Outpatient Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
What is an anterior hip replacement?
Anterior hip replacement surgery is a total hip replacement surgery in which the diseased joint is removed through an anterior (front) incision as opposed to a posterior (back) approach. During an anterior hip replacement the patient is on his or her back (supine) rather than on his or her side. Special anterior hip replacement instruments allow the surgeon to see down the femur, or thigh bone, which allows for accurate placement of the metal prosthesis.
The anterior approach is a “muscle sparing” operation in that the surgeon moves muscles of the hip rather than cutting muscle. This may have several advantages. Because the muscle is not cut or traumatized, the patients recover faster, and the hips may be more stable and less prone to dislocation.
Am I a good candidate for OUTPATIENT anterior hip replacement surgery?
Ideal candidates should be:
- In extremely good health
- Young
- At a healthy weight
- In good shape
- Free of excessive fat tissue or muscle bulk in the anterior thigh
What are the benefits of outpatient direct anterior total hips?
Outpatient Anterior hip replacement may provide the following benefits:
- Patient stays in Bethesda Chevy Chase Surgical Center for 23 hours or less with possible same-day discharge
- Reduced infection rate in an outpatient surgery center compared to an inpatient hospital setting
- Recovery process in the comfort of one’s own home
- Quicker return to daily activities
It is with a grateful heart that we announce Dr. Anthony Unger’s retirement, effective December 31, 2024. As a founding member of Washington Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, Dr. Unger has had the privilege of forming lasting relationships with many patients and their families. It has been a true honor for him to provide care across multiple generations, and he deeply values the trust placed in him by so many.