The posterior approach, the main hip replacement method for many years, involves accessing the hip joint through an incision in the back of the leg – near the top of the femur.

Hip replacements are common in older adults. This article looks at the procedure itself, who can benefit from it, what to expect from recovery, and more.

During the posterior procedure, your surgeon makes an incision close to your buttocks. During the anterior approach, your surgeon usually makes an incision near the front of your hip bone.

There are varying approaches to hip replacement surgery. The posterior approach has been the standard for many years, and it requires an entry incision close to the back of the hip.

However, there may be some long-term effects and restrictions after hip replacement surgery and recovery. People may continue to experience some numbness, pain, or stiffness around the incision site.

May 21, 2024 / 10:04 AM / Updated May 21, 2024 at 10:55 AM ...

Shaw, who has had both hips replaced, knows it's better. She had a posterior hip replacement on her right side in 2003 before her anterior approach in August.

Early outcome comparison between the direct anterior approach and the mini-incision posterior approach for primary total hip arthroplasty: 150 consecutive cases. J Arthroplasty. 2014;29:1256-1260.

Today, Dr. Lohrbach performed his 1000th anterior hip replacement. "The recovery tends to be a bit faster, so a month or two faster, the restrictions post-operatively, the things we tell our ...