NAVID ZIRAN, M.D., FACS, FAAOS
ORTHOPAEDIC TRAUMA SURGEON
​
An anterior approach total hip replacement is an alternative to traditional hip replacement techniques. The procedure is performed with the patient on his/her back on a special orthopaedic table - the Hana table:
The incision is between 9-10 cm and is made on the front of the hip rather than the side or the back. However, it is not necessarily the length/location of the incision that is important, but rather lack of violation of deep muscles and tendons. In other words, muscles/tendons are not cut since this approach proceeds between muscles rather than through them.
This technique offers several advantages over other current approaches:
1) Faster post-operative recovery than other approaches
​
2) Because the patient is on his/her back, x-ray is utilized to position the implants more precisely so that the patient's limb lengths and offset ("width"of the hips) are matched to the other side.
​
3) Since the components are position more precisely, there is a potential decrease in wear of the components.
4) No post-operative dislocation precautions.
Since the procedure was performed from the anterior approach and not the posterior approach, there are no dislocation precautions - the patient can squat, cross his/her legs, etc. There is a significant decrease in dislocation rate with anterior approach (~ 0.1%) compared to posterior approach (~ 1%).
​
Dr. Ziran has published 3 book chapters with Dr. Matta on Anterior Approach Hip Replacement in the following texts:
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Click HERE for more information on the Minimally Invasive Surgery chapter.
Click the PLAY button below to watch a video of an anterior approach total hip replacement.
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
​
Click HERE for a step-by-step picture tutorial of an AA total hip replacement.
​
Pre-op and post-op X-rays after a total hip replacement
​
​
​
​
Click HERE for a Frequently Asked Questions about
AA Total Hip Replacement
