Anterior Approach Hip Replacement Specialist

Ugo Ihekweazu, MD, FAAOS

Board-Certified Hip and Knee Replacement & Orthopedic Surgeon

If you need a hip replacement, there are different surgical approaches that garner the same ultimate result, but some are less invasive than others. Through an anterior-approach hip replacement, Ugo Ihekweazu, MD, is able to replace your hip without causing collateral damage to your muscles. Similar to his mini-posterior technique, this innovative approach allows his patients in Houston to get back on their feet again more quickly and with less pain that traditional hip replacements. To learn more, call the office or use the online scheduling tool to book an appointment.

Anterior Approach Hip Replacement

What is an anterior hip replacement?

A hip replacement surgery is designed to help you regain pain-free movement in this large ball-and-socket joint. While there are many reasons why you may need a hip replacement, osteoarthritis is the leading cause. This degenerative disease breaks down the cartilage on the ends of your bones, which results in your bones rubbing together, which ultimately leads to bone inflammation and pain.

During your hip replacement, Dr. Ihekweazu removes your damaged cartilage and bones, including the head of your femur, and replaces it with a new ball. He then cleans out your socket and places an artificial component inside to promote easy gliding between the new ball and socket.

In traditional hip replacement surgery, in order to expose the hip, the doctor cuts a variety of muscles and soft tissues. Using a direct-anterior approach, Dr. Ihekweazu accesses your hip from the front, between the muscles, sparing your muscles and soft tissues from unnecessary trauma.

What are the advantages of an anterior approach?

When compared to the traditional total hip replacement, there are several advantages to the anterior approach that Dr. Ihekweazu uses, including:

Smaller incision
Faster healing time
Less time in the hospital
Reduced postoperative pain
Less damage to your muscles and other soft tissues
Decreased risk of hip dislocation

Similar to the contemporary “mini-posterior” approach, Dr. Ihekweazu’s use of this minimally invasive anterior technique ultimately means that you’re up on your feet far faster than with traditional surgical techniques.

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