Ashtabula County Medical Center | ACMC Pulse | Summer 2016

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14 ACMC Pulse •
There’s more than one way to replace a hip.
There’s the “traditional” way and the “direct anterior” way. If you or someone you love
is suffering from hip pain or stiffness caused by arthritis or injury, and nonsurgical
treatments no longer work, it may be time to consider hip replacement. Compare the
two surgical approaches and choose the one that gets you back on your feet quicker.
Direct Anterior Approach Traditional Approach
Surgery • Incision is made at the front
• Surgeon does not cut through
muscles or tendons
• X-ray and computer guidance
is used to ensure accurate
placement during surgery
• Reduced risk of dislocation
• Reduced risk of discrepancy
in leg length
• Incision is made at back or side
• Surgeon must cut through
muscles, tendons and
connecting tissue
• No method to ensure accurate
placement during surgery
• Some risk of dislocation
• Less accuracy in restoring
leg length
Incision 3–5 inches 8–10 inches
Hospital Stay 1–3 days 4–7 days
Recovery Time 2–6 weeks 12 weeks
Limitations
after surgery
• Immediately able to bend freely
at hip without restriction
• Quick return to normal activities,
including normal sexual activity
• Limited hip movement for 2
months, which complicates
simple activities like sitting in a
chair, using the restroom, and
getting in and out of a car
• Delayed return to normal
activities, including normal
sexual activity
Ashtabula County Medical Center is the only hospital in Ashtabula or Lake counties to
offer the direct anterior approach to hip replacement.
For innovative care that reduces pain, restores freedom of motion and returns quality
to life, choose Ashtabula County Medical Center.
To learn more about the direct anterior approach or to schedule a consultation with
orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Amar Mutnal, call (440) 997-6910.
ACMC: Improving Ashtabula County
by keeping healthcare local.
Innovative hip
replacement surgery.
Only at ACMC.