ANTERIOR HIP REPLACEMENT

What is an anterior hip replacement?

Anterior hip replacement is considered a less invasive, muscle-conserving procedure in which the hip is accessed from the front, with minimal disturbance to surrounding tissue.

An arthritic or fractured hip joint can be replaced surgically with an artificial component, a procedure referred to as a hip replacement. However, anterior hip replacement occurs when the incision is made over the anterior part, also known as the front of the hip, instead of the side or back of the hip. An anterior hip replacement reduces the risk of muscle damage and offers less discomfort, a quicker recovery, and fewer postoperative restrictions.

How does Dr van Niekerk diagnose the need for an anterior hip replacement?

Dr van Niekerk will begin by conducting a comprehensive medical evaluation to determine the cause and severity of your hip pain and mobility limitations. The assessment includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, previous injuries, and the extent to which the hip condition affects your daily activities and quality of life.

Imaging studies are typically performed to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the extent of damage within the hip joint. These may include:

• X-rays – Used to identify joint space narrowing, bone spurs, arthritis, fractures, or structural abnormalities affecting the hip joint.
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) – May be recommended to assess soft tissue structures, cartilage damage, inflammation, or early joint degeneration not visible on X-rays.
• CT scans – In selected cases, CT imaging may be used to provide detailed information about bone structure and joint anatomy for surgical planning.

How does Dr van Niekerk perform anterior hip replacement?

On the day of surgery, anaesthesia will be administered to ensure comfort throughout the procedure. Depending on the patient’s medical condition and Dr van Niekerk’s recommendation, either general anaesthesia or spinal anaesthesia may be used.

During an anterior hip replacement, the hip joint is accessed through a small incision made at the front of the hip. Unlike traditional hip replacement techniques that approach the joint from the side or back, the anterior approach allows Dr van Niekerk to work between the muscles rather than cutting through them. This muscle-sparing technique helps minimise soft tissue damage, reduce postoperative pain, and support a faster recovery.

Using specialised surgical instruments and advanced techniques, Dr van Niekerk carefully removes the damaged bone and worn cartilage from the hip joint. The diseased portions of the femur and hip socket are then replaced with high-quality prosthetic components made from durable materials such as metal, ceramic, or medical-grade plastic.

The artificial hip implant is designed to restore smooth, stable, and pain-free movement while improving hip function and mobility. Once the prosthetic components are securely positioned and joint stability has been confirmed, the incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples.

What is recovery like after anterior hip replacement?

After the procedure, you can anticipate spending 1-2 days in the hospital before continuing your rehabilitation at home. Due to the smaller incision and reduced muscle damage, patients undergoing an anterior hip replacement can anticipate a quicker recovery than those undergoing other hip replacement procedures. You may feel pain, swelling, and discomfort in the hip joint for the first few days following surgery. In order to increase the strength, flexibility, and mobility of the hip, you will be advised to start physical therapy and rehabilitation activities. Additionally, you should attend all follow-up sessions with Dr van Niekerk to track your development.