Why the Anterior Approach?

Anterior hip replacement is a minimally invasive technique that can be used to achieve the same results as a traditional hip replacement procedure: to replace the worn ends of the bones in the hip joint. The direct anterior approach is not widely used yet, but for an experienced orthopedic surgeon it can offer many advantages over traditional approaches.

The difference is how the surgeon opens the body to reach the hip joint. With the direct anterior approach, your specially trained surgeon is able to replace your painful hip through a natural space between the muscles of the anterior (front) portion of your hip, rather than the traditional approach of making the incision on the posterior (back) side.

The traditional posterior approach has the potential of damaging the muscles that make up the primary support system for the joint. In contrast, the direct anterior approach involves a smaller incision, no detaching of muscles or tendons, improved component positioning, equal leg lengths, decreased dislocation rates, and decreased patient hospital stays.

Learn more about your diagnosis, or your treatment options.

After many years of right hip pain, I noticed a decline in my mobility when I began falling while performing everyday activities like mowing the grass or going on a walk. My doctor recommended physical therapy, which did not help. I then sought the advice of an orthopedic specialist who gave me a cortisone injection. Unfortunately, this did not provide any relief either. Eventually, I ended up having an MRI to examine my hip and was told that a full tear in my gluteus minimus had been the source of my pain for all these years! The orthopedic specialist advised that the tear could not be fixed and that I would need to rely on a cane for the rest of my life. At 62 years old, this was not an acceptable answer to me, so I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Thomas Ellis at Orthopedic ONE for a second opinion. After a successful surgical repair on Feb 13, 2017, my recovery is right on schedule according to Dr Ellis, Tiffany his Physician Assistant and Dave Kohlrieser my Physical Therapist. After years of restless nights, I can now sleep soundly without pain. In addition to my physical therapy sessions, walking in the pool at the Grove City YMCA has been a great way to build strength in my leg. I hope to give up my cane within the next few weeks and ride my bicycle by the end of the summer!

Thanks to Dr Ellis and the staff at Orthopedic ONE for giving me my active life back!!

Monica Walter

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Last December, I received a total hip replacement from Dr. Ellis using the Anterior Approach. His surgical skill, bedside manner and methodology are all excellent and have led to a very successful outcome for me. Before my procedure, we made a plan to ensure that my recovery went as smooth as possible. For the first 6 weeks, I was told to take it fairly easy while performing the prescribed exercises and using ice to prevent swelling. At 3 to 4 weeks post op, I was doing light biking and was able to walk with the assistance of a cane. By 6 weeks after my surgery, I was riding the stationary bike and walking, which then progressed to more challenging exercises which I still do to this day. Once I had reached the two months post surgery mark, I was able to carefully hike in the mountains, hit the elliptical fairly hard, complete a full yoga class and workout like I did prior to the surgery. I only experienced slight pain the evening of my surgery and I have had no real pain since. I sleep better, walk better and played my first 9 holes of golf this week! Thank you Dr. Ellis and staff for giving me my good heath back and allowing me to do the things I want to do in life!

Carl Dipman

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