There are three main approaches to hip replacement -- lateral, anterior and posterior. Of the three, the anterior -- or front -- approach has quickly become the preferred treatment.
The beauty of an anterior approach lies in the fact that it is minimally invasive -- rather than cutting through muscle or detaching tendons, surgeons are able to replace the hip through several precise three to four inch incisions surrounding the joint. Leaving the muscular tendons and gluteal muscles unaltered, the anterior approach allows patients to experience greater stability, and a faster return to physical activity. This can ultimately lead to a better recovery.
"What I'm seeing with my patients is a shorter overall hospitalization and a quicker return to function," said Dr. Eric Grossman, Co-Director of Joint Replacement at Northern Westchester Hospital’s Orthopedic and Spine Institute. Patients routinely go home within a day of surgery and are typically standing and walking with assistance soon after. Two weeks after treatment, most patients can walk without the help of a cane or walker.
At Northern Westchester Hospital, doctors’ and staff’s commitment to excellence and service to the community has helped the hospital become a leader in joint replacement in the New York area.
To hear Dr. Grossman discuss the benefits of anterior hip surgery, view the video above.
For more information on hip replacement and the anterior approach, call 914-666-1499 or visit Northern Westchester Hospital's website.