For the past 20 years, since the beginning of my residency, I have been using the posterolateral approach for total hip replacements. While this approach is extremely common, very useful, and works well, it does have the drawback of having a higher potential for dislocation than some of the other approaches.
One of these approaches involves coming from the front, or “anterior” side of the hip. Dr. Phil Downer, one of my partners in Orthopedic Specialists of Seattle, has been using this approach for 3-4 years, and has been very pleased with the results. I have been performing the approach with him recently, and I, too have been impressed with the simplicity of the technique, and the more rapid recovery it provides.
I will therefore now be offering this exciting new technique to my patients. Should you be a candidate for hip replacement, I look forward to discussing this with you personally in clinic.