Traditionally, total hip replacement procedures have resulted in relief from arthritis pain. Unfortunately, lengthy recovery times and numerous post-surgery precautions, including limitations on how far the hip can bend, have been part of the package. Today, Inova is pleased to offer several alternative approaches to best fit each unique patient's situation and offer maximum quality of life benefits.
Direct Anterior Total Hip Replacement
The anterior approach to hip replacement allows the surgeon to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip as opposed to the lateral (side) or the posterior (back) approach. This way the hip can be replaced without detachment of muscle from the pelvis or femur during surgery. The surgeon can simply work through the natural interval between the muscles.
About 90 percent of patients who are candidates for total hip replacements are also candidates for the direct anterior procedure. Several Inova locations have made an investment in the specially-designed table required to perform this procedure.
Potential Advantages of Anterior Hip Replacement
- More rapid return to normal activities
- Reduced risk of dislocation
- More accurate leg length control
- More accurate implant positioning
- Less trauma to hip and leg muscles
- Shorter hospital stays
- Smaller incisions
- Quicker recovery
- Less pain
The hana® Surgical Table
The hana is a technologically advanced surgical table used to enhance success of hip replacment surgery done with the anterior approach.
By keeping the muscles intact, the anterior approach may allow for less pain, faster recovery, quicker stability and fewer post-operative restrictions. With a smaller incision and minimal muscle disruption, this type of joint replacement helps the patient heal within a few weeks instead of the traditional two- to four-month recovery.
“Direct anterior total hip replacement is a more modern technique, and what makes it better is that, instead of cutting the muscles, surgeons work between them,” says Michael Anvari, MD, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Inova Fairfax Hospital. “This results in less pain, faster recovery and a faster return to activities.”
Leaving the muscles intact also helps keep the hip joint more stable, which lessens the risk of dislocation. “And because the joint is more stable, traditional post-surgical precautions are not needed after surgery,” Dr. Anvari notes.
“This state-of-the-art table will change how hip replacements are performed,” said William Hamilton, MD, chairman, orthopedics, Inova Mount Vernon Hospital. “This anterior approach helps lessen pain and swelling, and helps the patient heal quickly. Patients who have had this procedure can walk the night of their surgery and usually leave the hospital the very next morning.”
Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement
The minimally invasive hip replacement procedures available at Inova offer multiple benefits. Not only is the procedure as effective as traditional hip surgery, but patients often experience less discomfort and a shorter recovery time.
Traditional hip replacement surgery requires a 10- to 12-inch incision. Minimally invasive hip replacement requires only a 3- to 6-inch incision.
Traditional hip replacement surgery requires a lengthy recovery and limitations on weight bearing. With minimally invasive surgery, patients often put full weight on their leg within 24 hours.
Your surgeon will discuss with you the appropriateness of minimally invasive surgery for your hip replacement.