Anterior Hip Replacement Specialist

Thomas D. Riley, IV, MD -  - Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon

Legacy Orthopaedics

Thomas D. Riley, IV, MD

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon & Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Specialist located in Miami, FL

Anterior hip replacement is a joint replacement surgery that minimizes muscle damage around the hip and uses a smaller incision than other techniques. At Legacy Orthopaedics in Miami, Florida, board-certified orthopedic surgeon Thomas Riley IV, MD, performs anterior hip replacement to remove damaged cartilage and bone before placing prosthetic parts in the joint. To schedule an appointment, call the office or book a visit online today.

Anterior Hip Replacement Q & A

What is anterior hip replacement?

Anterior hip replacement is a surgery that relieves longstanding and severe hip pain and can improve your mobility and function. Anterior hip replacement differs from other types of hip replacement surgery in that Dr. Riley enters the hip joint through the front of your leg rather than the back or side. 

During hip replacement surgery, Dr. Riley strategically removes portions of damaged bone and cartilage from the ball-and-socket hip joint. He then replaces them with metal, ceramic, and hard plastic prostheses that safely remain in the joint indefinitely. 

Before you get anterior hip replacement, Dr. Riley goes over your medical history and considers many factors while choosing an approach. Anterior hip replacement is not the best strategy for every individual in need of a hip replacement.

What does anterior hip replacement treat?

There are several different joint conditions and hip injuries that can damage the hip joint enough to lead you to need an anterior hip replacement. Dr. Riley might recommend the surgery if you have prolonged hip pain and functional issues from:

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that results from wear and tear on joints. The cartilage in your hip wears down, which results in joint pain and stiffness. 

Rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is another type of arthritis that develops because of an autoimmune reaction on the joint lining. 

Osteonecrosis

Osteonecrosis can be the eventual result of hip injuries like fractures or dislocations. These injuries can prevent proper blood flow in the joint and lead to bone damage. 

What are the benefits of anterior hip replacement?

Anterior hip replacement is also called a mini hip replacement because it requires a smaller incision than other types of hip replacement such as posterior (through the back) or lateral (through the side) hip replacement. This smaller incision, and its positioning, provide a number of advantages over other types. They include:

  • Less postoperative pain
  • Less damage to major muscles in the area
  • Shorter recovery
  • Less activity modification during recovery

Dr. Riley separates the muscles in the region after making the incision instead of cutting straight through them. The position of the incision allows him a clear, full view of the hip joint as he removes damaged portions and replaces them with prostheses. 

If you’re interested in scheduling a consultation for anterior hip replacement or learning more about the surgery, call Legacy Orthopaedics or book an appointment online today.