Anterior Hip Replacement Surgeon in Raleigh, Garner, Cary, NC.
Medical conditions such as arthritis can damage or wear out the articular cartilage covering the hip joint surface and cause inflammation and severe pain in the hip. The condition can be treated by replacing the hip joint through surgery. Dr. McNabb provides expert diagnosis and treatments for hip arthritis including anterior hip replacement surgery in Raleigh, Garner, Cary, NC. Dr. McNabb also provides highly specialized care during and after the surgery. Contact Dr. McNabb’s team for an appointment today!
What is Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement Surgery?
Direct anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive hip surgery to replace the hip joint without cutting through any muscles or tendons.
Anterior Hip Replacement Procedure
Anterior hip replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. You will lie down on your back, on a special operating table that enables your surgeon to perform the surgery from the front of the hip. Dr. McNabb uses fluoroscopic imaging during the surgery to ensure the accuracy of component positioning and to minimize leg length inequality.
The muscles are pushed aside to gain access to the joint and perform the replacement. Next, the femur is separated from the acetabular socket. The acetabular surface is prepared using a special instrument called a reamer. The acetabular component placed. Then a liner made of plastic is placed inside the acetabular component.
The femoral head that is worn out is removed and the femur is prepared using special instruments so that the new metal component fits the bone properly. Then, the new femoral component is inserted into the femur typically by a press fit. The femoral head component made typically of ceramic is then placed on the femoral stem.
Once the artificial components are fixed in place, the hip is relocated, the instruments are withdrawn and incision is closed and covered with a sterile dressing.
Risks and Complications of Anterior Hip Replacement
All surgeries carry an element of risk, whether it is related to the anesthesia or the procedure itself. Risks and complications with anterior hip replacement are rare, but can occur and may include:
- Infection
- Dislocation
- Leg length inequality
- Injury to nerves or blood vessels
- Formation of blood clots in the leg veins or lungs
- Fracture of the femur or pelvis
- Wearing out of the hip prosthesis
- Failure to relieve pain
- Scar formation resulting in stiffness
Post-operative Care for Anterior Hip Replacement
After traditional hip replacement surgery, you would be instructed to follow precautions to prevent your new hip from dislocating. These guidelines are very restrictive and include:
- Avoid the combined movement of bending your hip past 90 degrees
- Keep a pillow between your legs while sleeping for 6 weeks
- Do not cross your legs
- Avoid sitting on a low chair to avoid excessive flexion of your hip
- Avoid getting the foot of your operated leg too far behind you
With the anterior approach, you will be given specific instructions to be followed at home to promote a fast recovery. These include:
- Take medications as prescribed to relieve pain and prevent infection.
- Participate in physical therapy to restore hip function and strength.
- Eat a healthy diet and do not smoke to facilitate healing and promote a faster recovery.
- Contact your doctor if you observe increasing swelling or redness in the operated area.
If you would like to have additional information on the treatment of hip arthritis or would like to learn more about anterior hip replacement surgery, please contact Dr. McNabb, serving the communities of Raleigh, Garner, Cary, NC.
