Memorial Hermann Offering New Hip Procedure

Benefits Patients by Speeding Recovery Time, Reducing Post-operative Pain

THE WOODLANDS, Texas – Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital is improving the surgery experience for some patients by offering a new and improved total hip replacement surgery that speeds recovery time and reduces post-operative pain.

The “direct anterior” approach to total hip replacement involves making an incision on the front of the hip rather than the side or back as traditionally done. As a result, surgeons can follow the natural spaces between the hip joint’s muscles and tendons, resulting in less damage to the soft tissues.

"The main advantage of this approach is a faster recovery due to the fact that it is not necessary to detach any muscle,” said James Mathis, M.D., a surgeon affiliated with Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. “Added benefits include no need for dislocation precautions, immediate weight bearing and a more accurate restoration of leg lengths.”

The direct anterior approach accelerates rehabilitation because the hip is replaced without detachment of muscle from the pelvis or femur. Additionally, because the gluteal muscles are left undisturbed, it is possible for patients to regain mobility more quickly and ultimately go home from the hospital sooner. In fact, the normal post-operative restriction on patients to limit hip movement to 60 or 90 degrees does not apply to patients who have undergone the direct anterior approach. This approach allows patients to immediately bend their hip freely and bear full weight when comfortable, resulting in a more rapid return to normal function.

“I am a busy lady and I didn’t have three months to sit around and recover from hip surgery,” said Nancy Snell, a 68-year-old Grimes County resident who had direct anterior hip replacement surgery earlier this year at Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital. “Following my surgery, I was impressed with how quickly I was able to return to my daily routine. Within three weeks I was close to running around like my normal self.”

Additional advantages of the anterior hip replacement include:

- Reduced Hospital Stay – from 3-10 days to 2-4 days
- Faster Recovery – from 12 weeks to 2-8 weeks
- Less Muscle Trauma – no muscle detachment
- Reduced pain, blood loss, and tissue healing required
- More accurate leg length control
- Reduced risk of post-operative dislocation of the hip implant

“Most patients who are considering hip replacement surgery are candidates for an anterior approach,” added Dr. Mathis. “The technological advances of specialized instruments and the operating table enable the surgery to be performed safely and efficiently.”

For more information about the direct anterior approach and Memorial Hermann The Woodlands Hospital, visit their Web site at the link below or call 281 364-2300.