What Is Anterior Hip Replacement
The goal is to replace the affected or damaged hip joint with an artificial one. While there are many techniques, Dr. Ihekweazu prefers the direct anterior technique, which avoids cutting muscles. Unlike traditional hip replacement, which requires extensive muscle disruption, this method gently moves the muscles aside, minimizing collateral damage. Your muscles and surrounding tissues are spared, allowing for a more speedy recovery.
As a surgeon performing anterior hip replacement surgery in Houston, Dr. Ihekweazu gently moves the muscles aside to access the joint and after placing the prostheses, moves the patient’s muscles back into their original position.
Candidates for Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery in Houston, TX
As an expert hip surgeon, Dr. Ihekweazu and our team will determine the best approach for each patient after evaluating your case. Most patients are good candidates for this anterior hip replacement. However, certain people are not well-suited or may require longer incisions. During your initial consultation and assessment, Dr. Ihekweazu will examine your hip joint and perform imaging tests to establish your eligibility for the anterior approach.
Benefits of the Surgery
This technique is beneficial in several ways, including:
- Reduced muscle damage: During this procedure, Dr. Ihekweazu will not cut through the muscles. Instead, he will move them aside gently in order to replace the hip joint. This prevents any collateral damage to your muscles and soft tissues.
- Less postoperative pain: The incision made is smaller than other techniques, which helps minimize postoperative pain and other complications.
- Faster recovery: Most patients in Houston who undergo anterior hip replacement surgery report faster recovery compared to traditional one.
- Low risk of hip dislocation: This avoids disrupting the muscles and surrounding soft tissues, drastically reducing the risk of hip dislocation and the need for “Hip Precautions”.
Procedure of Anterior Hip Replacement
Before the surgery, you will go through a detailed medical evaluation. As a expert anterior hip replacement surgeon performing the operation in Houston at the renowned Texas Orthopedic Hospital, Dr. Ihekweazu and anesthesiology team will decide whether you will need spinal or general anesthesia during surgery. The operation typically lasts for 1.5 hours. The experienced anesthesiology team will monitor your vitals throughout.
An incision of about 10 cm will be made, and the muscles surrounding your hip joint will be gently separated. The damaged bone and cartilage will be removed and prepared for the prosthesis, which will then be securely placed and tested for proper mobility. After closing the incision, you will be moved to the recovery room.
Recovery After Surgery
You may need to stay in the recovery room for a few hours after surgery. Our experienced Post-Anesthesia care team will monitor your progress and provide complete guidelines for at-home care. All patients are able to walk with a walker the same day and the vast majority usually go home the same day (unless they are coming from out of town).
Post-surgical care also includes a rehabilitation program. It is a combination of medications, a home exercise program, and other strategies to aid your recovery process and help you get back to your routine life. Initial recovery takes roughly a month and at 2-3 months post-op, Dr. Ihekweazu will clear you for all activities. Complete recovery usually takes up to 2 years, which is when most patients have long returned to a fit and active lifestyle.
Patient testimonials
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does anterior hip replacement cost in Houston, TX?
Cost depends on your insurance plan, hospital facility fees, implant selection, and anesthesia. Most major plans cover medically necessary hip replacement. Our Houston team verifies your benefits and provides a written estimate before your surgery is scheduled.
How long does anterior hip replacement surgery take?
The procedure typically lasts about ninety minutes at Texas Orthopedic Hospital. You remain in the recovery room for a few hours afterward. Nearly all patients walk the same day, and most go home the same day.
How soon can I return to work after anterior hip replacement?
Most Houston patients return to desk work within two to four weeks. Physically demanding jobs usually require six to eight weeks. Dr. Ihekweazu clears patients for unrestricted activity around two to three months after surgery.
Do I need hip precautions after the anterior approach?
Usually not. Because the muscles are moved aside rather than cut, dislocation risk drops sharply and most patients avoid traditional hip precautions. You can bend, sit, and sleep comfortably soon after surgery.
How large is the incision for anterior hip replacement?
The incision measures roughly ten centimeters and sits at the front of the thigh. Since no muscle is detached, soft tissue trauma stays low, which means less pain and faster walking.
Schedule An Appointment
If you’re seeking a highly acclaimed orthopedic surgeon for anterior hip replacement surgery in Houston, please call (713) 799-2300 to book a consultation.