Direct Anterior Total Hip Replacement In Moultrie Georgia

 

Orthopedic surgeons perform total hip replacement surgery through different approaches, such as posterior, lateral, anterolateral, and direct anterior approach. A 2018 study shows that the direct anterior approach offers many benefits over traditional methods for total hip replacement due to natural intramuscular and intra-nervous intervals.  Direct anterior total hip arthroplasty has been around for some years. However, it has recently come back in favor, becoming a staple of orthopedic joint replacement training. This fact has led to  this surgical method being the preferred technique performed by Dr. Franky Davis. The procedure involves making a small incision in front of the hip to remove the damaged bone and cartilage.  The anterior total hip arthroplasty approach spares the surrounding muscles, tendons, and tissues, allowing Dr. Davis to implant an artificial hip accurately and effectively. Direct anterior arthroplasty is a minimally invasive surgery, minimizing blood loss and scar size. Also, the procedure contributes to shorter hospital stays, and fast rehabilitation. Read on! 

How Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty Works? 

While the anterior approach is becoming more common, it is still not the mainstay for joint replacement. It offers many advantages to patients seeking hip replacement surgery. Dr. Davis is a qualified and licensed orthopedic surgeon with comfort and skill in performing direct anterior total hip arthroplasty.  Traditional hip replacement surgeries require the surgeon to make a 15cm to 20cm incision. However, during the direct anterior incision, the surgeon is able to limit the incision to around of 10cm in length to access the hip joint.  Dr. Davis recommends the anterior approach because it does not damage the surrounding muscles, tissues, and nerves. It minimizes risk of complications, such as intraoperative fracture, blood loss, leg length discrepancy, deep implant infection, and wound drainage.  During the surgery, Dr. Davis removes the damaged femoral head and cartilage from the hip socket. He then replaces the femoral head with a ceramic or metal ball. Dr. Davis inserts a high-quality metallic stem into the thighbone to secure and fix the metal or ceramic ball. Following this, he will replace the socket with a medical grade plastic liner by fixing it into a metal shell, leading to an artificial ball-and-socket structure that creates a cushioning effect in the patient’s hip without causing discomfort or pain.  Because the direct anterior results in less soft tissue trauma, patients are able to make rapid strides in their rehabilitation quickly. Patients who undergo this procedure can return to their day-to-day life within a few weeks after completing the rehabilitation period that involves an expeditious course to regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in the hip joint. 

Benefits of Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty 

A 2015 systematic review study highlights that direct anterior arthroplasty is an effective procedure for patients with deformed and painful hip joints.  It can also treat hip disability and pain resulting from osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. The study shows that anterior arthroplasty relieves pain, restores hip function, and improves life quality.  Another study shows that the direct anterior approach for total hip replacement spares soft structures in the hip region, including muscles, tissues, tendons, and nerves, leading to fewer complications, specifically dislocation, than other methods. Dr. Davis does not perform the lateral hip arthroplasty because it involves the inevitable damage to the abductor musculature, responsible for preventing a “limp”. A 2014 study highlights that the lateral approach can lead to prolonged hospitalizations and cause functional rehabilitation complications, especially in the early postoperative period. Additionally, it increases the risk of “limp”. The direct anterior total hip approach minimizes the risk of limp following recovery. Another research study shows that the direct anterior approach does not involve laceration of hip muscles, such as medius and gluteus minimus, leading to shorter hospitalization and faster functional recovery than other techniques.  Although the direct anterior approach is appropriate for primary joint replacement, research shows that this method is beneficial for bipolar hemiarthroplasty for hip joint fractures and complex revision surgery as well. If you or your family member are in this circumstance, Dr. Davis will be able to offer this approach to resolve the problem at hand.  Dr. Davis follows all necessary medical standards and protocols to perform a successful direct anterior arthroplasty. As a result, the patient can return to his daily activities, like walking, running, hiking, biking, etc. Moreover, the procedure reduces the risk of other chronic disorders. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, people who undergo hip arthroplasty have reduced chances of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and mental health conditions than those who undergo conservative treatment options, such as medications, epidural injections, physical therapy, supplements, etc. 

Final Words 

Many people with hip joint conditions, like arthritis, undergo conservative treatments, such as physical therapy, steroid injections, and anti-inflammatory drugs. Although these treatment options can help, if your pain persists for more than 6-8 weeks, it is time to consult Dr. Davis, a licensed, qualified, and skilled orthopedic surgeon. Dr. Davis specializes in direct anterior total hip arthroplasty. Contact us to schedule your evaluation and procedure today!