For many candidates for hip replacement surgery, the recovery process and post-surgery side effects (like pain) are primary concerns. So as you decide whether to have the surgery, It’s important to know that recent advancements have been made in recent years that can benefit many surgery patients seeking pain relief.
Why replace a hip?
“The primary cause for most hip replacement surgeries is that someone gets arthritis in their hip,” says Chad Crawley, D.O., orthopedic surgeon with Utica Park Clinic. “It’s bone-on-bone with no cartilage left as a cushion between the bones. This creates two big issues: pain and decreased range of motion.”
For patients looking for a hip replacement procedure that results in less pain, a quick recovery and successful long-term results, anterior hip replacement is an option to be considered.
“The direct anterior approach has been around for years but it has really gained momentum over the last decade due to advances in X-ray and radiology equipment and the availability of information,” explains Dr. Crawley. “I’m performing this surgery with live X-ray so I’m getting instant feedback. It’s much more accurate in guiding me in the placement of the components and determining limb lengths so the risk of having a noticeable difference in limb lengths is much smaller.”
“The anterior approach is much less invasive to muscular and soft tissue,” says Dr. Crawley. “We’re not cutting or making the tissue weaker, so there is a much lower risk of dislocation. Dislocation commonly leads to further surgery.”
Anterior hip replacement surgery
Compared to more traditional approaches to total hip replacement surgery, a small incision on the front of the hip to access the hip joint as opposed to a larger incision across the back or side has noticeable benefits. An anterior or front incision also has the potential to heal more quickly because patients are not laying on the incision wound during recovery.
“The biggest thing for patients is that it’s a much faster recovery time,” says Dr. Crawley.
Following the surgery most patients are walking with assistance only a few hours after the procedure. Generally, patients are allowed to return home a day after their surgery or even the same day.
“Once the wound is healed, staying active and following all of the orders after surgery is important,” says Dr. Crawley. “There are some limitations afterwards, but I really want my patients staying active.”
“Candidates for the procedure can schedule an appointment with me, no referral necessary,” says Dr. Crawley.
Dr. Crawley’s use of the direct anterior approach to total hip replacement has attracted patients from across Oklahoma and the surrounding states. Clint Cator, PA-C, who has practiced orthopedics in Tulsa since 2013, supports Dr. Crawley in assisting patients with their general orthopedic needs.
Other orthopedic procedures
In addition to total hip replacement, Dr. Crawley is also skilled in the areas of:
- Total and partial knee replacement
- Revisions of total hip and knee replacement
- Treatment of infected joint replacements of the hip and knee
- Robotic-assisted joint replacement
- Fracture care
- Sports medicine
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call 918.579.2300 or click here.