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New Technique for Hip Replacement

James Stiehl, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon, Columbia St. Mary’s

Posted: June 1, 2006

Orthopaedic surgeons at Columbia St. Mary’s have made important progress in improving surgical techniques for a total hip replacement.

Minimally invasive, anterior lateral hip replacement surgery is a relatively new technique where the orthopaedic surgeon reaches the hip joint from the front of the hip. This allows the hip to be replaced without cutting the gluteal muscles away from the pelvis or femur bones. These muscles are important for hip function. Because they are left undisturbed during this technique, there is significantly less pain after surgery and a quicker patient recovery.

The anterior lateral technique also allows patients to immediately bend their hip freely and bear their full body weight after surgery, allowing them to return to normal functions much sooner.

After anterior lateral hip replacement surgery, patients are told they can use their hip normally without restrictions, with no fear of dislocation. Patients can even practice going up and down stairs before they are released from the hospital.

Conventional surgery typically puts strict limitations on patient movements six to eight weeks following surgery due to possible hip dislocation. This complicates everyday activities such as sitting, putting on shoes or even getting into and out of a car. Climbing stairs also may be more difficult during the recovery period.

The anterior approach to hip replacement surgery was first performed in Europe about six years ago, but over time, the technique has been continually refined and improved because of advancing medical technology.

A new operating table is used during this surgery, allowing the patient’s leg to be positioned off the table, exposing the femur. This facilitates the surgeon’s intricate job of inserting the artificial femoral component. X-rays taken during surgery with a fluoroscope ensure correct position, sizing, and fit of the artificial hip components.

The ease of anterior lateral hip replacement surgery is directly related to the size of the patient. A typical candidate for this technique is someone who weighs less than 200 pounds and has degenerative arthritis. Obese patients are not ideal candidates due to increased muscle and fat present in the hip.

This procedure has been exclusively performed at Columbia St. Mary’s since June 2005. We’ve successfully performed close to 40 hip replacements with the anterior lateral technique. The small incisions play an important role in bringing about good outcomes for our patients.

James Stiehl, M.D., Orthopedic Surgeon
Columbia St. Mary’s
(414) 326-1745

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