The hip joint is a ball and socket joint. The socket is a "cup-shaped" bone of the pelvis called the acetabulum and the ball is the head of the thigh bone (femur). A total hip replacement is a surgical procedure in which the diseased ball and socket parts of the hip joint are removed and replaced with artificial parts. These are typically made of metal, plastic or ceramic and serve to restore alignment and function to the hip and reduce pain. In a traditional hip replacement procedure, the hip joint is accessed using a single incision at either the back (posterior) or lateral (side) of the hip and upper thigh. This is known as a Posterior Approach or Lateral Approach to hip replacement.

The Anterior Approach

At The Christ Hospital, a total hip replacement can be performed using the Anterior Approach. With the Anterior Approach, the surgeon uses one small incision on the front (anterior) of your hip. This technique allows the surgeon to work between your muscles and tissues without detaching them from either the hip or thigh bones, sparing these tissues from trauma and a lengthy healing process.

The Anterior Approach is made possible with the use of a high-tech operating table that places the leg and pelvis in a stable position. This specially engineered table includes leg supports that allow the surgeon to adjust the operative leg during surgery with a great degree of control and precision. Rather than being positioned on their side or stomach, the patient is laid flat on his/her back, which minimizes tilting of the pelvis during the operation. The table also gives the surgeon excellent access to the femur, or thighbone, in order to position the stem of the implant effectively.

The procedure itself begins with the surgeon exposing the hip in a way that does not detach muscles or tendons from the bone – a key attribute of the Anterior Approach. The surgeon removes the diseased cup portion of the hip and replaces it with an implant. The surgeon then uses the specially designed table to rotate the operative leg so the foot points outward, extending toward the floor. This allows excellent access to the thigh bone, or femur, to complete the procedure by replacing the diseased portion of the bone with the stem implant. 



Is hip replacement right for you?

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, more than 193,000 total hip replacements are performed in the United States each year. If arthritis pain severely limits your ability to walk, work, perform even simple activities, continues while resting and alternatives such as pain reducing medication, cortisone injections and lifestyle changes have not improved your symptoms, hip replacement may be an option to discuss with your doctor. This process typically begins with a referral by your doctor to an orthopedic surgeon for an initial evaluation.

Although many patients who undergo hip replacement surgery are 60 to 80 years of age, your orthopedic surgeon will evaluate your individual needs and recommendations for surgery are based on the extent of your pain, disability, and general health status-not solely on age.

How long is the hospital stay after a total hip replacement?

The average length of stay after a total hip replacement varies. At The Christ Hospital, approximately 50 percent of patients will go home after one day, and the other 50 percent will go home two to three days after surgery. 



How will my pain be controlled?

We have yet to invent painless surgery. However, at The Christ Hospital we have developed an advanced strategy for pain control that includes the use of a “pain cocktail” and a peripheral nerve block. We have found this approach to be very beneficial as it markedly reduces or eliminates your need for intravenous or oral narcotics to control pain after your joint replacement. By reducing your pain and the use of narcotics after surgery we are able to reduce your length of stay and improve the overall quality of your recovery. 

To learn more about the peripheral nerve block and how your pain is controlled after a total hip replacement, click on the video type you would like to watch below.

Pain Control and Your Total Hip Replacement

How should I prepare for my total hip replacement?

To learn more about preparing for your total hip replacement, click on the video type you would like to watch below.

Preparing for your Total Joint Replacement