Anterior Hip Replacement (AHR)
Total Hip Replacement (or ‘Athroplasty’) is one of the most common, and indeed most reliable, surgical interventions around today. This procedure involves the removal of the ‘ball and socket’ elements of the hip joint, and substitution with prosthetic replacements. This may be indicated following a fracture of the hip or in cases where someone has a lot of problems with the hip joint, such as pain or reduced mobility, which affects their day-to-day living.
Here at Highgate Private Hospital, we offer an innovative approach to hip replacements that are undertaken by our specialist surgeon Mr Simon Mellor. Most commonly, access to the hip joint during surgery is gained through the side of the thigh (lateral approach) or from the buttock region (posterior approach). A new and innovative technique, the ‘anterior approach’ aims to access the joint from the front of the hip. This approach does not require any muscles to be cut in order to get access to the bony part of the joint itself, and this can confer many benefits:
- A smaller incision means you will have a much smaller scar in comparison to other approaches
- Eliminated muscle injury gaining access to the joint
- Reduced post-operative pain
- Faster recovery period after the operation
- Quicker rehabilitation to get you back on your feet
- Potentially reduced risk of dislocation of new hip joint
Mr Simon Mellor is an experienced Orthopaedic Surgeon, and the only consultant who currently performs Anterior Hip Replacements here at Highgate Private Hospital:
“Having converted to doing anterior approach muscle-sparing hip replacement about 5 years ago, I have only received positive feedback from my patients. I have noted a reduction in post-operative pain levels and quicker recovery times, with many patients walking unaided within 24 hours of surgery. Patients require less post-operative pain medication and can mobilise without anxiety.
The technique offers the ability to replace the hip joint without cutting or detaching any muscles or tendons, and this has obvious potential benefits. Hip replacement is perceived as a major operation. With this technique, at least some of the risks can be minimised.”
Anterior Hip Replacement (AHR) Consultants
Qualifications
BSc (Hons), MB ChB, M.Phil, FRCS (Orth)
Clinical Interests
Hip replacements including anterior muscle-sparing minimally invasive hip replacement. Revision hip replacements. Knee...
Qualifications
BSc (Hons), MB ChB, M.Phil, FRCS (Orth)
Clinical Interests
Hip replacements including anterior muscle-sparing minimally invasive hip replacement. Revision hip replacements. Knee...
