Hip Replacement

Hip replacement surgery is like giving your hip a new lease on life. It involves swapping out the damaged bits of your hip joint with artificial components, usually made of metal, ceramic, or tough plastic. This procedure can work wonders in easing the persistent pain linked to conditions like osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and hip fractures. After the surgery, people often find significant relief and can get back to their daily routines without the discomfort that once held them back.

Minimally Invasive Surgery

Dr. Yergler’s Approach to Hip Replacement

As one of the highest-volume hip surgeons in the country, I usually choose to do hip replacements using a minimally invasive posterior approach because it has excellent benefits for my patients. Minimally invasive surgery, or MIS, means making smaller incisions for less scarring and a faster recovery. You can learn more about MIS here.

Taking a posterior approach means I make an incision at the back of the hip close to the buttocks. This is the most common total hip replacement approach for a reason—it’s safer and results in fewer injuries than an anterior (front) approach.

The minimally invasive posterior approach makes it easier to use high-quality implants that provide better function and last longer. Plus, it’s less risky than other surgeries, so it’s a safer and more effective choice for hip replacement. I’ve found that this method helps patients recover faster, getting them back to their usual routine sooner. Plus, it’s often done as an outpatient procedure, so patients can head home on the same day as their surgery, cutting down on long hospital stays.

Anterior or Posterior?

There is a lot of misleading information out there about hip replacements and the benefits of anterior (front) or posterior (back) approaches. Here are some key insights I frequently review with my patients to help them understand their options.

All hip approaches recover quickly and can often go home the day of surgery
All hips can dislocate, no matter which approach is used
Muscles and ligaments are not cut with most approaches
Most surgeons prefer the posterior approach because it is safer
Anterior approaches have been around for decades but have not been extremely popular due to more complications:
— Up to 80% of patients have nerve injuries
— Infections can be common
— Fractures occur more frequently
— Only certain implants can be used
— They are especially dangerous for obese patients or patients with osteoporosis

There is a lot of misleading information out there about hip replacements and the benefits of anterior or posterior approaches.

— Dr. Jeff Yergler

Take the First Step Toward a Pain-Free Life

Hip replacement surgery is a path to a more active and comfortable lifestyle. If you’re tired of living with hip pain, schedule a consultation to discuss hip replacement surgery with my team. With modern advancements and a dedicated recovery plan, you can look forward to a future filled with movement and joy.