Finding Pain Relief and Restoring Mobility with Anterior Hip Replacement

For Caledonia, Mo. resident, Paul Redinger, 47, his hip pain – due to avascular necrosis – had plagued him for several years. Avascular necrosis (also called osteonecrosis) is the death of bone tissue due to a lack of blood supply, which can lead to tiny breaks in the bone, eventually collapsing the bone. It’s most common in people between the ages of 30 and 50. Unfortunately, the pain gradually worsens over time if left untreated.  

Enduring Years of Hip Pain 

“It was affecting my ability to walk normally,” said Redinger. “So, in January 2018, I underwent a bone graft procedure, which failed almost immediately. The femur in my hip eventually collapsed. I was then dealing with constant irritation in the ball and socket of my hip and had developed a slight limp.” 

Growing somewhat discouraged, Redinger knew he couldn’t endure this pain and limited mobility forever. He called the Midwest Orthopedic Group associated with Parkland Health Center to get some guidance on next steps.  

“The receptionist that I spoke with recommended a consultation with Dr. Jesse Beard,” said Redinger. “She thought I might be a good candidate for an anterior hip replacement, which is one of Dr. Beard’s specialties. So, I decided to make an appointment.” 

Dr. Beard is an orthopedic surgeon who treats patients at Parkland Health Center. He specializes in total joint replacement, arthroscopy, fractures, tendons, sprains, and strains. He treats a number of patients experiencing hip pain. The most common conditions that cause hip pain and issues include osteoarthritis; rheumatoid arthritis; avascular necrosis (like Redinger); injury; fracture; and/or bone tumors. 

“For most people, hip pain starts as a minor discomfort and worsens over time as their hip joint continues to deteriorate,” said Dr. Beard. “Your treatment depends on the amount of pain you’re experiencing and how your damaged hip joint is impairing your ability to do routine things. Initially, we recommend certain non-surgical treatments – exercise and physical therapy; anti-inflammatory medication; pain medication; and walking aids. When the non-surgical treatments no longer work, surgery is often the last resort.”   

The Benefits of Anterior Hip Replacement 

After evaluating Redinger at his first appointment on October 29, 2021, Dr. Beard recommended that he undergo hip replacement surgery, specifically anterior hip replacement, which is more minimally invasive compared to the traditional posterior method.  

“Paul’s hip had deteriorated significantly from the avascular necrosis and subsequent bone graft, so anterior hip replacement surgery was the best option for him,” said Dr. Beard. “Anterior hip replacement offers several benefits compared to traditional hip replacement, including less damage to major muscles; less post-operative pain; a faster recovery; and fewer postsurgical precautions.” 

Anterior hip replacement requires a small incision near the front of the hip to allow for removal of damaged bone and cartilage, followed by the implantation of an artificial hip without damaging surrounding muscle and tendons. Because those muscles aren’t injured, the new joint can function more normally.  

“Additionally, the risk of damage to the major nerves near the hip like the sciatic nerve is lower with the anterior approach than with the traditional posterior approach,” said Dr. Beard. “This is because the sciatic nerve runs behind the hip joint, so it is not exposed when using the anterior approach.” 

For Redinger, the benefits that the anterior hip replacement offered were exactly what he had hoped for when he began exploring surgical options for his failing hip.  

“Dr. Beard was really thorough about educating me on what to expect with this procedure and the recovery process,” said Redinger. “He answered all of my questions and assured me this was the best option for me to find pain relief and soon regain my mobility.” 

Undergoing Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery at Parkland Health Center 

On November 9, 2021, Redinger underwent the anterior hip replacement surgery with Dr. Beard at Parkland Health Center. The surgery went smoothly, and Dr. Beard was able to properly repair the damaged femur in the hip and remove a bone spur that had developed in the joint. Redinger was discharged home from the hospital the following day with orders for physical therapy and only one restriction: not to rotate his foot 90 degrees.  

“The best part was my hip pain went away almost immediately,” recalled Redinger. “I needed a walker for a few days and then a cane for a few days after that. I couldn’t believe how quickly I was able to walk again, pain free and without a limp.” 

Redinger did six weeks of physical therapy, which helped speed up his recovery and increase mobility. He also returned to working out at the gym four weeks after surgery. Two months post-surgery, he is 90 percent recovered and preparing to return to his job as an engineer and a vintner, the latter of which is physically demanding.

“I’m so glad I found Dr. Beard and this surgical option,” said Redinger.  

Redinger hopes that by sharing his story, he can help other people who may be struggling with hip pain like he was. He was grateful to find Dr. Beard and finally find a resolution. 

“I’ve recommended Dr. Beard to so many people. He has a great bedside manner and was very polite and respectful. He never talked down to me,” said Redinger. “The staff at Parkland Health Center was truly outstanding. The doctors, nurses and assistants who took care of me were exceptional. I can’t say enough good things about my experience there.”  

Redinger looks forward to being able to do so much more now with his repaired hip. Additionally, Dr. Beard reassured Redinger that his new hip should last him 20 or more years before he would need a revision or retrofit surgery. 

“According to some hip replacement studies, 90 percent of artificial hips still function after 20 years and 70 percent of the manufactured joints still work after three decades,” said Dr. Beard. “Given Paul’s youth, health and commitment to regular exercise, I feel confident his new hip will serve him well and last for years to come.”   

If you or a loved one are dealing with lingering hip pain and are wondering if you’re a candidate for anterior hip replacement, speak with your primary care provider or call Parkland’s Physician Finder line at 573.431.3338.