Dignity Health | hello Healthy | Summer 2018

HelloHealthy | Summer 2018 3 You and your doctor agree: It’s time to replace your worn-out hip so you can enjoy an active, pain-free life once again. But there’s more than one way to replace a hip joint. One newer approach—anterior hip replacement surgery—could have you out and about and using your new joint sooner. And it might help you avoid potential problems with your new hip. Taking another angle The traditional way to replace a hip is through an incision in the back of the hip. With anterior hip surgery, the surgeon works through the front of the hip. There are several advantages to doing it that way, says Jaspreet Sidhu, DO, an orthopedic surgeon at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. For example, people who have anterior hip surgery: ●  ● Tend to meet certain recovery milestones a few weeks earlier. They often need less pain medication, rely less on walking aids, and may start driving again sooner. The reason? “That’s likely due to the fact that less muscle is damaged when you do the surgery from the front of the hip,” Dr. Sidhu says. ●  ● Have a lower rate of dislocation of the new hip joint. That’s because no muscles at the back of the hip are cut. As a result, some typical precautions for hip replacement patients—such as avoiding sitting in positions that put the knees higher than the waist—may not be needed right after surgery. ●  ● Have a more precise limb length afterward. According to Dr. Sidhu, the anterior approach improves the ability to take x-rays during surgery. The images help ensure precise placement of the joint and that one leg will not be shorter than the other after surgery. Are you a candidate? The anterior approach isn’t for everyone. For instance, you may not be a candidate if you are very obese. You should be in good overall health, and if you have diabetes, it needs to be under good control before surgery. 5 facts about hip replacement surgery 1. One of the most common reasons to have hip replacement surgery is severe osteoarthritis that limits activities. 2. Nonsurgical treatments for hip pain are usually tried before surgery. These may include pain medicines, steroid shots, or physical therapy. 3. Most artificial hips last at least 10 years. Some can last as long as 20 years. 4. Prosthetic hips are made of plastic, metal, or ceramic parts or a combination of those materials. 5. Physical therapy is a must after hip replacement surgery. It’s as important as the surgery itself. A rehab program may include exercises to help strengthen and stretch the muscles around the joint. Source: UpToDate Find freedom from hip pain Learn the advantages of anterior hip replacement surgery To learn more about Dr. Sidhu, visit alpineorthopaedic.com or call 209.948.3333 .