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Why Should I Choose the Direct Superior Approach for My Hip Replacement? 

Hip Replacement

5 minute read

Hip replacement surgery can be daunting, especially since the hips are essential for many everyday movements. This blog discusses the minimally invasive technique of the direct superior approach and how hip replacement surgery can provide life-changing results. 

woman holding her hip in pain while running on a track field.

Planning a Hip Replacement Procedure 

Your hips play an integral role in nearly all physical movements—you use them when you walk, turn your body, bend over, and in many other everyday activities. So, when the hip joints are damaged or worn out, it can cause significant pain in one’s everyday life. In many cases, a person’s range of motion is greatly affected, and they may not be able to do normal activities due to the pain caused in the hips. Simply bending over to tie your shoes can cause excruciating pain, making it difficult or even impossible to accomplish this regular task. 

Hip replacement surgery can provide much-needed relief for those experiencing hip pain due to severe joint disease or some other cause resulting in a damaged hip. Replacing the injured hip with an implant can eliminate pain and restore a full range of motion, allowing patients to move freely and painlessly. 

While hip replacement surgery can provide life-changing results, it can still be daunting to plan and prepare for this procedure. Since your hips are responsible for everyday movements, it can be nerve-wracking to undergo a procedure that involves altering them. It can be stressful to choose the right orthopedic surgeon and hip replacement technique to ensure you receive the best results. 

What Causes Degeneration of the Hip Bones? 

Hip replacements become necessary when there is a degeneration of the hip bones. Joint diseases such as avascular necrosis, femur neck fracture, rheumatoid arthritis, and osteoarthritis are often common causes of damage to the hip bone. 

Hip dysplasia, a condition where the socket for the hip joint is too shallow, can also affect the hip bone’s functionality. People with this condition often are born with it. 

Regardless of the cause, damaged hip bones can create significant stress in people’s lives. It is generally a good time to consider hip replacement if your hip pain is causing a negative impact in your daily life. 

What Is the Direct Superior Approach for Hip Replacement Surgery? 

One of the hip replacement techniques that patients can choose is the direct superior approach. This option is very appealing to many patients as it is minimally invasive and involves only one incision. The goal with the direct superior approach is to cause the least amount of disruption to the surrounding tissue as possible while still being able to properly expose the hip and insert the implants. 

During a hip replacement procedure with a direct superior approach, Dr. Snibbe creates the incision on the hip’s side in the buttock region. No muscle is cut and the iliotibial band is preserved and not cut. Once the incision is made, Dr. Snibbe cuts one tendon, which allows him to access the hip and make the necessary adjustments. With this method, the implant can be correctly placed without disturbing the iliotibial band, obturator externus tendon, and the quadratus femoris muscle. 

What Are the Benefits of Robotic Hip Replacement? 

Dr. Snibbe uses robotic assistance during hip replacement surgery to allow for the very best precision when inserting implants into the joints. 

Some of the benefits of robotic hip replacement include: 

  • Increases precision of implant placement
  • Reduces human error during placement
  • Reduces complications during procedure 
  • Provides significant pain relief 
  • Restores range of motion

Why Choose Dr. Jason Snibbe for Your Hip Replacement? 

When researching orthopedic surgeons, you’ll want to consider board certification, experience, and reputation. You’ll also want to factor in how comfortable you feel around the surgeon, which can typically best be assessed during your consultation. 

Dr. Snibbe is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in minimally invasive hip surgeries. He has a reputation for having an extremely low complication rate and being one of the safest surgeons out there. He is also the official orthopedic surgeon for the Los Angeles Clippers and has performed surgery for many professional athletes and celebrities.  

When patients choose Dr. Snibbe for their hip replacement surgery, they can rest assured that they are in the safest hands possible and look forward to enjoying their life-changing results. 

Want to Know More About Hip Replacement in Los Angeles, CA? 

Are you ready to take action for your body and regain pain-free mobility? If so, scheduling a consultation with Dr. Snibbe is the first step in your hip replacement journey. Dr. Snibbe is ready to help you be relieved of aggravating everyday pain and restore control over daily movements. 

During a consultation with Dr. Snibbe, your hip will be examined, and your medical history will be assessed to determine if you are a good candidate for hip replacement surgery. An X-ray may be taken to properly assess your damaged hip. Once it is determined that you are an ideal candidate, Dr. Snibbe will create a customized treatment plan to address your specific hip needs. 

To schedule your hip replacement consultation in Los Angeles, CA, call Dr. Snibbe’s office at (310) 860-3048 or complete our online contact form


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