A study covered in Medscape outlines why surgeons should utilize the anterior approach in some patients' hip replacements while relying on the posterior approach for others.
Here are five things to know:
1. Although the posterior approach is easier and more versatile, young patients who lead active lifestyles and need to recover quicker benefit from the anterior approach, according to the report.
2. Implant, operating table and technique developments have made the anterior approach, which eliminates muscle damage, easier.
3. Anterior approach advantages:
- Less morphine is needed
- Lower pain ratings
- Distance walked during the first walking session is further than with the posterior procedure
4. Many surgeons who typically prefer the anterior approach still use the posterior approach in obese and elderly patients.
5. Future long-term studies will help determine which approach leads to more dislocations.
More orthopedic articles:
Orthopedic specialist to know: Dr. Scott Raub of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics
Dr. Scott Wolfe awarded for wrist kinematics research
Orthopedic surgeon to know: Dr. J. Terrell Joseph of Vail-Summit Orthopaedics