Dr. Fontes has performed the revolutionary Direct Anterior Hip Replacement procedure more than 1,500 times in the last 9 years. The principal advantages of the Direct Anterior Hip Replacement technique are:
- No muscles cut
- Less post-operative pain
- Accurate reproduction of leg lengths
- Accurate placement and sizing of the implant
- Elimination of dislocation precautions
- Faster recovery time
The Direct Anterior Hip Replacement technique is the only hip replacement which does not require any muscles to be cut during the surgery. This generally results in less pain and faster mobility. Furthermore, patients really appreciate the absence of dislocation precautions, which means they can sleep in any position they choose and are not required to use elevated toilet seats or a special apparatus to hold their legs apart while sleeping. Many patients are cane free and driving within two weeks.
The Direct Anterior Hip Replacement approach technique was first attributed to French surgeons but was largely popularized in the U.S. by Dr. Joel Matta. His contribution to this field includes the development of a specialized operating room table that significantly improves exposure and access to the hip for better implant insertion. Dr. Fontes has been fortunate enough to attend personal instruction courses and receive extensive training with Dr. Matta.
Anterior Approach
- No muscles cut
-
No dislocation precautions needed
- Outpatient or Hospital stay 1-2 days
-
Use of cane for 1-3 weeks
- Less post operative pain
- Leg length accuracy assured
Traditional Approach
- Muscles cut including gluteus
- Dislocation precautions needed including restrictions for side sleeping and sitting
- Hospital stay 3-4 days
- Use of cane and/or walker for 4-6 weeks
- Moderate post operative pain
- Leg lengths may be incorrect
Verilast Hip Technology
Lab-tested for wear 9-times longer than the industry standard.1
(See Important Testing Note below)
OXINIUM◊ + XLPE = VERILAST Technology
If hip replacement is in your future, you’ve come to the right place to learn about a truly significant advancement in joint replacement materials, VERILAST◊ Hip Technology.
It’s important to remember that not every hip implant is the same. VERILAST Hip Technology is the one technology that directly addresses two of the most commonly cited concerns associated with hip replacement implants:2
- Implant wear
- Implant fracture
Whether or not to undergo hip replacement surgery is a very important decision. No matter how statistically safe and successful hip replacement surgery has proven to be, every surgery has risks. Before making any surgical decision, conversations should take place with your family, your primary care doctor and your orthopaedic surgeon to make sure that hip replacement with VERILAST Technology is the right course of action for your particular situation.
Important safety notes
Hip replacement surgery is intended to relieve hip pain and improve hip function. However, implants may not produce the same feel or function as your original hip. There are potential risks with hip replacement surgery such as loosening, fracture, dislocation, wear and infection that may result in the need for additional surgery. Longevity of implants depends on many factors, such as types of activities and weight. Do not perform high impact activities such as running and jumping unless your surgeon tells you the bone has healed and these activities are acceptable. Early device failure, breakage or loosening may occur if you do not follow your surgeon’s limitations on activity level. Early failure can happen if you do not guard your hip joint from overloading due to activity level, failure to control body weight, or accidents such as falls. Talk to your doctor to determine what treatment may be best for you.
References
Testing concluded at 45 million cycles. ISO 14242-1 defines test completion at 5 million cycles.
Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry Annual report. Adelaide: AOA; 2012.
All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient’s case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor’s specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.
All materials copyright © 2020 Smith & Nephew, All Rights Reserved.
All information provided on this website is for information purposes only. Every patient’s case is unique and each patient should follow his or her doctor’s specific instructions. Please discuss nutrition, medication and treatment options with your doctor to make sure you are getting the proper care for your particular situation. If you are seeking this information in an emergency situation, please call 911 and seek emergency help.
