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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My hip pain gradually worsened over the years. I went from walking every day to not doing much of anything due to the pain. Once I finally got up the nerve to see Dr. Ellis, the x-ray showed no cartilage in my left hip. Dr. Ellis suggested an anterior hip replacement. Everyone involved at the surgery center was very professional and personable. I limped into the surgery center at 5:30 a.m., my surgery was scheduled for 7:00 a.m. As I was wheeled into surgery the clock showed 7:02 p.m. I was awake in recovery by 9:40 a.m. The nurse had me walking the hallway and up and down stairs about 1:30 p.m. Then I walked out to the car at 2:00 p.m. It is like a miracle to walk with no pain. Don't let fear keep you from having this surgery. There are a few weeks of recovery-taking it easy and using the walker and then a cane. After that you are on your way to live your life! Thank you Dr. Ellis and all the people at Orthopedic ONE!!

Anonymous

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