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Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Chip Rowe Performs Hip Replacement Surgery Using Antertior Approach Procedure
Written by Julie White on
Sep 16 2008
Gibson Area Hospital surgical nurses prepare the specially designed surgical table for Dr. Rowe to perform the anterior approach to total hip replacement procedure.
Dr. Chip Rowe performs hip replacement surgery at Gibson Area Hospital using the Anterior Approach with a specially designed surgical table and the Corail® Hip replacement from DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc. The Anterior Approach allows hip replacement surgery to be performed through a small incision without cutting any muscles and makes small incision surgery an option for patients who were traditionally not candidates because of weight or build. Gibson Area Hospital is one of the only hospitals in the area offering this advanced tissue-sparing hip replacement solution using the specially designed operating table.
The Anterior Approach procedure for total hip replacement has been gaining popularity recently due to its numerous potential benefits. Surgeons are embracing this technique because they are finding it offers patients potential advantages that may include:
• Possible accelerated recovery time because key muscles are not detached during the operation. (Some other procedures require cutting or disturbing the important muscles at the side or back of the leg). The Anterior Approach is known as a tissue-sparing procedure because it avoids cutting these key muscles and tissues and therefore minimizes muscle damage.
• Potential for fewer restrictions during recovery. Although each patient responds differently, this procedure seeks to help patients more freely bend their hip and bear their full weight immediately or soon after surgery.
• Possible reduced scarring because the technique allows for one relatively small incision.
• Potential for stability of the implant sooner after the surgery, resulting in part from the fact that the key muscles and tissues are not disturbed during the operation. The desired outcome is enhanced stability and less discomfort during the crucial recovery period.
• Potential for better matching leg lengths and restoring normal hip mechanics.
“Using the Anterior Approach allows me to work between the muscles, without detaching them from the hip or thighbones,” said Dr. Rowe. “When these important muscles are left relatively undisturbed, patients can expect to be on their feet much faster, making quicker steps toward recovery.”
Traditional hip replacement surgery typically results in a 6-8 inch incision and a hospital stay of 4-5 days. The Anterior Approach allows for a smaller incision and less tissue disruption, which can shorten the recovery process. Additionally, patients may bend their hip and bear full weight sooner after this surgery than other types of surgery.
“My goal as an orthopaedic surgeon is to reduce the level of debilitating arthritis pain suffered by my patients,” said Dr. Rowe. “Unfortunately, many of the people who could benefit from hip replacement surgery don’t undergo it. With the Anterior Approach, I hope that these patients will come forward and seek treatment.”
How Does the Anterior Approach Work?
Dr. Rowe uses a unique implant and an advanced surgical table specifically designed for this procedure:
• The Corail? Total Hip System, from DePuy Orthopaedics, Inc., is a clinically proven hip implant uniquely shaped for a minimal incision procedure due to its streamlined design.
• Surgeons use an advanced surgical table that allows them to position the patient so that the hip joint may be easily accessed from the front as opposed to the side or back. The table allows the surgeon to dynamically position the patient for inserting the implant in a way that minimizes soft tissue disruption.
About Hip Replacement
About 375,000 Americans undergo hip replacement surgery each year. It is estimated that the number of primary total hip replacements will increase by 174 percent – to 572,000 – in 2030. This is due in part to the growing number of Baby Boomers with osteoarthritis and the rise in obesity among the population.
Remember, as with any medical treatment, individual results may vary. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can determine whether an orthopaedic implant is an appropriate course of treatment. There are potential risks, and recovery takes time. The performance of the new joint depends on weight, activity level, age and other factors. These need to be discussed with your doctor.
Patients interested in learning more about hip replacement surgery and the Anterior Approach can contact Dr. Rowe at 217-784-4340.
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