Direct Approach Anterior Hip Replacement in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
When hip arthritis makes walking, climbing stairs, or getting a full night's sleep difficult, hip replacement may help you get moving again. Dr. Nick Johnson, a fellowship-trained hip and knee reconstruction specialist in Oklahoma City, performs direct anterior approach hip replacement, a technique that reaches your hip joint from the front of your body.
What Is Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement?
Direct anterior approach hip replacement is a type of total hip replacement in which your surgeon replaces the worn ball and socket of your hip through an incision at the front of the hip. The new implant is designed to replace the damaged joint surfaces, reduce pain, and help restore movement.
The "approach" is the path your surgeon takes to reach the joint, including where the incision is made and how nearby tissues are handled.
How Does the Direct Anterior Approach Work?
With the direct anterior approach, your surgeon works through a natural interval between the muscles at the front of your hip. Rather than detaching muscles or tendons from the bone, your surgeon gently moves them aside to reach the joint, removes the damaged bone and cartilage, and places your new implant.
You lie on your back during surgery. This position allows Dr. Johnson to compare both legs and check your leg length and implant position during the procedure. When appropriate, intraoperative X-ray imaging may also be used to help confirm implant placement.
What Are the Potential Benefits of the Anterior Approach?
Because the anterior approach works between muscles, many patients find that early movement feels more comfortable, and you may need fewer hip precautions after surgery, depending on Dr. Johnson's instructions. The supine position may also make it easier to assess leg length during surgery.
Every patient heals differently, and no approach can guarantee a specific outcome.
Who Is a Candidate for Direct Anterior Hip Replacement?
You may be a candidate if hip pain and stiffness from osteoarthritis of the hip, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis, or another joint condition continue despite medication, injections, activity changes, or physical therapy. Dr. Johnson will review your imaging, health, and goals before recommending surgery.
The anterior approach is not ideal for every patient. Some body types, prior hip surgery, or complex anatomy such as hip dysplasia may make a different approach more suitable, and a failing implant may call for revision hip replacement. Dr. Johnson also offers Mako robotic-arm assisted hip replacement with the posterior approach as a separate option.
What Happens Before, During, and After Surgery?
Preparing well can help your surgery and recovery go smoothly.
Before surgery: You will have an exam, imaging, routine tests, and a medication review. Managing factors such as blood sugar, nutrition, and smoking may help lower your risk of complications.
During surgery: Under general or regional anesthesia, you lie on your back while Dr. Johnson makes an incision at the front of your hip, prepares the socket and thighbone, and places your implant. Some patients may be candidates for a bikini incision hip replacement, which uses a short incision placed along the natural skin crease at the front of the hip.
After surgery: Your care team helps you stand and walk as soon as it is safe. Depending on your health and support at home, you may qualify for outpatient anterior hip replacement and go home the same day, or you may stay in the hospital briefly.
What Is Recovery Like After Direct Anterior Hip Replacement?
Recovery is different for everyone. Many people walk with a walker or cane shortly after surgery and gradually transition to walking without support over the following weeks. Physical therapy and home exercises help you rebuild strength and balance.
Dr. Johnson will let you know which movements to avoid, if any, and when you can return to driving, work, and favorite activities.
What Are the Risks of Direct Anterior Hip Replacement?
Like any hip replacement, direct anterior hip replacement carries risks. These include infection, blood clots, bleeding, fracture, nerve injury, dislocation, leg length differences, wound healing problems, and implant loosening or wear over time.
Some people notice numbness or tingling on the outer thigh after surgery because of irritation to a small skin nerve called the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. This often improves over time but may not fully resolve. Dr. Johnson will review your personal risks with you.
Why Choose Dr. Nick Johnson for Direct Anterior Hip Replacement?
Dr. Nick Johnson is a native Oklahoman and fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who specializes in hip and knee reconstruction, including direct anterior and bikini incision hip replacement. He completed his adult reconstruction fellowship at OrthoCarolina, with focused training in complex primary and revision hip and knee replacement.
He earned his medical degree from the University of Oklahoma, completed an orthopedic research fellowship at Mayo Clinic, and trained in residency at Carolinas Medical Center. Read more about Dr. Johnson or explore his hip treatments.
FAQs About Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
Is anterior hip replacement minimally invasive?
The anterior approach is often described as a minimally invasive or tissue-sparing technique because your surgeon works between muscles rather than detaching them. Incision size varies with your anatomy and the needs of your surgery.
Will I need hip precautions after anterior hip replacement?
Many patients have fewer movement restrictions after anterior hip replacement, but this is not the same for everyone. Dr. Johnson will give you instructions based on your surgery and healing.
Why might my thigh feel numb after surgery?
A small sensory nerve runs near the front of the hip. If it is stretched or irritated during surgery, you may notice numbness on the outer thigh. It often improves over time.
What is the difference between anterior and bikini incision hip replacement?
Both reach the hip from the front. A bikini incision is a variation that places a short incision along the skin crease near the groin. Dr. Johnson can tell you whether you are a candidate.
How long does it take to recover from anterior hip replacement?
Many people walk with support soon after surgery and return to light activities within a few weeks. Full recovery often takes a few months, depending on your health and rehabilitation.
Can I travel to Oklahoma City for anterior hip replacement?
Yes. If you live outside the Oklahoma City area, out-of-town patient services can help you plan your consultation, surgery, and follow-up care.
Schedule a Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Consultation in Oklahoma City
A consultation with Dr. Nick Johnson can help you find out whether direct anterior hip replacement is right for you. Dr. Johnson sees patients in Oklahoma City and Ardmore, Oklahoma. Request an appointment online or contact the office to schedule your visit.