Direct Superior Hip Replacement Approach

Hip pain may seem like a common ailment, but suffering from day-to-day activities like walking and bending over isn’t normal — nor is it necessary. You can return to the lifestyle you once enjoyed with help from Beaufort Memorial.

Our orthopedic surgeons specialize in the latest techniques in total hip replacement, including the direct superior approach, which spares vital, healthy tissue and maintains the hip’s natural alignment.

Learn more about treatments for hip pain at our next Solving Hip and Knee Pain seminar. Or, call 843-522-7435 to discuss your symptoms and request an appointment with an orthopedic surgeon.

What Is Direct Superior Hip Replacement?

Surgical approaches for hip replacement include anterior (from the front), posterior (from the back) and direct superior (also from the back). In the direct superior approach, the hip is replaced through a single incision in the back, slightly above where an incision would be made for the traditional posterior approach, so as to preserve major tendons and muscles around the hip joint. This means:

• Greater hip stability and less potential for dislocation after surgery
• Less pain after surgery
• Quicker return to daily activities

Additionally, with the superior approach, orthopedic surgeons can achieve high levels of accuracy as they place the hip implants.

Hip Replacement Procedures at Beaufort Memorial

The Joint Replacement Center at Beaufort Memorial has a comprehensive program that includes a joint care coordinator, who will guide you throughout your procedure.

Before surgery, you’ll attend an educational seminar and learn exercises to strengthen the muscles around your hip, which will ease recovery.

In the hospital, you’ll receive surgery under anesthesia. Your hospital stay will typically be just one night. The day after surgery, you’ll receive one-on-one physical therapy in the hospital. At home after your hip replacement procedure, you’ll continue your recovery with physical therapy to help you achieve your previous activity levels and beyond.

Count on Gold Standard Care

Whether direct superior hip replacement or another approach is a better fit for you, you can rest assured you’re in expert hands.

Since 2015, Beaufort has been recognized with the Gold Seal of Approval^® by The Joint Commission for top-of-the-line care in joint replacement surgery. The Joint Commission also has awarded our team an advanced disease-specific certification for hip replacement, an achievement earned by only two other centers in South Carolina.

Have more questions about orthopedic surgery? Get answers to frequently asked questions.