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


