The AAOS (American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons) estimates that 265,000 hip replacements are performed annually in the United States. Since its initial use in the 1960s, this operation has become one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries available.

There are two types of hip replacement surgeries used by surgeons, anterior approach and posterior approach. As you would imagine, the approaches are named after the direction from which your surgeon enters the joint to place your implant. Posterior hip replacement is more commonly performed, though anterior approach is gaining popularity. Both approaches have their benefits, which can be discussed with your surgeon.

The important thing to note, from a prehab (and a rehab/physical therapy) perspective, is the fact that the precautions following surgery are very different. If your surgeon uses an anterior approach, you should avoid the exact opposite hip motions from the ones you would avoid following a posterior approach. For this reason, it is essential that you contact a physical therapist before your operation, to ensure that you are educated (and your home is prepared) for the same type of procedure for which you are scheduled.

Victory Prehab provides preoperative rehabilitation in north San Diego county. Our doctors of physical therapy will ensure that your hip replacement surgery is as successful as possible – read more about our prehab program here.