Anterior hip replacement
Anterior hip replacement in Pearland and Houston
Is hip replacement right for you?
Hip replacement may be worth considering if:
- Pain in your hip or groin makes it difficult to walk, climb stairs, or put on shoes and socks.
- Hip pain regularly interrupts your sleep.
- Exercise, anti-inflammatory medication, or injections no longer provide enough relief.
- X-rays show significant joint damage, most often from osteoarthritis.
X-rays alone do not determine whether you need surgery. The decision is one we make together, based on how much your hip limits your daily life and what you hope to get back to. If you are not sure you are ready, we can start with treatments that do not involve surgery.
How the anterior approach works
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint: the ball at the top of the thigh bone (the femoral head) fits into a cup-shaped socket in the pelvis (the acetabulum). Both surfaces are covered with smooth cartilage that allows them to glide. In arthritis, that cartilage gradually wears away until bone rubs against bone, causing pain, stiffness, and loss of motion.
In an anterior hip replacement, we make an incision on the front of the hip and use a muscle-sparing approach that allows for a quicker recovery. We then remove the worn femoral head, line the socket with a new metal cup and liner, and place a new ball and stem in the thigh bone.
Why anterior
Potential benefits
- Muscle-sparing approach
- Many patients experience less pain and walk more comfortably during the first few weeks.
- Because you lie on your back during surgery, it is easier to check leg length and implant position while the operation is under way.
- After surgery, you are not given a list of restricted positions or activities.
Research shows that by about one year after surgery, outcomes are generally similar among the common surgical approaches. The most noticeable differences tend to appear during the first several weeks of recovery.
Surgery day
What to expect on the day of surgery
Check-in. You will meet your nurse and anesthesia team, who will review your health history and answer any last questions.
Anesthesia. You will receive a spinal block, which numbs your body from the waist down, along with light general anesthesia so that you sleep comfortably throughout the procedure.
Surgery. The operation itself typically takes about one to two hours.
Recovery room. As you wake up, your care team monitors your pain level and vital signs.
First steps. Most patients stand and walk with assistance on the day of surgery, and most go home the same day.
Risks
Understanding the risks
Every surgery carries some risk. Serious complications are uncommon, but it is important to understand them before you decide:
- Infection
- Blood clots in the legs or lungs
- Dislocation, in which the new ball slips out of the socket
- A difference in leg length
- Numbness of the skin on the outer thigh, which is common after the anterior approach and often improves over time
- A fracture of the bone during surgery, which is rare
Your surgeon will review your individual risk factors with you and discuss steps you can take to reduce them.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How long does a hip replacement last?
Many hip replacements last 20 years or longer. Longevity depends on factors such as your age, weight, bone quality, and activity level.
Will I need a walker?
Most patients use a walker or cane for a short period after surgery and transition to walking independently as their strength and balance return.
When can I drive?
Typically about two weeks after a left hip replacement and about four weeks after a right hip replacement. You should also be off opioid pain medication and able to move your leg quickly enough to brake safely.
Do I need antibiotics before dental work?
Yes, for the first year after your hip replacement. Take an antibiotic before any dental procedure during that year; after one year, it is no longer necessary.
Will my new hip set off metal detectors?
It may. Let the security officer know that you have a joint replacement.
Ready to talk about your hip or knee?
Book online or call to see Chibuzo Akalonu, MD at the Pearland or Houston office.