Anterior Versus Posterior Hip Replacement

Anterior hip replacement surgery is the new less invasive procedure but fewer physicians perform this surgery.

Anterior versus posterior hip replacement.

The anterior approach to doing a total hip replacement has been gaining popularity in the us over the last ten years. In a posterior hip replacement the procedure is done on the side of the hip. In a posterior approach the incision is made through the back of the hip while you re on your side. It is a technique that patients seek out for several reasons.

When it comes to total hip replacements thr there is a lot of debate about the relative risks and benefits between two popular surgical techniques the anterior approach versus the posterior approach. This approach is considered the traditional tried and true method. They generally feel like it is a less painful technique allows earlier rehab and has fewer restrictions than the. This incision typically starts at the top of the pelvic bone iliac crest and extends down toward the top of the thigh.

Anterior hip replacement surgery uses an incision at the front of the hip. During this traditional approach the orthopedic surgeon makes an 8 10 inch while you lie on your side. Posterior hip replacement surgery uses a curved incision on the side and back of the hip. The anterior approach through the front of the hip has been utilized as long as the posterior approach but its popularity has grown in the us over the past 10 15 years.

A study presented in march 2016 at the american academy of orthopaedic surgeons annual meeting found that as long as a surgeon is accomplished in a given technique or approach there is no meaningful difference in outcome for the patient. The first total hip replacement or thr occurred in 1969 in the u s. Anterior total hip replacement when a patient has arthritis of the hip the underlying bone develops spurs and irregularities which can cause pain and loss of motion. The most commonly utilized total hip replacement is the posterior approach through the back of the hip which has been performed successfully for decades.

Less commonly the incision is made horizontally. The big difference in anterior vs posterior hip replacement is primarily where the incision is made and how long it is. Since then over 200 000 operations are performed yearly. In an anterior approach the replacement is done through the front while you lay on your back.

Traditionally surgeons perform hip replacement surgery by making an incision behind posterior approach or on the side lateral approach of your hip. Since about 1980 it s become more common.