Modern Relief for Hip Pain: The Benefits of Anterior Hip Replacement

Hip pain can seriously affect your quality of life—whether it's caused by aging, injury or years of physical labor. Fortunately, a newer surgical option called anterior hip replacement is helping patients recover faster and with less pain than traditional methods.

Unlike traditional surgery through the back or side, the anterior approach goes in from the front and doesn't require cutting any muscles," explains Dr. Carlos Gomez, orthopedic surgeon at Wood County Advanced Orthopaedics.

This minimally invasive technique allows for:

• Faster recovery: Many patients walk unassisted within 10 days
• Less pain: Muscle-sparing means reduced soreness post-surgery
• More precision: Real-time X-rays ensure accurate implant placement
• Better balance: It can correct leg length differences caused by joint damage.

Who's a good candidate?

Anyone with chronic hip pain that hasn't improved with conservative treatments like medication, physical therapy or injections may benefit. While age isn't a limiting factor, overall health and lifestyle are considered.

The procedure typically lasts just over an hour, with patients often returning home the next day. Many resume driving within two weeks and return to light sports like golf or tennis in about 3-4 months.

"The most rewarding part is seeing patients walk pain-free and get back to the activities they enjoy," says Dr. Gomez.

If hip pain is affecting your daily life, anterior hip replacement could be a solution worth exploring.

Listen to the full podcast episode to learn more about this approach from Dr. Gomez.