Medical Care , Health & Wellness , Orthopaedics
Consider total hip replacement with Alps Orthopaedic Centre's ERAS Direct Anterior Approach for faster recovery and reduced hospital stays. Learn about Dr. Jerry Chen's expertise in Singapore.
Are you considering Total Hip Replacement (THR) surgery for yourself or a loved one? At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we specialise in Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS). Besides holding the potential of effectively restoring the hip joint, the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach in THR also significantly reduces the average days that patients spend in the hospital. In the care of Dr Jerry Chen, his patients’ well-being is the top priority throughout the surgical journey.
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Total hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, is a procedure where orthopaedic surgeons replace a damaged or worn-out joint with an artificial joint. Usually, doctors would recommend patients who are suffering from degenerative diseases such as osteoarthritis and osteonecrosis to undergo this surgical procedure. The goal of total hip replacement is to alleviate pain, improve joint function, and enhance the quality of life of patients who have not found relief from non-surgical treatment methods such as painkillers or physical therapy.
Total hip replacement surgeries can be scary to some patients and it is completely normal to feel a mix of emotions about the procedure. However, the good news is that hip replacement surgeries are known for their high success rates and the direct anterior approach is recognised as the least invasive approach to total joint arthroplasty.Â
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The Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) to Total Hip Replacement (THR) is a surgical technique used to replace a dysfunctional hip joint with an artificial implant. Unlike traditional hip replacement approaches that involve accessing the hip joint from the side (lateral) or back (posterior) of the body, the DAA involves accessing the hip joint from the front (anterior) of the body, avoiding major muscles and tendons.
This minimally invasive surgical technique reduces tissue damage, typically resulting in pain relief and faster recovery times compared to traditional approaches. Patients undergoing DAA THR often experience shorter hospital stays and quicker return to daily activities, improving their overall quality of life.
At Alps Orthopaedic Centre, we utilise Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols to prioritise the wellbeing of our patients. ERAS is a holistic approach that aims to improve clinical outcomes and most importantly, to expedite the recovery process of patients. ERAS typically involves medical professionals to be involved in all three phases of a patient’s journey, mainly, before, during and after surgery.
Furthermore, the ERAS protocol complements the DAA THR approach by optimising preoperative preparation, intraoperative techniques, and postoperative care. This comprehensive approach includes personalised pain management strategies, early mobilisation, and nutritional support, all aimed at enhancing recovery outcomes. This approach not only improves patient outcomes but also contributes to a more efficient healthcare system by reducing hospital stays and enhancing overall patient satisfaction.
Preoperative optimisation is key to a successful surgery and speedy recovery. Under the ERAS protocol, patients undergo thorough assessments and receive personalised care plans, including nutrition counselling and exercise regimes. These measures enhance overall health, reduce surgical risks, and pave the way for a smoother recovery.
During the preoperative stage, patients can expect comprehensive and proactive steps to optimise their physical and psychological well-being before the surgery. For instance, patients would:
The Direct Anterior Approach offers distinct advantages. By accessing the hip joint from the front, surgeons can preserve crucial muscles and tissues, leading to less trauma and postoperative pain. This minimally invasive approach also promotes faster healing and reduced scarring, contributing to improved cosmetic outcomes.
During the intraoperative stage, patients may experience:
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Light stretching is generally beneficial shortly after ERAS Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) surgery, but it's crucial to seek the guidance of your orthopaedic surgeon because every patient’s condition is unique.
Image by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels
After undergoing the ERAS Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) day surgery, your orthopaedic surgeon will recommend physiotherapy and wound care options to regain strength, flexibility, and stability in the operated hip and aid in a swift return to normal activity. Attending a structured rehabilitation programme supervised by healthcare professionals is recommended.
Postoperative care under the ERAS protocol focuses on early mobilisation. Patients are encouraged to engage in gentle exercises soon after surgery, walking with assistance, and physiotherapy interventions, promoting joint flexibility and muscle strength.Â
Advanced pain management techniques, such as multimodal analgesia, help alleviate discomfort while minimising opioid use and its associated side effects. After the surgery, patients can expect a comprehensive plan to facilitate their recovery process, some of which would include:
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Compared to traditional hip replacement surgeries, the direct anterior approach is a minimally invasive surgical procedure where orthopaedic surgeons access the hip by making a small frontal incision up to 3-4 inches from the front of the thigh (anterior). This approach allows surgeons to navigate through the space between key thigh muscles such as the sartorius, rectus femoris and tensor fasciae latae, without the need to cut or detach these muscle tissues. It helps to minimise tissue trauma and facilitate a rapid and less painful recovery process for patients.Â
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The Direct Anterior Approach has several benefits such as:Â
As this procedure does not require the removal or detachment of any muscle tissues, it significantly reduces the risk of muscle atrophy and strength loss, which are common concerns for patients undergoing surgery. This helps patients maintain a healthy baseline of muscle function post-surgery, which often translates to a reduced hospital stay and an expedited timeline for patients to resume their normal routines.
With the preservation of soft tissue tension, the direct anterior approach promotes the preservation of the hip's soft tissue tensions, minimising undue stress on the joint. This ensures that the hip joint remains stable post-surgery which significantly lowers the risk of dislocation.Â
The intraoperative imaging used during the direct anterior approach process allows surgeons to evaluate a patient’s leg length, enabling them to place the hip prosthesis with precision. Precise placement is critical for patients as it influences their hip’s joint range of motion, implant longevity and, most importantly, reduces the likelihood of revision surgeries.Â
While there are benefits with the direct anterior approach, as with any other surgery, it still comes with risks, this approach has several risks such as:
1. Â Nerve Injury
There is a small risk of damaging nerves at the surgical site or around it. This can come in the form of numbness around the thigh area.
2. Wound Complications and Infection
Although the direct anterior approach is minimally invasive, the small incision made still has a small risk of wound or deep infection.Â
3. Intraoperative Fractures
When handled with inexperienced hands, there’s a possibility that fractures may occur during the surgery, which may lead to the extended duration of the surgery or even longer hospital stays.Â
Rest assured, at Alps Orthopaedic Centre, our experienced orthopaedic surgeon, Dr Jerry Chen, will discuss these potential risks with you to help you make an informed decision.