What To Expect After Having An Anterior Total Hip Replacement
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What to expect after having an Anterior Total Hip Replacement
With the anterior total hip replacement surgery your orthopaedic surgeon will access the hip joint by choosing to enter through the front of your hip by going between the hip muscles that help hold the hip joint in place.
The anterior total hip replacement surgery is becoming more popular because of the following factors:
- It is less invasive,
- Hospital stays are shorter
- Anterior hip replacement recovery and rehabilitation are quicker for patients.
- The less invasive the surgery is, the more patients are more eager to return to work and their daily activities as quickly as possible.
Total Hip Replacement
Is the anterior total hip replacement surgery the same as traditional hip replacement surgery?
With traditional hip replacement surgery, an incision is made approximately 8 to 10 inches beside or behind the hip joint. The surgeon must go through muscle and detach the muscles from the “ball and socket” of the hip joint.
With the anterior total hip replacement approach, the surgeon goes between the muscles; detachment is not required, making anterior hip replacement recovery ideal for some patients.
In both total hip replacements, no matter the approach, both surgeries include the replacement of the joint’s cartilage and bone with implants. The ball (femoral head) is at the top of the long thigh bone called the femur.
The ball fits inside the hip socket (acetabulum) which is on the side of the pelvic bone. Cartilage and other tissues cover the surfaces of the bones, hold the joint together, and enable the ball and socket to work smoothly.
Sometimes having a visual representation of what to expect after having an anterior total hip replacement helps this make more sense. Click the following link to learn more about the anatomy of the hip joint.
Are all patients eligible for anterior total hip replacement surgery?
Not all hip replacement patients are eligible for this type of surgery. An orthopaedic surgeon familiar with this approach will be able to assess a patient’s suitability for this surgery.
The type of hip replacement will depend on the patient’s history, a thorough examination of the patient, and studies such as X-rays or MRIs.
With any type of joint replacement surgery, patients need to find a surgeon with experience who can help the patient make the best possible decision about surgery, treatment and rehabilitation.
Image of a woman in physical therapy
Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy after anterior total hip replacement surgery
When answering the question “What to expect after having an anterior total hip replacement?” , getting your joint moving again is key to a successful recovery. On the same day of or a day after surgery, when enough of the anesthetic has worn off and a physical therapist or occupational therapist is ready to assist you, you will probably be encouraged to stand and walk a few steps with a walker or crutches.
One of the important benefits of movement after surgery is to increase blood flow, which reduces the risk of blood clots and additional hip pain. Physical activity also increases balance, stretches tendons and muscles, and strengthens muscles.
As you progress, you will be given more exercises to improve your hip strength and mobility. A physical or occupational therapist will recommend a program of exercises and show you how to move properly to stay within any movement restrictions you have, so that you are fully aware of what to expect after having an anterior total hip replacement.
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