DIRECT ANTERIOR APPROACH TO THE HIP – CAPE FEAR ORTHOPEDICS & SPORTS MEDICINE
At Cape Fear Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we are proud to offer the direct anterior approach (DAA) for hip replacements. The DAA to the hip is a surgical exposure that places a small incision on the front side of the hip instead of the side or back. Although this approach was initially described decades ago, its popularity has dramatically increased over the last ten years for hip replacement. Our very own Dr. Newman is the only provider in the Fayetteville area who does hip replacements using the minimally invasive direct anterior approach.
WHAT IS THE DIRECT ANTERIOR APPROACH
One of the techniques for total hip replacement is the direct anterior approach. This procedure uses a special operating table to allow surgeons to access the hip from the front of the body. Doing so causes little to no muscle damage during the procedure and means less downtime for patients with fewer restrictions because muscles do not have to be cut to get access to the joint.
This advanced technique causes little to no muscle damage – the surgeon approaches the hip from the front of the body near the upper part of the leg. The location is in between muscles and doesn’t require detaching them from the pelvis or femur, which has been the standard in conventional total hip arthroplasty. The patient lies on his or her back on a special operating table designed for his procedure. The surgeon makes a small incision on the front of the hip, causing less trauma to the body through less muscle disturbance.
ADVANTAGES TO DIRECT ANTERIOR APPROACH
There is quicker recovery time, less post-surgery pain, and more normal function after hip replacement using direct anterior approach hip replacement. The direct anterior approach offers several other distinct advantages:
No Hip Precautions – After DAA, patients are generally free to move their hip about in any way they wish.
Less Pain – Less pain means shorter hospital stays, lower narcotic requirements, and less use of assistive devices such as canes or walkers.
Lower Dislocation Risk – While all surgical approaches have an increased risk of hip instability, the DAA decreases the risk for dislocation.
Faster Recovery – Recovery after a DAA hip replacement is faster than after traditional approaches.
OUR TEAM
At Cape Fear Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we understand that joint pain can make simple, everyday activities challenging.
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.
To learn more about hip replacement and other services provided by Dr. Newman, please visit https://www.capefearortho.com
