CRUCIAL CATEGORIES OF HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY
Hips are the most important joints in the body and if they start to wear down it affects your entire well-being. Similar to other joint issues, hip problems are first treated with non-surgical options, including physical therapy and steroid injections. However, if they do not work or hip pain is hindering your daily life, it could be time to consider surgical options.
Our specialty-trained hip doctors at Cape Fear Orthopedics & Sports Medicine are recognized experts in the diagnosis and treatment of hip injuries and conditions.
WHAT IS HIP REPLACEMENT
Approximately 300,000 Americans undergo hip replacement surgery every year. Hip replacement surgery is a procedure where parts of the hip are replaced with prostheses or implants. Hip replacement surgery is most often performed to relieve the hip pain and stiffness caused by hip arthritis. It is also a treatment for injuries and other conditions.
The most common type of hip replacement surgery is total hip replacement; however, some patients may only need a partial hip replacement or hip resurfacing. The procedure can be performed in several ways; you and your surgeon will decide which is right for you.
WHAT ARE THE THREE TYPES OF HIP REPLACEMENT SURGERY
There are three main types of hip replacement:
- Hip resurfacing
- Partial hip replacement
- Total hip replacement
TYPES OF SURGICAL APPROACHES
Orthopedic surgeons have a range of surgical approach options.
- Posterior approach – back of the hip
- Anterolateral approach or Lateral – side of the hip
- Anterior approach – front of the leg
- a combination of the above approaches
POSTERIOR APPROACH
The posterior approach is the surgery method used the most in the US. The method involves accessing the hip joint through an incision made on the side of your hip. This approach provides doctors with an excellent view of the hip structures and allows for the best placement of hip implants.
ANTERIOR APPROACH
The anterior approach is a method that has gained popularity in recent years. An incision is made in the front of the groin, rather than on the side like the posterior approach.
The decision to use the anterior approach is made by the doctor on an individual case basis. Certain patients are not good candidates for this procedure. They include those who have:
implants or metal hardware in the hip from prior surgery
a very muscular or obese (BMI greater than 40) body type
a wide pelvis
An advantage of the anterior approach is that frontal entry makes it possible to reach the hip joint by separating muscles, rather than splitting them. Anterior hip replacement is likely to have less postoperative pain, especially in the first two to four weeks. Anterior approach results of total hip arthroplasty are outstanding in terms of relief of pain and improvement in function.
OUR TEAM
If you are suffering from hip pain, don’t wait any longer for relief. At Cape Fear Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our specialty-trained hip doctors understand that pain can make simple, everyday activities challenging.
Our Hip, Joint Replacement, Knee, Shoulder, and Sports Medicine Specialist specialist, Dr. Bradley J. Broussard, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon. He also specializes in sports-related injuries and joint replacement.
Dr. Stephen H. Kouba is a board-certified orthopedic doctor who specializes in the nonsurgical treatment of conditions and injuries of the hip, knee, and shoulder, with a special emphasis on sports-related injuries.
Dr. Jason Lowe is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. He enjoys treating injuries and conditions of the upper and lower extremities. He expertly performs arthroscopic and open procedures of the shoulder, hip, knee and ankle as well as replacements of the shoulder, hip and knee. He is trained in and enjoys treating complex cartilage restoration procedures. Dr. Lowe completed his undergraduate degree at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland. Dr. Lowe received his medical degree from Loyola University of Chicago Stritch School of Medicine. He completed both an orthopedic surgery internship and his orthopedics residency at San Antonio Military Medical Center at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas.
At Cape Fear Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our specialty-trained doctors are recognized experts in the diagnosis and treatment of orthopedic conditions and injuries. When you are seen by one of our experts, you know that you are being treated by an experienced doctor who is focused and dedicated to providing you exceptional orthopedic care.
Our experts understand that proper diagnosis is paramount in determining the most effective treatment plan for your individual condition. For a consultation with one of our providers, call us at (910) 484-2171.
