Anterior Approach Hip Replacement

Anterior Minimally Invasive Approach (AMIS)

Anterior approach hip replacement surgery is characterised by preservation of muscles, nerves and tendons encountered during the surgery, offering a reduced skin incision.
The advantages of anterior minimally invasive surgery are:

1. DECREASED POST-OPERATIVE PAIN ^{[1, 3]}
   In comparison with “conventional” surgical  techniques, the AMIS approach can reduce the post-operative pain as muscles are not cut.
2. SHORTER REHABILITATION ^{[3, 4]}
   Rehabilitation can usually start the day of the operation or the day after. Standing up and walking with arm crutches can start immediately.
3. SHORTER HOSPITAL STAY ^{[2, 5]}
   The AMIS technique usually significantly reduces the duration of hospital stay. Your surgeon may still recommend you a longer stay depending on your post-operative condition.
4. SMALL SKIN SCAR ^[3]
   With AMIS, the skin incision is often shorter than  with “conventional” surgery and therefore scar tissue is reduced.
5. FASTER RETURN TO DAILY ACTIVITIES ^{[5, 6, 7]}
   The AMIS technique allows you to return to daily activities in a shorter time frame.
6. LESS BLOOD LOSS ^{[2, 3]}
   Preservation of muscles and vessels potentially reduces blood loss. Transfusions are rare, blood clots in the legs (deep venous thrombosis) are potentially less likely.
7. REDUCED RISK OF DISLOCATION (separation of the hip ball and socket) ^{[4, 8]}
   As a result of  the AMIS technique the preservation of muscles significantly improves the stability of the hip. The risk of dislocation is minimal and the post-operative limitation of movements, usually prescribed in other techniques, is not necessary. The risk of dislocation is reduced because the anterior approach is performed from the front of your body and dislocation is mainly related to posterior hip structure damage.
8. PREVENTION OF LIMPING ^{[9, 10, 11, 12]}
   AMIS is characterised by a surgical technique that protects the various muscles, blood vessels and nerves encountered during exposure of the hip joint. Minimizing muscle and nerve damage reduces the chances of limping.