By Marc J. Rogers, D.O.

Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon

The anterior approach to hip replacement is an alternative to traditional hip replacement surgery in which the hip is accessed from the front of the joint. A standard 10 cm (4 in) incision is made in the front (anterior) of the hip as opposed to the back (posterior) or side (lateral). The technique uses an interval between the muscles in order to limit injury to them during the course of the surgery. Leaving these muscles intact can limit the risk of dislocation after surgery and may allow an accelerated recovery.

The anterior approach is typically made possible with the use of a specialized operating table that places the leg and pelvis in a stable position. This table is designed to help achieve excellent alignment and positioning of the implant. Rather than being positioned on their side or stomach, the patient lays flat on his or her back, which minimizes tilting of the pelvis during the operation, allowing more accurate positioning of the hip implant. The table also gives excellent access to the femur, or thighbone, in order to position the stem of the implant effectively. In addition, both hips can be replaced at the same time if needed since the patient lies on his or her back for the procedure.

Side-by-side X-ray monitors are used to provide X-ray views of the operative hip and the patient’s opposite hip. This comparison gives the surgeon information used to determine the desired position for an effective, stable hip replacement implant and allows precise control over the patient’s leg length.

In summary, the anterior approach to hip replacement offers several advantages over traditional hip replacement surgery. These include: a smaller incision, less risk of dislocation, few to no hip precautions after surgery as well as an overall quicker recovery.

For more information and an opportunity to ask questions, join me for a community presentation at 10 a.m. on November 3 at Towneplace Suites by Marriott – The Villages. It is hosted by Ocala Health Systems and is free and open to the public. Please RSVP to 1-800-530-1188.

Dr. Rogers is board certified in orthopaedic surgery and practices at The Orthopaedic Institute’s Ocala office. Dr. Rogers attended medical school at Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his residency training at Peninsula Hospital Center (LIJ Health Care System) in New York, followed by his fellowship training in Sports Medicine/Adult Knee Reconstruction. Dr. Rogers is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, American Medical Association, Florida Medical Association, Marion County Medical Society as well as many other professional associations.

October is designated as National Physical Therapy Month, by the American Physical Therapy Association in an effort to raise awareness of and to recognize the important roles that physical therapists, physical therapist assistants and staff play in improving and restoring a patient’s quality of life. TOI would like to take a moment to recognize our physical therapy staff at our four locations for their dedication and commitment to Improving Lives- Everyday in our communities.

Physical therapists (PTs) are health care professionals with extensive clinical experience who examine, diagnose and prevent or treat conditions that limit the body’s capability to move and function in daily life.

They are required to receive a graduate degree (master’s or clinical doctorate) from an accredited physical therapist program prior to taking the national licensure examination that permits them to practice.

“In general, I enjoy being able to see people getting back to doing things that they enjoy most,” said Herb Anding, physical therapist and clinical director of the Physical Therapy Center at TOI’s Gainesville office. “I enjoy the diversity of people that we get the chance to work with over time.”

In addition to our experienced physical therapists, each clinic is staffed with a team of talented physical therapist assistants and physical therapy technicians that aid in the overall physical therapy experience at TOI.

Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) play an integral role in working as a team in conjunction with the physical therapist in providing care to patients. They work closely with a supervising physical therapist in providing treatment to patients that may include therapeutic exercise, massage, balance and gait training and motor learning and development.

Physical therapist assistants teach patients appropriate ways to move or perform tasks in an effort to prevent further injury and to promote health and wellness.

Physical therapy technicians are another important branch of the physical therapy team. They receive direct on-the-job training preparing them to ensure proper and efficient flow of the clinic.

TOI would like to give a special thank you to its physical therapy staff at all of its locations!

Physical Therapists:

Herb Anding- Gainesville

Christopher Follenius- Alachua

David Lee- Gainesville

Carlos Riveros- Gainesville

Joyce Shahboz- Gainesville

Carrie Waldren- Ocala

Christy Yaxley- Lake City

Physical Therapy Assistants:

Danielle Conklin- Lake City

Jason Guynn- Ocala

Chris Lacy- Lake City

John Sherman- Lake City

Kyle Sykes- Gainesville

Physical Therapy Technicians:

Hunter Allen- Lake City

Kristopher Bracewell- Ocala

Melissa Cobb- Lake City

Caitlin Cunningham- Lake City

Kaitlin Cunningham- Gainesville

Joey Edge- Lake City

Marisa Gopaul- Gainesville

Amanda Newsom- Gainesville

Amanda Ogden- Alachua

Caitlin Smith- Gainesville

Kelli Thomas- Lake City

Nicole Umstead- Lake City

Sherman Wells- Lake City
T.D. Young- Gainesville

Photo courtesy of APTA