St. Francis offers direct anterior hip replacement surgery

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If you ever experience pain in your hip, you might be tempted to think that kind of discomfort comes with getting old. But don’t sell yourself short with that bit of “conventional wisdom.” If medications, therapy, and other conservative modes of treatment aren’t working for you, and if debilitating pain and stiffness in your hip are limiting your daily activities and preventing you from enjoying your lifestyle, you may need total hip replacement surgery.

Total hip replacement surgery has become more commonplace since its beginnings in the 1960s. In fact, more than 270,000 people in the United States now undergo this procedure annually to relieve pain, stiffness, and restricted mobility.

Hip replacement surgery has a number of different variations, all with a proven track record of restoring function and alleviating pain. Recently, however, an innovative approach has emerged as a viable and extremely safe alternative to the more standard approach. The direct anterior approach offers patients a faster recovery with long-term outcomes and results that are equal to or even better than those other types of hip replacement surgery.

Hip Replacement for worn out or damaged joints

Hip pain can have many causes, but the most frequent cause is some form of arthritis. It is estimated that 1 in 5 people in the U.S. will suffer from arthritis at some point in their lives.

In a healthy joint, smooth, flexible connective tissue called cartilage provides cushioning between the ends of the bones within the joint. Over time, disease and injury can cause damage to that cartilage. The exposed surfaces of those bones then rub against each other, resulting in pain and loss of function. The pain can worsen progressively and become disabling and crippling.

Total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the worn cup-shaped hip socket of the pelvis and the bare-bone ball segment of the thigh bone are replaced with artificial metal and plastic parts. During the procedure, an incision is made to allow access to the joint so that the warn surfaces of the bones can be replaced with implants.

St. Francis Orthopaedic Insititute is proud to offer direct anterior total hip replacement surgery, a minimally invasive surgical approach that offers numerous benefits to patients. Unlike traditional hip replacement surgery, which requires a large incision and extensive muscle dissection, direct anterior surgery involves making a small incision at the front of the hip joint and accessing the joint through natural muscle planes, allowing for a quicker recovery.

One of the main benefits of direct anterior total hip replacement surgery is a faster return to normal activities. Patients who undergo this procedure typically experience less pain, reduced hospital stays, and quicker rehabilitation times. Additionally, direct anterior surgery is associated with a lower risk of dislocation and a decreased likelihood of muscle damage.

However, not all patients are good candidates for this approach. Patients who have had previous hip surgeries, severe hip deformities, or significant muscle atrophy may not be suitable candidates for direct anterior total hip replacement surgery.

St. Francis’ own Dr. George Zimmerman performs the surgery. Zimmerman is a board certified orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in lower extremity surgery. He has practiced for the past 25 years, including four years of active duty with the U.S. Army.

At St. Francis Orthopaedic Insititute, our team of experienced surgeons and medical staff are committed to providing the highest quality of care to our patients. We offer state-of-the-art technology and techniques to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients. If you’re suffering from hip pain, talk to your doctor about whether direct anterior total hip replacement surgery is right for you.

For more information, contact us at (706) 322-6646 or visit us at 2300 Manchester Expy Suite 101-A, Columbus, GA 31904.