip replacement”. No muscles or tendons are cut during this procedure, aiding post-operative recovery, with less pain and a quicker discharge home.
WHY UNDERGO A HIP REPLACEMENT?
A hip replacement is a common type of surgery, where a damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one (known as a prosthesis). Adults of any age can undergo a hip replacement, although most are carried out on people between the age of 60 and
80. The procedure is usually necessary when the hip joint is worn or damaged to the extent that your mobility is reduced and you experience pain even while resting. The most common reason is osteoarthritis. Other conditions that can cause hip joint damage include Left: Simon Mellor. Above: Hip replacement will allow patients to enjoy activities such as walks again
rheumatoid arthritis, a hip fracture, septic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and disorders that cause unusual bone growth (bone dysplasias).
The hip and knee joints and surrounding structures
are crucial to movement. They are at risk of degeneration due to disease and ageing, along with injury/trauma that can affect your daily activities and enjoyment of life.
WHAT IS AN ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT?
In recent years, there have been important surgical developments in the field
of orthopaedics, to focus on more minimally invasive surgery. Such surgery may also be called mini, modified, minimally invasive, or musclesparing. The anterior approach allows me to perform the surgery through a smaller surgical cut (incision), which is in the front of the hip, rather than the side or back, as in traditional hip replacements.
An anterior hip replacement has many advantages, including:
Less muscle trauma
Less pain
Earlier and easier recovery Smaller incision and less scarring Less limping
Shorter hospital stay Decreased risk of hip dislocations Following an anterior hip replacement, patients are free to move around and fully weight-bear. Once the patient is discharged from hospital, there will be minimal postoperative restrictions to follow, as no muscles will have been cut.
Not all patients are suitable for an anterior hip replacement. Your surgeon will advise you on this at your initial consultation.
Simon Mellor specialises in managing all orthopaedic conditions and sports injuries. His expertise includes nonoperative and joint-preservation treatment and keyhole surgery for the hip and knee. He is based at the Royal Free Hospital and Hadley Wood Hospital, 0207 3177 7751 or rf.privateenquiries@nhs.net