Hip arthritis or hip osteoarthritis is a common disease that usually results in increasing pain and stiffness over time. Total hip replacement surgery is an effective method of treating hip osteoarthritis when non-surgical methods have failed. Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) is a minimally invasive way of performing this surgery that reduces pain and allows earlier recovery.
What are the advantages of the direct anterior hip replacement?
The direct anterior approach (DAA) is a minimally invasive way of performing hip replacements for arthritis. The advantage of this approach is that muscles do not need to be split or cut to access the hip joint which makes recovery easier and may also improve stability of the hip. Patients having hip replacements using the DAA also tend to prefer the smaller more cosmetic scar.
Can I get a direct anterior approach hip replacement done in the UK?
Direct anterior approach (DAA) hip replacement is performed more commonly in the United States, France and Belgium amongst others, but only a relatively small proportion of orthopaedic surgeons in the UK are trained to do DAA hip replacements. At Grosvenor Orthopaedic Partners, we can offer DAA hip replacements for our patients.
Are there any risks associated with the direct anterior approach hip replacement?
Whether a hip replacement is done through the direct anterior approach (DAA) or more traditional posterior or lateral approaches, the outcomes of surgery are generally good or excellent. Regardless of approach, the risk of a complications is low, and these include infection, dislocation, nerve injury and loosening over time. The DAA hip replacement potentially reduces the risk of instability that can lead to dislocation and is the preferred approach in a significant proportion of our patients.
What are the long-term outcomes of direct anterior hip replacements?
Direct anterior approach (DAA) hip replacements have been done for over 40 years and their popularity has increased significantly in recent years. However, the most important thing for any hip replacement surgery is that appropriate hip implants with pedigree are used and the implants are placed in the correct position. Whether DAA hip replacements will prove to have any longer-term benefits is as yet unknown.
Case Study (1)
Mr WB is a 78-year-old retired military officer who presented to clinic with severe right hip pain. Clinical examination and X-rays helped diagnose severe osteoarthritis of the right hip. He successfully underwent a Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement under the care of Mr Oragui at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. He was mobilising safely and independently not he ward 4 hours after surgery and was ready for discharge 6 hours after surgery
Case Study (2)
Mrs DS is a 55-year-old lady who presented to clinic with a 2-year history of increasingly severe right hip pain and a diagnosis of osteoarthritis confirmed after X-ray. Following a consultation and appropriate counselling, she underwent a total right hip replacement using the direct anterior approach under the care of Mr Emeka Oragui. 6 hours after surgery she was back on the ward, mobilising independently with a single crutch. She was discharged home the following day. Mrs DS was seen in clinic 4 weeks after surgery when she reported very little in the way of pain and was able to walk long distances without walking aides