Anterior Approach to Hip Surgery

Orthopedic Update: Anterior Approach Hip Replacement Surgery

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The anterior approach to total hip replacement has emerged as a practical alternative to the posterior approach that most surgeons still use. Although it has been in use to some degree since the 1980s, new instrumentation allowing it to be performed using smaller incisions has made it increasingly sought after.

Called the anterior hip replacement, this procedure involves the surgeon making a four-inch incision through the front of the leg, rather than the back (the entry point for the more conventional posterior hip replacement surgery). Frontal entry makes it possible to reach the joint by separating the muscles rather than cutting through them and reattaching them (used in the posterior approach). By keeping the muscles intact, the Anterior Approach may allow for less pain, faster recovery, quicker stability and fewer post-operative restrictions.

Although each patient responds differently, studies have shown the potential benefits of the Anterior Approach.

  • Accelerated recovery time is possible because key muscles are not detached during the operation.
  • Potential for fewer restrictions during recovery. This procedure seeks to help patients more freely bend their hip and bear their full weight immediately or soon after surgery.
  • Possible reduced scarring because the technique allows for one relatively small incision. Since the incision is on the front side of the leg, you may be spared from the pain of sitting on scar tissue.
  • Potential for stability of the implant sooner after surgery, resulting in part from the fact that they key muscles and tissues are not being disturbed during the operation.
  • The Anterior Approach requires less tissue disruption, which may lead to faster rehabilitation.

We have four physicians at Orthopedic Institute who perform the Anterior Approach to hip replacement.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Adler, McKenzie, Rothrock or Suga, please call 1-888-331-5890.

Michael J. Adler, MD

https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/staff/michael-j-adler/

Matthew J. McKenzie, MD

https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/staff/matthew-j-mckenzie/

Corey P. Rothrock, MD

https://orthopedicinstitutesf.com/staff/corey-p-rothrock/

Please check out this short video on the Anterior Approach to hip replacement.

http://www.hss.edu/no-index/animation-total-hip-replacement-anterior-approach.htm

4 Alternative Treatments That Our Doctors Love

4 Alternative Treatments Our Doctors Love

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Monitoring and managing your orthopedic health can sometimes make you feel helpless. After all, once you leave the doctor’s office, what can you do for yourself?

As it turns out, there are a variety of alternative treatments you can try out at home (or right here in our offices on your next visit) that may give you a more natural boost to your overall – and orthopedic – health.

Acupuncture

One such alternative treatment the doctors at Orthopedic Institute are big-time believers in is acupuncture. We’re so on board with it as a pain-management therapy that our very own Dr. Chang specializes in and administers it at our clinic. The benefits of acupuncture are plentiful, as it stimulates “meridians,” a.k.a. energy pathways, that modulate your neurology. It’s proven effective for treatment of illnesses such as restless leg syndrome, nausea and chronic pain or headaches.

Turmeric

Originating as a root vegetable, turmeric can be used in a nutritional sense in foods, mostly as seasoning in powdered or ground form. But it turns out it has a great deal of beneficial properties for your overall health, as well. Because of its natural oils, it has a positive effect in fighting inflammation at the joints and can ease the pain surrounding cramping, aches and pains. As far as natural anti-inflammatories go, it’s a top-notch option for those seeking alternative treatments.

Manuka Honey

Sourced from the nectar of plants found most commonly in the Southern Hemisphere, Manuka honey is sometimes used in foods but, like turmeric, can have highly positive effects on your wellbeing. Because of higher levels of enzymes than traditional honey, Manuka has a pain-relief factor when it comes to burns, wounds and ulcers, as well as the ability to assist in rebuilding cells and tissue following an infection.

Yoga

This is probably one that’s familiar to you already, but yoga continues to be one of the best, easiest ways to ease joint pain and build overall wellness. The practice has been known to limber your body to stave off injury and improve your musculature and balance. And this goes without saying, but it improves your flexibility, something that can make joint pain in your knees, shoulders and the like subside considerably over time. (And best of all, there are ample opportunities to join a local class or learn yoga from a friend or family member.)

Try it out

If you have questions, talk to one of our doctors next time you stop in—we’d be happy to walk you through your options when it comes to natural, alternative options for easing chronic pain, soreness and injury.

Understanding Arthritis (And What Your Options Are)

Understanding Arthritis (And What Your Options Are)

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There are nearly 40 million people in the United States affected by some form of arthritis.

Which means one very likely thing—odds are, you know someone with arthritis. You might even have it yourself. The unfortunate fact of the matter is, though, that a majority of Americans are ignorant to the true details of the disease until after they’re diagnosed. And this keeps them from taking the appropriate steps within their power to avoid the onset.

Read on to learn a bit more about the disease itself, in what forms it comes and what you can do to prevent it.

What are the symptoms?

Arthritis can be misdiagnosed and mistaken for other common aches and pains. While a majority of people will experience pain and stiffness regularly as they age, it’s when hands and knees become increasingly swollen and immobile when you should be concerned about arthritis.

How is it caused?

When inflammation develops in the tissue that lines your joints, these areas can become painful and stiff. Essentially, think of any place where two bones meet, like your elbows and knees – these are common areas to encounter arthritic symptoms.

What are the types of arthritis?

While there is a vast variety of types of arthritis – some even estimate it’s in the hundreds – most cases fall into three common types.

Osteoarthritis

More often than not, a person who contracts the disease will be suffering from this type of arthritis. It’s caused by general wear and tear that may include overuse of your joints or simply getting older. It can be injury-based (making it especially common in athletic or active people) or weight-based.

Where you see it: Most commonly found in weight-bearing joints, such as knees, hips and feet

How to detect it: This type of arthritis is accompanied by deep pain; difficulty with simply, everyday activities like getting dressed and crouching; and regular stiffness during the morning hours

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Not all forms of arthritis are caused by usage over time and aging. This type, in fact, is a disease related to your immune system in which, many believe, the body is attacked systematically and particularly in the joints. Some researchers have attributed this to the body merely confusing elements of its own systems for virus or disease and attacking itself.

Where you see it: Can be found in any joints throughout the body – it varies greatly from person to person

How to detect it: This type of arthritis is accompanied by symptoms similar to the ones found in osteoarthritis – just more intense, and, for joints that come in pairs, you’ll likely experience these symptoms in both (i.e., knees, elbows, etc.)

Psoriatic Arthritis

Sometimes inflammation of the skin and joints can cause arthritic conditions – and it’s the third-most-common form of the disease. Though borne out of psoriasis, only about 10-30 percent of people with psoriasis end up with related arthritis. Also, unlike the above types, it might just affect one or two joints, rather than most or all.

Where you see it: Most commonly found through swelling of the fingers and toes

How to detect it: This type of arthritis is accompanied by symptoms such as discoloration of the fingernails and patchy, red skin

What can I do?

Despite the fact that there is no surefire way to keep from getting arthritis, there are things under your control that can help keep your joints healthy and mobile. By maintaining a healthy weight, you can stave off osteoarthritis, which is most often caused by obesity when found in young people. By avoiding injury, you can prevent chronic conditions – be careful during athletic activities and get properly trained. Finally, quitting smoking actually has a great effect on contraction of rheumatoid arthritis – keeping off cigarettes keeps your immune system strong.

While there’s no one way to prevent or diagnose arthritis, there are things in your power to affect change—take care of yourself and make smart decisions, and it’ll pay off in your older years.