Anterior Approach?

Anterior Hip Replacement is a minimally-invasive hip surgery to replace the hip joint without cutting through any muscles. The technique is a major advance in joint replacement. The surgical procedure involves a small incision in front of the hip (anterior) as opposed to an incision on the side or back of the hip. It is referred to as a muscle-sparing surgery because no muscles are cut to access the hip joint, enabling a quicker return to normal activity.

The new minimally-invasive procedure has been highly successful with fewer post-operative complications, considerably less pain, and overall quicker recovery rates. The majority of recovery from the traditional hip replacement involves the muscle rejoining the bone. Rather than disturbing the major muscles at the side or back of the leg, the surgical entry with the anterior approach is through an intermuscular and internervous interval. Dr. Burak is able to go between two muscles at the front of the hip and implant the prosthetic components without cutting the major muscles or having to detach tendons. The anterior approach preserves the natural anatomy and stability of the hip.

Most patients come to Dr. Burak for this operation because the technique just makes so much sense: he doesn’t cut any muscle, the hip is stable, the incisions are smaller, and recovery’s quicker so you’re up on your feet sooner. If you leave all the parameters of a hip replacement the same — in other words, all the implants and everything are identical — it’s simply a much better way to go. Consequently, patients may return to a more functional lifestyle as early as possible.

Another major advantage has been the ability to eliminate post-operative precautions. In contrast to other operations, patients undergoing Dr. Burak’s anterior approach no longer require elevated toilet seats or other specialized instrumentations to put on their shoes and socks. They may drive as soon as they’re comfortable, and can sleep in whatever position they prefer.