Anterior Hip Replacement
The Center for Joint Health at Griffin Hospital is advancing care as one of the leading centers in the region performing anterior hip replacement surgery. The minimally invasive anterior hip replacement approach spares more healthy muscle and tissue and returns patients to their previous quality of life more quickly than traditional hip replacement surgery.
About the Anterior Hip Replacement Approach
In a traditional hip replacement surgery, the surgeon operates from the side (lateral) or the back (posterior) of the hip. These techniques require a large incision of 8-12 inches long, which injures the muscle and tissue surrounding the joint.
For the anterior hip replacement approach, the surgeon makes a smaller 3-4 inch incision at the front of the hip. Instead of cutting or detaching muscles from the bone, the surgeon replaces the hip by gently moving muscles along their natural tissue plane. This makes the direct anterior approach a “muscle-sparing” technique as opposed to other methods that require cutting through or splitting muscle. This minimally invasive technique allows the surgeon to perform the hip replacement surgery without disturbing the surrounding tissue and muscles. Because those muscles aren’t disturbed, the new joint can function more normally.
The Benefits of Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery
As a minimally invasive surgical technique, anterior hip replacement surgery offers patients several benefits over traditional hip replacement surgery, including:
- Reduced time in surgery, a shorter stay in the hospital, less rehabilitation time and less pain after surgery
- A smaller, more precise incision with less impact and scarring to healthy tissue
- Decreased risk of additional complications after surgery, including hip dislocation
- A more natural return to normal function and activity
Learn How Lisa Returned to Kick-Boxing, Exercising, and Hiking with Friends
Find Out How Jerry Has “More Fun Playing Without Pain”
Our Experienced Anterior Hip Surgeon
The benefits of minimally invasive anterior hip replacement are well-known, however the surgical technique is not widely practiced in the United States. The approach requires years of specialized training and investment in advanced surgical equipment to offer this superior surgical care to their patients.
Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Phillip Minotti is a regional leader in performing complex orthopedic surgery, including the anterior hip approach. Dr. Minotti is board-certified and fellowship-trained in orthopedic surgery. He believes that surgery is always the last option and keeping you out of the operating room is as important as doing quality work in the operating room. Dr. Minotti specializes in minimally-invasive procedures because he enjoys seeing patients recover quickly and get back to the activities they love.
The Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery Does Not Cut Muscle
Patient Care Navigation
Even with the most caring and attentive doctors and staff, it’s not easy to manage everything that’s going on, but having someone on your side, helping you navigate the course of your care and treatment, can make things a little easier.
Our Patient Care Navigator is an experienced nurse who knows all about orthopaedic care and does everything possible to make your diagnosis and treatment understandable and less stressful. She is committed to helping you navigate all aspects of your care.
Hi there! My name’s Amy Gagne.
I’m your Orthopedic Care Specialist. I’m here to help guide you through this process – if you have any questions, send me an email or call 203-732-7524.
Join Us for a Free Seminar!
The Griffin Health Center for Joint Health offers free presentations at Griffin Hospital to help individuals understand minimally invasive hip replacement surgery.
Orthopedic Surgeon Philip Minotti, MD, discusses the advanced direct anterior approach for hip replacement, which offers important advantages over standard surgical procedures. Direct anterior hip replacement patients generally experience less pain along with a shorter length of stay in the hospital and faster recovery.
Dr. Minotti will be available at the end of the presentation to answer any questions from attendees.
See the upcoming presentations below. For more information or to reserve your spot, call Griffin Hospital Orthopaedic Care Specialist Amy Gagne at 203-732-7524.