Latest Technology in
Anterior Hip Surgery

at Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital

The Anterior Approach to Hip Replacement



The hip joint is one of the most important joints in the human body, as it allows us to walk, run, and jump. The hips bear the body’s weight and withstand the force of the strong muscles of the hip and leg. The hip joint is also one of our most flexible joints, with a greater range of motion than any other joint in the body except for the shoulder. Disease or injury can disrupt the normal functioning of the joint, which can result in hip pain, muscle weakness, and limited movement.

Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital is committed to minimally invasive surgical techniques and advanced technology. When surgery for the hip is required, we offer an innovative surgical approach called anterior hip surgery.

Not all hip conditions require surgery. Many hip conditions can be successfully treated with simple measures such as rehabilitation exercises, while other injuries require surgery to correct. Doctors typically recommend hip replacement once hip pain or discomfort begins to interfere with the ability to perform daily activities, like walking or climbing stairs.

One common reason for hip replacement is osteoarthritis, a disease of the entire hip joint. Osteoarthritis affects the cartilage, joint lining, ligaments, and bone. With osteoarthritis, the cartilage covering the ends of the bone breaks down, causing the bones of the joint to rub together. Another form of arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (a chronic inflammation disorder), affects the lining of the joints and can eventually result in bone erosion and joint deformity, requiring a hip replacement. Other reasons for a hip replacement include injuries, fractures, and bone tumors.

Leading technology is an important part of all Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital services, including hip surgery.

Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital is one of the only centers in Los Angeles equipped with the Hana® table, state-of-the-art equipment that allows surgeons to perform a total hip replacement utilizing the anterior approach.

The table positions the patient in such a way that the hip can be replaced through a single incision, on the front (anterior) side of the leg, without detaching muscles from the pelvis or femur.

With conventional hip replacement surgery, the surgeon must make an incision along the entire side of the hip and move the muscles connected to the femur to expose the hip joint. Along with the unique design of the table, the Hana® uses an Image Intensifier, a computer-generated image that is superimposed onto the surgical site, allowing for increased accuracy.

The anterior approach has many benefits. Keeping the muscles intact during surgery allows for accelerated recovery time and may also help to prevent future dislocations.

Additionally, because the incision is on the front of the leg, patients avoid the pain of sitting on the incision site during recovery. Other benefits include:

  • More accurate positioning of the hip in the socket
  • Preservation of the muscle attachment
  • Enhanced retention of leg length

    Recovery for hip replacement surgery will vary from patient to patient, depending on age, weight, activity level prior to surgery, and other factors. Only an orthopaedic surgeon can tell if hip replacement is right for you and what restrictions you may have after surgery. Contact one of our Cedars-Sinai Marina del Rey Hospital orthopaedic surgeons today to learn more about both conventional and anterior hip replacement surgery.