Perth Orthopaedics provides all commonly used approaches for hip replacements (also known as total hip arthroplasty). These include minimally invasive muscle sparing techniques.
It is important to note that there is no level one (highest) scientific evidence to prove that one technique is any better than another for doing a hip replacement. There are advantages and disadvantages to all techniques but regardless it is a very safe and reliable surgery. For further information please read the Australian Arthroplasty Society’s position statement. Your surgeon will be more than happy to discuss any questions you may have.
Direct Anterior and SuperPath Approaches
Both of these approaches are minimally invasive, muscle sparing techniques. They require specific instruments to be performed. With the direct anterior approach, the scar is on the front of the hip and involves using the interval between tensor fascia lata and sartorius.
With the SuperPath, the scar is on the outside of the upper thigh and utilises the interval between the gluteal muscles and piriformis. The aim of these minimally invasive, muscle sparing techniques is to allow early rehabilitation and return to function.
Mini-Posterior/Posterior and Anterolateral/Hardinge Approaches to the Hip
These are the two most commonly used approaches used to perform total hip replacement in Australia. With the Anterolateral approach the scar is on the outside of the upper thigh and the gluteus medius and minimus tendons are partially released off the bone to access the hip joint.
With the posterior approach, the scar is on the upper thigh, slightly more towards the buttocks. With this approach, the short external rotators are released off the back of the femur to access the hip joint. The advantage of these approaches includes the ease of which they may be extended to access different parts of the hip joint.
For this reason, they are also the commonly used approaches for revision hip replacements.
