ANTERIOR APPROACH HIP REPLACEMENT

On October 2nd 2008, eight-time major golf champion Tom Watson underwent Anterior Hip Replacement surgery by Dr. Joel Matta to improve the qualify of his life and still be competitive on the golf course. On Sunday July 19th 2009, Tom, now 59, was ONE STROKE AWAY from winning the British Open 2009 Golf Championship.


MINIMIZES PAIN, QUICKENS RECOVERY
Hip pain, whether it’s caused by arthritis or injury, can severely limit activities and diminish quality of life. When other therapies fail to provide pain relief, hip replacement may be the answer. That’s why nearly 300,000 Americans undergo hip replacement surgery each year.

In many cases, minimally invasive techniques are an option. At Bone and Joint Physicians, our method is known as the Anterior Approach. This originally European method was brought to the United States in 1996 by Dr. Joel Matta of Los Angeles, but dates back to 1947. Our physicians have been trained in the Matta method by performing actual surgeries with Dr. Joel Matta himself.

UNDERSTANDING THE ANTERIOR APPROACH
Traditional hip surgeries are often referred to as posterior or lateral approaches because the incisions are made in the side or back of the hip. These procedures are more extensive because they require a lengthy ten- to twelve-inch incision through the buttock muscles and tendons to get to the hip joint. That means more post-operative pain, and a longer healing and recovery process.


During the anterior approach, however, the surgeon is able to reach the hip joint from the front of the hip. This unique vantage point allows surgeons to work between the muscles and tissues without detaching them from either the hip or thigh bones. This spares the tissues from trauma and a lengthy healing process. Keeping these muscles intact also helps prevent dislocation of the hip, a major benefit to patients.

HOW IT WORKS
The anterior approach is made possible through the use of a specially engineered, high-tech operating table that places the leg and pelvis in a stable position.

The revolutionary table includes leg supports that allow the surgeon to adjust the operative leg during surgery with a great degree of control and precision, helping to achieve excellent alignment and positioning of the implant.


X-rays taken during surgery with a fluoroscope ensure correct position, sizing and fit of the artificial hip components, as well as a correct leg length.

HOW IT IMPROVES RECOVERY
Traditional hip replacement surgery requires strict precautions for patients, including limited hip motion for six to eight weeks after surgery. Patients must also limit flexing of the hip to no more than 60 to 90 degrees, which complicates normal activities like sitting in a chair or sitting on a toilet seat, putting on shoes, or getting into a car. Climbing stairs is also more difficult during recovery.

Following anterior hip replacement, however, patients are allowed to immediately bend their hip freely and bear full weight when comfortable, resulting in a more rapid return to normal function.

Patients go up and down stairs before they are discharged from the hospital. Since the most important muscles for hip function, gluteal muscles that attach to the posterior and lateral pelvis and femur, are left undisturbed, there is improved strength of the hip and a lower risk of dislocation.

OTHER BENEFITS INCLUDE

• A shorter hospital stay (two to four days vs. three to ten days with traditional hip replacement surgery)
• A smaller incision (four to five inches vs. ten to twelve inches)
• Significantly less muscle trauma
• Reduced blood loss
• Less pain and a more rapid return to normal activities

In fact, patients can start walking without assistance in as little as two weeks, versus five or six weeks with traditional hip replacements. In most cases, patients get back to their lives very quickly.


Board-certified orthopedic surgeons David J. Smith, M.D., F.A.C.S., and Joseph G. Thometz, M.D., introduced the anterior technique to Chicago’s South Suburbs in 2007 following training with Dr. Joel Matta. Drs. Smith and Thometz were among the first orthopedic surgeons to bring this revolutionary technology to the area and have seen very positive results in their patients who have undergone the procedure.


And since they perform the procedures together in the operating room, patients benefit from their collaborative efforts and from 45+ years of combined orthopedic surgery experience.

NEXT STEPS
To find out if the Anterior Approach to hip replacement surgery is right for you, call today to set up an appointment with one of our highly trained surgeons. Please call our Anterior Hip Replacement Hotline at 708-423-8440.