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Bruce G Evans, M.D. Producing Patient Satisfaction through Solid Results |
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Anterior Supine Approach to Hip Replacement
Over the past 3 years a major advance in the surgical approach to performing a hip replacement was made. In addition to remaining minimally invasive this approach avoids cutting any major muscle groups. The incision is placed over the front of the upper thigh and avoids lateral hip pain when sleeping on one’s side. This anterior approach to the hip has been quite successful offering excellent results and is appropriate for nearly every primary total hip. With more than 200,000 hip replacements performed in the U.S. each year, this approach will dramatically change the future of this great operation.
The Main advantages of the Anterior Supine Hip Approach are:
- No muscle cutting, allowing improved hip strength after surgery
- Lowest dislocation rate compared to all previous approaches (0.5% currently)
- Improved leg lengths – allows more accurate equalization of leg lengths
- No restrictions after surgery – sitting, crawling, stooping are all allowed with no postoperative limitations
- No restriction on weightbearing or exercises
- Reduction in postoperative pain
- Reduction in bleeding
- Decreased hospital stay and quicker recovery
Standard complications such as infection, blood clots with pulmonary embolus, sensory nerve, and skin injuries maintain the same risk as traditional hip surgery.
The Specialized Surgical Table and its Advantages
The specially designed HANA surgical table is used to perform the anterior approach total hip replacement surgery. The table is presently available at St Marks Hospital but will soon be available at the Intermountain Medical Center. The table allows access to the hip joint after cutting only the front ligament that covers the joint. Traction can be applied to this table without excessive stress on the major nerves to the leg and foot. Your foot is maintained in a well padded ski boot that allows manipulation of the hip and leg.
The Anterior Supine Hip Approach – Younger Patients
“Many of my younger patients are now staying only 2 days in the hospital and do not require physical therapy" says Dr. Bruce G. Evans. “The anterior approach is now my primary procedure for all total hip replacement patients, including those with hip fractures. Surgery time has been reduced from 2 hours to 1.5 hours avoiding lengthy anesthesia time. I am amazed how quickly people walk independently, giving up their crutches and canes after only 3 weeks.”