Anterior Hip Replacement

As the premier orthopedic and neurosurgical providers for Vancouver, Portland, Lake Oswego, and the surrounding areas for over 50 years, Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery offers exceptional hip joint care from our fellowship-trained, board-certified hip doctors so you can rebound.

Hip replacement surgery is a highly effective treatment option for many patients with severe hip pain due to arthritis, an injury that has damaged the femur (thighbone), or another hip joint condition. After hip replacement, patients often are able to stay more active and enjoy a better overall quality of life.

Types of Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip replacement, or hip arthroplasty, can be performed in several ways. Here are the most common:

  • Anterior: An anterior approach means the surgery is done from the front (anterior) of the hip. 
  • Posterior: A posterior approach is when the incision is made at the back (posterior) of the hip, near the buttocks. 
  • Lateral: A lateral or anterolateral approach is when a total hip replacement is performed through the side of the joint.
  • Combination: A combination of approaches or a two-incision approach.

All total hip replacements, regardless of where the incisions are made, involve replacing the top of the femur and the socket of the pelvis called the acetabulum.

The reasons why the femur or acetabulum become damaged range from the effects of arthritis to an overuse or sports injury.

More About Anterior Hip Replacement

The anterior method for hip replacement is a minimally invasive, muscle-sparing approach, where the surgeon goes through the front of the hip joint. 

Since the front of the hip has fewer muscles, a surgeon can avoid cutting or detaching major muscles when using the anterior approach. They can instead work between the muscles to replace the hip joint. The anterior approach also allows surgeons to make smaller incisions using specialized tools.

Because the anterior approach is minimally invasive, the rehabilitation and recovery post-operatively may go faster and better compared to that of the posterior hip replacement, since no muscles are cut. However, each patient is different, and there are no guarantees that a hip replacement using an anterior approach will have a faster post-surgical recovery.

As with any hip replacement, there are hip precautions to be aware of post-surgery, including dislocation. While the anterior method has a lower risk of dislocation due to its muscle-sparing approach, it is still possible. It is also important to note that a second surgery, known as a revision surgery, may be needed if the artificial joint reaches the end of its expected lifespan (15 – 20 years) or if there is an infection or issue with the implant.

When Is It Time to Consult With a Hip Replacement Surgeon?

Always share details of your hip pain and symptoms with your surgeon, such as if you are experiencing one or more of the following:

  • Bone-on-bone sensations
  • Difficulty sleeping because of hip pain
  • Hip feels unstable, or you have concerns of falling
  • Leg appears shorter on one side (a sign of dislocation)
  • Nonsurgical therapies have become ineffective
  • Reduced range of motion

If you are experiencing any of the above, you could have one of the following conditions, which may require hip replacement surgery:

  • Arthritis, including osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
  • Avascular necrosis
  • Fracture, such as an acetabular fracture
  • Sports medicine injury

Our anterior hip replacement specialists understand hip joint pain can impact your lifestyle and keep you from living the life you love. To discuss anterior hip replacement or other options, schedule a consultation with one of our total hip replacement experts by calling 1-800-REBOUND or requesting an appointment online. Our anterior approach specialists are available at Vancouver, Rose Quarter, Salmon Creek, and Camas.

The Region's Most Preferred Total Hip Replacement Care in Vancouver & Portland 

At Rebound Orthopedics & Neurosurgery, our doctors and staff put patients first and are dedicated to providing compassionate, quality orthopedic care.

Several of our fellowship-trained, board-certified joint replacement surgeons, Todd A. Borus, M.D., M. Robson Fraser, M.D., and Stephen R. Southerland, M.D., are experts in the anterior approach, having performed hundreds of direct anterior total hip replacements. Our orthopedic surgeons will always exhaust all conservative treatment options first before suggesting a surgical approach. If a direct anterior hip replacement is right for you, our orthopedic surgeons have vast experience performing this surgical approach.

To help facilitate a full and rapid recovery, our anterior approach experts take a team approach when it comes to patient-centered care, working in conjunction with our physical therapy team. Our ultimate goal is to provide an effective rehabilitation plan that is focused on your individual needs to help you resume a pain-free lifestyle.

If you're ready to discuss your hip problem or anterior hip replacement with one of our specialty-trained hip surgeons, visit us in Vancouver at our Vancouver, Salmon Creek, or Camas locations or in Portland at our Rose Quarter location. You can request an appointment online or call us at 1-800-REBOUND.