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Direct Anterior/Bikini Total Hip Replacement Surgery
OVERVIEW
Total hip replacement is the surgical replacement of the hip joint with an artificial hip joint. It replaces a diseased joint that is painful and stiff, with a pain-free, mobile artificial joint.
Many people find a new lease of life by undergoing total hip replacement surgery to alleviate the pain and stiffness associated with an unhealthy hip. Total hip replacement involves surgically replacing a diseased hip joint with an artificial version to give pain-free motion once again.
What is Total Hip Replacement?
When we think of hip replacement surgery, it’s usually the standard surgical procedure where the hip joint is accessed from the posterior via the side of the body. Anterior total hip replacement surgery is different to the standard procedure in that the incision is made in the groin rather than the side to gain access via the front of the hip. Rather than cutting through the muscles, the groin incision goes between the muscles. This not only preserves the normal anatomy in this area but reduces the amount of trauma to the soft tissues.
Hip Replacement Surgery in Australia
If you require hip replacement surgery in Australia, you can rest assured that you’re in extremely competent hands when you choose Dr Slattery as your orthopaedic surgeon.
Dr Slattery has trained in both Switzerland and Australia under experts in Direct Anterior Total Hip Replacement surgery and since qualifying has performed hip replacement surgery in Australia on patients of all ages, from teenagers right through to older patients, using a variety of implants. Depending on the type of arthritis you have and the shape of your bones, he may use cemented, uncemented or the latest generation mini stems together with a variety of bearing components. As with all aspects of your treatment, the choice of implant will be discussed with you prior to any surgery. Dr Slattery strongly believes in open and transparent communication and giving his patients the opportunity to play an active role in their treatment. By doing so, it keeps you fully informed and better able to manage your expectations of the surgery.
As a specialist in hip replacement surgery in Australia, Dr Slattery is especially committed to helping younger patients with hip disorders.Contact him at his Melbourne consulting rooms to find out more.
The Benefits of Anterior Total Hip Replacement Surgery
There are several benefits associated with an anterior hip replacement, including smaller incisions which lead to less blood loss, faster recovery, and shorter hospital stays. This procedure also allows for more accurate and greater implant stability together with a lower rate of dislocation and a quicker return to function; so, as you can see, it’s a preferred method for many patients.
In recent years, hip replacement procedures have proven to be extremely safe and effective in resolving both long- and short-term problems associated with diseased and damaged hips. Thanks to improvements in implant delivery and placement and new, stronger artificial joints, more than 92% of hip joint implants will last for at least 20 years without the need for revision.
While this procedure is considered effective and safe, as with any surgery, there can be potential complications, such as blood clots, continued pain, infections and numbness in the thigh. At your consultation, Dr David Slattery will explain more and, of course, if you have any questions about anterior hip replacement in Melbourne, he will be more than happy to answer them for you. Dr Slattery is all about patient-centric care and aims to ensure you are fully informed before you make any decision to go ahead with any type of treatment or surgery. During your consultation, he will assess you individually and discuss the treatment option for you to give you the all possible outcomes.
Book a Hip Total Replacement Consultation with Dr David Slattery
As an experienced orthopaedic surgeon in Melbourne, Dr David Slattery offers a variety of different surgical options for patients in the Melbourne area, including total hip replacement surgery, hip arthroscopy surgery and Robotic Total Hip Replacement Surgery. He’s built his considerable expertise through fellowship training with leading European and Australian orthopaedic specialists and by carrying out surgery on many patients, including elite sportspeople and athletes. He’s also been awarded fellowships at the Royal Australian College of Surgeons and the Australian Orthopaedic Association. So, as you can see, you’ll be in extremely proficient and experienced hands when you choose Dr Slattery for your anterior total hip replacement surgery.
To book a consultation, simply complete our online contact form. Alternatively, you can contact him at one of his Melbourne consulting rooms.
There are normally four components to a total hip replacement:
- Cup
- Liner
- Ball
- Stem
A standard hip replacement in Australia refers to a hip replacement performed using an incision over the side of the hip with access to the hip joint from the back (posterior). It involves splitting various muscles to gain access to the hip joint. It offers excellent exposure of the hip, and is routinely done across Australia. Variations of this “standard” approach practiced by Australian surgeons are the Direct Superior Approach (DSA), and SuperPATH® hip replacement techniques, which still cut varying amounts of muscle tissue.
Total hip replacement components, and position within the hip.
Anterior Minimally Invasive Hip replacement (Green Line) going between muscles rather than cutting them (Blue and Red Lines).
Video demonstrating the Anterior Approach. Video copyright Depuy-Synthes.
The difference between anterior hip replacement and standard total hip replacement
An anterior hip replacement is a hip replacement from the front of the hip, which involves an incision in the groin as opposed to the side. This approach for hip replacement was originally described in Europe, and has gained popularity in the United States. More recently it has gained popularity in Australia.
Dr Slattery uses either a cosmetic, or bikini, incision in the groin crease or an oblique incision which results in a small scar in the groin approximately 8-10cm long in most cases. The operation goes between muscles rather than cutting through them, which reduces the amount of trauma to the soft tissues and preserves the normal anatomy. The goals of anterior hip replacement are:
- Smaller incisions
- Less blood loss
- Faster recovery
- Shorter hospital stays
- Greater implant stability and a lower rate of dislocation
- Quicker return to function
- More accurate implant placement
FAQs for hip replacement surgery
Should I have a hip replacement?
There are many things to consider when making a decision to undergo hip replacement surgery. It could ultimately give you relief from chronic pain and suffering, but there could also be an alternative. It is always best to be armed with plenty of questions ahead of your initial consultation with your hip replacement specialist.
- What are the different surgical options?
- Alternatives to surgery?
- Possible complications?
- Improvement that I can expect?
- How long will the new hip last?
What is the recovery time on an anterior hip replacement surgery?
Most patients are sitting out of bed or standing on the first day after anterior hip replacement surgery. Some patients are able to walk and can be safely discharged home in 36-72 hours. Usually, patients will resume most normal activities within 3–6 weeks of their total hip replacement surgery. Once activity is possible with minimal pain, physical therapy and light exercise will be important to incorporate as a way to help recovery. For more detailed information on recovery, you can read about the anterior hip replacement recovery process.
What are the complications with anterior hip replacement surgery?
This type of surgery is considered safe and is highly effective for patients who require it. With any surgery there can be complications and for hip surgery you may encounter the following:
- blood clots
- infections
- numbness in the thigh
- continued pain
- artificial hip joint wear
Many steps are taken at each step of your operation to prevent complications from occurring, and overall hip replacement is very safe and effective.
What can I expect after hip replacement surgery in Australia?
You will spend 2-3 days in hospital afterwards and be advised on how best to take care during the recovery period. Within the first few days you will be encouraged to walk with assistance from physiotherapy and nursing supports. Most patients do not need to go to inpatient rehabilitation post-op unless they have significant medical co-morbidities or no supports at home.
Following surgery, you will be required to avoid driving for approximately 2 weeks, possibly longer, depending on how quickly you regain confidence and coordination.
Ongoing pain from a hip replacement can be expected in the first few weeks. This should subside as your recovery time and postoperative physical therapy is undertaken.
What activities should I avoid after hip replacement surgery?
Patients should avoid driving for 2 weeks after hip replacement surgery (at a minimum). There are no other restrictions upon your activities after an anterior hip replacement.
Is hip replacement surgery safe?
Hip replacement surgery in Australia has a long-proven safety record over many decades. With constant refinement, techniques have become better to prevent short and long term problems. Advances in technique and materials have ensured that surgeries performed today are safer and deliver longer-lasting benefits to a greater number of patients than ever before. Dr Slattery prioritises the safety of his patients at every step of their journey to health, ensuring that the risk of complications such as blood clots and nerve damage is minimised.
How long will my new joint last after hip replacement surgery?
New, stronger artificial joints and improvements in implant delivery and placement mean that more than 85% of all hip joint implants will last 20 years without revision.
Pre operative X-rays showing advanced arthritis
A post operative X-ray showing a right hip replacement with a bone preserving mini stem.
Contacting Dr Slattery for Total Hip Replacement in Melbourne
Dr Slattery is a hip replacement specialist located in Melbourne and has learnt the intricacies of Direct Anterior Total Hip Replacement surgery in both Switzerland and Australia from world leaders in this technique. Additionally, he provides hip replacement keyhole surgery (arthroscopy) where suitable for patients. He now has a number of total hip replacement consulting rooms across Melbourne.
Patient selection is extremely important in ensuring that you get the best outcome from your hip replacement surgery. Dr Slattery will assess you individually and discuss the best option for you during your consultation.
To book a consultation with Dr Slattery, a hip replacement specialist in Melbourne, please contact one of his rooms listed here, or by using our online contact form.
To book an appointment please contact Dr Slattery’s rooms on
03 5752 5020
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