Anterior Hip Replacement

Total hip replacement is a surgical replacement procedure where a diseased or damaged joint is replaced with an artificial joint called an implant. Made of metal alloys and high-grade plastics, the implant is designed to move like a healthy human joint. Evanston Regional Hospital is the only hospital in the region to integrate 3D modeling and robotic arm technology into this minimally invasive technique, which often allows for better precision, with less incision surgery.

Prior to surgery, a CT scan of your hip joint is taken to generate a 3D virtual model of your unique anatomy. The 3D model allows Dr. Pullins to know more about your joint than ever before and see things they can’t typically see with an x-ray alone. This additional information helps Dr. Pullins determine the desired size, placement, and positioning of your implant.

In the operating room, Dr. Pullins follows your personalized surgical plan while preparing the bone for implant. During the direct anterior approach, the surgeon reaches the hip joint from the front, as opposed to the lateral (side) or posterior (back). This way, the hip can be replaced without disturbing surrounding muscles - instead, simply working between them.

He uses a robotic arm to guide the implant at the desired angle defined in the surgical plan. This helps ensure placement and alignment of the implant are performed according to the plan. The robotic technology also provides real-time data to Dr. Pullins allowing him to continuously assess the movement and tension of your new joint and adjust the surgical plan as needed.

Immediately following surgery, patients can often bend their hip freely and bear full weight when comfortable, resulting in a more rapid return to normal function. Other potential benefits include:

• Reduced pain
• Reduced tissue healing required
• Reduced risk of dislocation and other complications
• Shorter hospital stay
• Quicker return to the life you love

Persons with questions about medical condition should consult a physician who is informed about the condition and the various modes of treatment available. Patient results may vary.