Introduction to Mini Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery

The anterior approach for total hip replacement surgery has recently emerged as a more feasible alternative to much popular posterior method. Although it was being used to some degree since 1980s, new techniques making it viable using small incision has made it more sought after.

Also known as mini anterior hip replacement surgery , this procedure requires the surgeon to make a 4 inch long incision through the front part of the leg instead of back. It is possible to reach the joint through front entry by separating instead of cutting and then rejoining the muscles. The recovery period and hospital stay is also shorter for the patients undergoing mini anterior hip replacement surgery. The reason is less muscular damage. It is also possible to measure the leg length and implant position through anterior approach. 

As the nature of approach is different, there are lesser but entirely different precautions to be taken to avoid dislocation, which is more common with the posterior approach.

The mini anterior hip replacement surgery gives a better view of hip socket  and retains all muscles. Fluroscopy is needed and no specific implant is required in this procedure. Moreover, patients undergoing mini anterior hip replacement surgery recover faster and have to stay in hospital for a shorter duration compared to other techniques. 

There are some risks and complications involved in mini anterior hip replacement surgery. Patients undergoing this procedure are at higher risk of getting femoral and ankle fractures if the special operating table required is used. Moreover, it involves subsequent complications such as numbness, burning sensation or tingling along the thigh usually referred as lateral femoral-cutaneous nerve damage. The procedure is not recommended for patients who already have metal implants in the hip from prior surgery, have a wide pelvis, are muscular or who are excessively overweight. 

About Fortis Healthcare

Fortis Healthcare is the best hospital offering high quality and affordable total hip replacement  surgery. We are leading group of hospitals in India offering world class medical facilities backed by experienced doctors and cutting edge technology. Fortis offers centers of excellence for cardiac sciences, bone and joint, neuro sciences, renal sciences, gastro sciences, organ transplants and critical care.