Hip Replacement Approaches

How will your surgeon reach your hip joint? What are the advantages of the different hip replacement approaches?

In this section we will look at the most common options available to the surgeon.

The major muscle that needs to be negotiated en route to the hip joint is called the gluteus medius. All the approaches we will discuss are named in relation to it.

There are four major approaches in use at this time. These are: -

• Anterior – using the minimally invasive technique
• Modified anterolateral
• Posterior
• Trocanteric

The most widely used approach is the modified anterior-lateral approach - although the anterior approach is becoming increasingly popular.

Your surgeon will be guided in his choice of technique by the different advantages and disadvantages relating to each approach and, in particular, how these will impact on your individual condition.

Minimally invasive surgery will also be discussed. This is certainly gaining in popularity but is it really better than the more traditional techniques?

Where possible I have supplied a video showing each approach as I believe that is the only way for you to get a real feel for the procedure.

With the anterior-lateral approach video you’re getting a real bonus - the chance to perform an operation on-line yourself! I found it absolutely fascinating and highly recommend you have a go. (I've done it three times already.) Don’t worry, its not at all gory as it’s a cartoon. What Next?
Learn more about: -

• The Anterior Approach
• The Posterior Approach
• The Modified Anterolateral Approach
• The Trochanteric Approach