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Anterior Hip Resurfacing

The direct anterior approach to Hip Resurfacing is one of the minimally invasive techniques used in hip resurfacing surgery. Continuing orthopedic experience suggests that this procedure may offer several advantages over the more traditional surgical approaches to hip resurfacing. Traditional hip resurfacing techniques involve operating from the side (lateral) or the back (posterior) of the hip, which requires a significant disturbance of the joint and connecting tissues and an incision approximately 8-12 inches long. In comparison, the direct anterior approach hip resurfacing requires an incision that is only 3-4 inches in length and located at the front of the hip. In this position, the surgeon does not need to detach any of the muscles or tendons. This may allow for a more natural return to normal function and activity. The smaller incision and reduced disruption indicate that patients may also have a shorter recovery time and less scarring. With this approach and the minimization of the tissue damage, there may also be less blood loss, less time in surgery, and reduced post-operative pain. Some physicians use a special operating room table to help achieve an optimized surgical position for the patient.

The benefits of resurfacing techniques and implants are clear. The implant's head size, its bearing surfaces, and its bone-spring technique make it a preferred choice for young and more active patients having osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis of hip joint. The above mentioned three key advantages set the resurfacing technique and implant apart from its total hip replacement counterpart. Hip resurfacing preserves the femoral head and the femoral neck. During the procedure, your surgeon will only remove a few centimeters of bone around the femoral head, shaping it to fit tightly inside the femoral head implant. Your surgeon will also prepare the acetabulum for the metal cup that will form the socket joint. While the resurfacing component slides over the top of the femoral head like a tooth cap, the acetabular component is pressed into place much like a total hip replacement would be.