Bikini Incision Anterior Hip Replacement

What is bikini incision anterior hip replacement?

Anterior hip replacement reaches the hip joint from the front, working between muscles instead of cutting through them. Traditional hip replacement reaches the joint from the back or side, which means detaching muscles and tendons and repairing them afterward.

With a bikini incision, the anterior approach is done through a short incision that runs along the natural crease where the thigh meets the groin. A standard anterior incision runs vertically down the front of the thigh. The bikini incision follows the skin's own fold, so the scar tends to blend in and can be covered by underwear or a swimsuit.

Bikini incision vs. other hip replacement approaches

• Muscles: with the bikini incision and standard anterior approaches, the surgeon works between muscles without cutting them. The posterior approach cuts some muscles and tendons, then repairs them.
• Incision: the bikini incision runs along the groin crease. A standard anterior incision runs vertically down the front of the thigh. A posterior incision sits on the back or side of the hip.
• Scar: the bikini incision scar is hidden in the crease. Standard anterior and posterior scars are visible on the thigh or side of the hip.
• Hip precautions: anterior approaches usually come with fewer restrictions after surgery than the posterior approach.

Benefits of bikini incision anterior hip replacement

• No cutting through the major hip muscles
• A scar that sits in the groin crease and can be hidden by clothing
• Designed for less pain and a faster return to walking
• Usually fewer restrictions on bending and sitting after surgery
• Real-time X-ray during surgery helps the surgeon position the implant and match leg lengths

Is the bikini incision right for you?

Many patients with hip arthritis are candidates for anterior hip replacement, and many of them are candidates for the bikini incision. Dr. Jimenez considers your hip's anatomy, body shape and any prior hip surgery before recommending an approach at your consultation.

What life is like after anterior hip replacement

Every recovery is different, and your surgical team will give you a plan. Most patients follow a pattern like this:

• Walking: Most patients walk with a walker the same day or the day after surgery and move to a cane within days to a few weeks.
• Sleeping: Sleeping on your back is easiest at first. Many anterior hip patients can sleep on their side sooner than with traditional approaches; ask your surgeon when.
• Sitting and bending: Because the back of the hip is left intact, most patients have fewer limits on sitting in chairs, getting in the car and bending.
• Driving: Most patients drive again once they are off prescription pain medication and can brake quickly and safely. Your surgeon will clear you.
• Work: Desk work often resumes within a few weeks. Physical jobs usually take longer.

About your surgeon: Dr. Christopher Jimenez

Dr. Christopher Jimenez is a fellowship-trained hip and knee replacement surgeon at BONE DRs Orthopedic Care. He completed his fellowship in Santa Monica, California, with Dr. Joel Matta, the pioneer of the anterior approach to hip replacement in the United States, and has performed thousands of joint replacement surgeries. Dr. Jimenez is the director of a Medicare Center of Excellence in hip and knee replacement. He sees patients in Austin, San Marcos and Bastrop, and speaks English and Spanish.

Bikini incision anterior hip replacement FAQs

What is a bikini incision hip replacement?

An anterior hip replacement done through a short incision placed in the natural crease of the groin, so the scar is easier to hide.

Is the bikini incision different from regular anterior hip replacement?

The surgery inside the hip is the same muscle-sparing anterior approach. Only the direction and placement of the skin incision are different.

Will my scar show in a swimsuit?

The incision follows the groin crease, so for most patients the scar sits below the line of underwear or a swimsuit.

Why is anterior hip replacement recovery faster?

The surgeon works between muscles instead of cutting through them, which is designed to reduce pain and help patients walk sooner.

Who performs bikini incision anterior hip replacement near Austin, TX?

Dr. Christopher Jimenez at BONE DRs Orthopedic Care, who trained under Dr. Joel Matta, performs bikini incision anterior hip replacement for patients in Austin, San Marcos, Bastrop and across Central Texas.

Does insurance cover anterior hip replacement?

Hip replacement is typically covered by Medicare and most insurance plans when medically necessary. The bikini incision is a surgical technique, not a separate procedure. Call 512-266-3377 and our team will verify your benefits.

Schedule an anterior hip replacement consultation

If hip arthritis is limiting your life, schedule a consultation with Dr. Christopher Jimenez at BONE DRs Orthopedic Care in Austin, San Marcos or Bastrop. Call 512-266-3377 or book an appointment online.

Related: Anterior Hip Replacement · Robotic Total Hip Replacement · Revision Hip Replacement · Subvastus Knee Replacement