Direct-Superior Approach

Your surgery may be performed using the Direct Superior Approach, a minimally invasive surgical technique used in total hip replacement. This technique may be associated with:

  • Reduced Muscle Damage
  • Smaller Incision Size
  • Enhanced Post-Operative Recovery
Hip Doctors Houston TX | Catherine Cahill MD

Types of Incisions for Total Hip Replacement Surgeries

Hip Specialist Houston TX | Catherine Cahill MD

What Are The Differences Between The Direct Superior Approach & A Traditional Hip Replacement?

One difference is the location of the incision. During a traditional hip replacement, the surgeon will make an incision through the IT band, which is a muscle that extends down the outside of your leg from the pelvis to the knee. In a Direct Superior procedure, the surgeon avoids cutting the IT band. Another difference is the length of the incision. Traditional hip replacement may require an 10-12 inch incision while the incision used in the Direct Superior Approach may be 3-6 inches in length.

Direct Superior Approach Surgery Technique

Minimally Invasive Hip Surgery

About

Direct Superior Hip Replacement is a minimally invasive hip surgery technique to replace the hip joint without cutting through any major muscles or tendons. Like the “mini-posterior” approach, the direct superior hip replacement offers many benefits compared to traditional hip replacement surgery.

Advantages

  • High success rate
  • Less muscle damage
  • Precise placement of implants
  • Allows excellent visibility of the joint
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Minimal soft-tissue trauma
  • Smaller incision
  • Less scarring
  • Minimal blood loss
  • Shorter operative time
  • Quicker recovery
  • Early mobilization
  • Quicker return to normal activities
  • Short hospital stays

Advantages

  • High success rate
  • Less muscle damage
  • Precise placement of implants
  • Allows excellent visibility of the joint
  • Less postoperative pain
  • Minimal soft-tissue trauma
  • Smaller incision
  • Less scarring
  • Minimal blood loss
  • Shorter operative time
  • Quicker recovery
  • Early mobilization
  • Quicker return to normal activities
  • Short hospital stays

Frequently Asked Questions

View our FAQs for answers to questions related to appointments, consultations, medical records, post-operation restrictions and more. For more information click below.