Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
Anterior Hip Replacement Surgeon in Colorado Springs
Medical conditions such as arthritis can damage or wear out the articular cartilage covering the hip joint surface and cause inflammation and severe pain in the hip. The condition can be treated by replacing the hip joint through surgery. Eric K. Jepson, DO provides expert diagnosis and treatments for hip arthritis including anterior hip replacement surgery in Colorado Springs. Eric K. Jepson, DO also provides highly specialized care during and after the surgery. Contact Dr. Jepson's team for an appointment today!
What is Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement Surgery?
Direct anterior hip replacement, also called direct anterior total hip arthroplasty, is a minimally invasive hip surgery to replace the hip joint without cutting through any muscles or tendons as against traditional hip replacement that involves cutting major muscles to access the hip joint.
What is the Procedure for Anterior Hip Replacement?
Anterior hip replacement surgery is performed under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. You will lie down on your back, on a special operating table that enables your surgeon to perform the surgery from the front of the hip. Your surgeon may use fluoroscopic imaging during the surgery to ensure the accuracy of component positioning and to minimize leg length inequality.
Your surgeon will make an incision, about 3-4 inches long on the front of the hip. The muscles are pushed aside to gain access to the joint and perform the replacement. Next, the femur is separated from the acetabular socket. The acetabular surface is prepared using a special instrument called a reamer. The acetabular component is cemented or fixed with screws into the socket. Then a liner made up of plastic, metal, or ceramic is placed inside the acetabular component.
The femoral head that is worn out is cut off and the femur is prepared using special instruments so that the new metal component fits the bone properly. Then, the new femoral component is inserted into the femur either by a press fit or by using special bone cement. The femoral head component made of ceramic or metal is then placed on the femoral stem.
Once the artificial components are fixed in place, the instruments are withdrawn and incisions are closed with sutures and covered with a sterile dressing.
What are the Risks and Complications of Anterior Hip Replacement?
All surgeries carry an element of risk, whether it is related to the anesthesia or the procedure itself. Risks and complications with anterior hip replacement are rare, but can occur and may include:
- Infection at the incision site or joint space
- Fracture
- Nerve damage
- Hemarthrosis - excess bleeding into the joint after the surgery
- Deep vein thrombosis (blood clot)
- Leg length inequality
What Does Postoperative Care for Anterior Hip Replacement Involve?
Post surgery, your doctor will give you specific instructions to be followed at home for a faster recovery. These include:
- Take medications as prescribed to relieve pain and prevent infection.
- Participate in physical therapy to restore hip function and strength.
- Eat a healthy diet and do not smoke to facilitate healing and promote a faster recovery.
- Contact your doctor if you observe increasing swelling or redness in the operated area.
After traditional hip replacement surgery, you would be instructed to follow precautions to prevent your new hip from dislocating. These guidelines are very restrictive and include:
- No bending or flexing of the hip past 90 degrees.
- No crossing of legs.
- Use a pillow between the legs when sleeping.
- Use an elevated toilet seat.
As anterior hip replacement uses a muscle-sparing technique there is increased joint stability after surgery and in most cases, these precautions are not needed.
What are the Advantages of Anterior Hip Replacement?
The advantages of anterior hip replacement include:
- Smaller incisions
- Shorter operative time
- Minimal blood loss
- Short hospital stay
- Less postoperative pain
- Minimal soft-tissue trauma
- Less scarring
- Quicker recovery
- Early mobilization
- Less postoperative restrictions
- Quicker return to normal activities
- Lower risk of dislocation
Why Choose Dr. Jepson for Direct Anterior Hip Replacement in Colorado Springs, CO?
- Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon: Dr. Jepson is certified by the American Osteopathic Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.
- Fellowship-trained joint replacement specialist: He completed advanced training in total joint arthroplasty at the Florida Orthopaedic Institute.
- Focused hip and knee experience: His clinical interests include total joint replacement, complex hip and knee problems, revision surgery and arthritis management.
- Individualized treatment recommendations: Dr. Jepson evaluates each patient’s anatomy, joint damage, health and lifestyle before recommending a surgical approach.
- Patient-centered communication: He encourages questions and explains the available treatments, potential benefits and surgical risks.
- Comprehensive support: Patients receive coordinated guidance throughout preparation, surgery and postoperative rehabilitation.
Direct Anterior Hip Replacement FAQs
Candidates may include people with advanced hip arthritis who have persistent pain, stiffness or reduced mobility despite nonsurgical treatment. Suitability depends on anatomy, bone quality, body composition, previous hip surgery and overall health. An in-person evaluation is required to select the most appropriate approach.
Potential benefits may include less muscle disruption, a smaller incision, earlier mobility and fewer initial movement restrictions for some patients. Individual outcomes vary, and no single surgical approach is best for everyone. Safe implant positioning and appropriate patient selection remain important considerations.
Many patients begin standing and walking with assistance on the day of surgery or shortly afterward. A physical therapist can provide instructions on safe movement and the temporary use of a walker or cane. Mobility recommendations depend on the procedure and the patient’s progress.
Patients may gradually return to routine activities over several weeks, although complete recovery can take several months. Age, general health, physical condition and adherence to rehabilitation instructions can affect the timeline. Dr. Jepson’s team will provide personalized activity guidance during follow-up visits.
Possible risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, fracture, dislocation, implant loosening or malposition, leg-length differences and injury to nearby nerves or blood vessels. The anterior approach may also cause temporary numbness around the incision. Dr. Jepson will discuss the risks relevant to your condition before surgery.
Schedule an Anterior Hip Replacement Consultation in Colorado Springs
If hip arthritis is making it difficult to walk, work or enjoy everyday activities, schedule a consultation with Dr. Eric K. Jepson at Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group. He can evaluate your symptoms, review nonsurgical and surgical options and determine whether direct anterior hip replacement may be suitable for you. Contact CSOG to request an appointment at its North or South Campus for specialized hip replacement care in Colorado Springs, CO, and surrounding Southern Colorado communities.
