Total Hip Replacement. Position of patient, location of incision, muscles involved and insertion of implant
The Posterior approach has been the most common approach to hip replacement for the past decade. The patient is placed on their side during the surgery. The incision typically runs lengthways on the side of the body over the hip and buttock. The gluteus maximus muscle is split and short external rotator muscles are divided and later repaired. A new acetabular cup is put into the pelvis. The top of the femur is removed and a new femoral stem is inserted into the femur bone. This articulates with the new stem implant, to create a new hip joint.
Time taken to complete the Total Hip Replacement posterior approach surgery
The procedure usually takes about 75 to 90 minutes. The posterior approach is a particularly versatile and excellent surgical approach for patients with greater than average muscle mass, people with complex skeletal anatomy or particular anatomical features and is the surgeon’s preferred approach for people with a larger body frame. It gives the surgeon excellent access to the hip joint.
Recovery time after Total Hip Replacement posterior approach surgery
Patients will usually be up and walking the day of surgery and are usually ready to leave hospital 3 days after surgery.
Find out more about the implants and materials used in total hip replacement.
What is a resurfacing hip implant made from?
Prof Walter implanted the first Ceramic resurfacing device (ReCerf) in Australia in 2018. Over the last 6 years he has done approximately 250 ceramic resurfacing procedures on suitable patient’s with good results. The ReCerf Resurfacing hip arthroplasty is similar in design to the metal-on-metal resurfacing devices, however the ReCerf is manufactured from BIOLOX delta ceramic creating a ceramic-on-ceramic resurfacing hip, which eliminates the metal ion risks associated with the metal-on-metal designs. The ReCerf 3-year patient outcomes presented in the 2024 AOANJRR Report are far superior to metal-on-metal resurfacing hip devices and total hip replacements.
Which surgical approach is best for me?
Patients often request that Professor Bill Walter use a particular approach for their surgery. At the moment, patients are hearing that the anterior approach hip replacement is the best option for them, and in many cases this is true. Talking to a friend or doing a quick Google search can yield a great deal of information and you may form an opinion about which approach you may prefer.
Very often, the approach you ask for is the best one for you. However, you should be aware that there are many factors which are considered when deciding which of these surgical approaches is most appropriate and these may not be obvious to you when you compare notes with friends or search the internet. Patient size and weight, an individual’s skeletal anatomy, type of hip implant to be used, past hip surgeries, medical history, physiological and anaesthetic considerations need to be carefully considered in order to decide what best for you. Of course, please ask as many questions as you like when you come to see us.