Anterior vs Posterior Hip Replacement – Long Lasting Results

Anterior vs Posterior Hip Replacement Surgery

Hip pains are very common these days, so if you are suffering from it then don’t worry, you aren’t alone.

However, one should not underestimate it because with time it can become a serious health problem.

There will come a time when it will start interfering with your life and will make some daily tasks much harder to perform.

For example, walking, exercising, and even bending down to pick up something from the ground.

However, one can get rid of these problems if he decides to go through hip replacement surgery. It is a medical process that is extremely effective in treating hip joint problems.

There are two approaches to performing this surgery, anterior and posterior.

Both methods are effective in treating hip problems and that’s why many Total Hip Replacement Doctor in Patna use these two methods to treat their patients. But which one will be better for you?

In this blog, we will provide you with a detailed comparison between anterior and posterior hip replacement surgery, which will help you to make the right decision.

What is Posterior Hip Replacement?

Posterior hip replacement is a traditional approach to performing hip replacement surgery.

In this traditional approach, the worn-out and damaged part of the hip gets replaced by cutting the back side of the hip.

One can see it in posterior hip replacement incision pictures. Furthermore, in this approach, the surgeon leave the key muscles and tendons intact while performing the surgery and that is why it is also known as muscle-sparing surgery.

In muscle-sparing surgery, the surgeon replace the damaged part with an artificial one which is commonly known as a prosthesis joint.

These metal or plastic joints function exactly like real ones.

What is Anterior Hip Replacement?

Anterior hip replacement surgery is a modern way of performing hip replacement surgery. It was discovered in the 80s and spread like wildfire among orthopedic surgeons.

This is because it is much easier, more precise, and faster than the traditional method. That’s why it especially became more popular among less skilled surgeons.

In this approach, the goal is also the same, which is to remove the affected part of the hip joint with an artificial one. However, the process is different, unlike the posterior method, the surgeon makes an insession on the front side of the hip joint.

However, there are some disadvantages to anterior hip replacement. People who have major injuries to the back side of the hip can’t go through this surgery because the surgeon has to do a longer incision which can have a negative effect on the groin area part.

You must also read >>> After Effects of Hip Replacement Surgery

So, in this particular case, the surgeon will perform posterior hip replacement surgery.

Let’s know more about the difference between these two surgeries so that you can know which one is better for you.

Anterior vs Posterior Hip Replacement Surgery

As we discussed earlier, if you wish to get relief from hip joint pain, then going for hip replacement surgery is the best option. But, you will probably get confuse while choosing the right method for yourself.

To help you with this, we are going to differentiate between the posterior and anterior methods on the basis of the severity of pain, precession, post-surgery restriction, and speed.

#1. On the Basis of the Severity of Pain

A patient who goes through anterior hip surgery feels less pain than a patient with posterior hip replacement. This is because, in the traditional method, a surgeon has to cut some muscles to reach the hip joint.

However, on the other hand, no muscles are harmed while performing the hip replacement with the Anterior Modern Approach.

Additionally, there are also fewer muscles in the front area of the hip than in the back.  So, if you were wondering “Is posterior hip replacement more painful than anterior”, this was your answer.

#2. On the Basis of Precision

In posterior hip replacement surgery, the patient is lying on the front, which makes the surgery technically hard, because it limits the view of the hip joint.

But, on the other hand, in the modern anterior approach, the surgeon gets clearer of the hip joint, which makes the surgery technically easier. This allows the surgeon to place the implants more precisely.

That is why the anterior approach spread among surgeons like wildfire. Furthermore, its precision means is beneficial for both the patient and the surgeon, especially for fewer skilled surgeons.

#3. On the Basis of Post-Surgery Restriction

Both procedures are effective in fixing the hip joint problem and one can start enjoying their normal life again after going through this surgery.

However, the doctor suggest the patient take some precautions after surgery. But while comparing anterior vs posterior hip replacement, it seems that anterior hip replacement heals faster and has fewer long-term restrictions.

This is because the muscle is not cut during the procedure as the process is more precise than posterior hip replacement surgery.

#4. On the Basis of Recovery

People who go through anterior hip replacement surgery tend to heal and recover faster than those who go through the posterior method.

Especially if you are young or in your 40s, you will get fully recovered in as less as 3 weeks. Furthermore, in the anterior method, patients may get discharge on the same day post-surgery.

But, it is not possible with the traditional method because a patient has to spend multiple days in a hospital, which is not good for those who live for every second.

So, there were 4 differences between anterior and posterior hip replacement that will help you to choose the better one for you.

But if you are still confuse,  contact Dr. Ramakant Kumar who is one of the best Hip Replacement Surgeon in Patna.

He will diagnose your hip problem properly and will give you the needed treatment. That is the reason why his clinic’s success rate is much higher than other orthopedic clinics in Patna.

Conclusion

Both anterior and posterior surgery are effective in treating hip joint problems. In both the approach, the surgeon tries to replace the damaged hip joint parts with a metallic artificial joint.

However, the process is different, in the posterior the incision is done on the back or side of the hip, which is the traditional method.

On the other hand, in the anterior approach, the surgeon makes an incision in the front part of the groin area.

Hope this blog helps you to know about some pros and cons of Anterior vs Posterior Hip Replacement Surgery. If you liked this blog, do share it with your friends and family.