Anterior Hip Replacement
A new Approach to Hip Replacement
The talented surgeons at Watertown Regional Medical center are taking a new approach — literally — to hip replacement surgery that results in less pain, a smaller incision, less scarring, reduced risk for complications, and a much faster return to the activities you love.
What is Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery?
With anterior hip replacement, our surgeons reach your hip joint from the front, rather than the side (lateral) or the back (posterior), which for years have been the traditional points of entry. In an anterior approach, the surgeon is able to reach your hip without damaging muscles. The most important muscles for hip function, the gluteal muscles that attach to your pelvis and femur, are left undisturbed, so no healing of muscles is required. Often, you can bend your hip and bear full weight immediately or very soon after surgery. And you can return to full function in a matter of weeks rather than months.