Hip arthritis should not decide whether you play golf, ride, hike, or keep up with your kids. Dr. Brad Waddell performs hip replacement almost exclusively through the anterior approach, a minimally invasive, muscle-sparing technique. His goal is to return you to a healthy, active lifestyle with as few limits as possible.

​

What is anterior hip replacement?

​

Anterior hip replacement is a total hip replacement performed through the front of the hip. Dr. Waddell works between the muscles to reach the joint instead of detaching them from the bone. The worn ball and socket are replaced with implants, just as in a traditional hip replacement. The difference is the path taken to get there.

​

Why active patients choose the anterior approach?

​

• Muscle-sparing. The muscles that power and stabilize your hip are moved aside, not cut.

• Far fewer restrictions. After a posterior approach, patients are told not to turn their toes inward, bring the knee to the chest, or cross the leg over the body. With the anterior approach, you can perform all of these motions.

• Daily life comes back sooner. The restrictions that remain usually do not interfere with normal activities.

• Precise implant placement. Dr. Waddell uses robotic assistance and computer navigation to position the implants for your anatomy.​

​

Am I a candidate?

​

You may be a candidate if hip arthritis limits the activities you care about and non-surgical treatment has stopped working. Common signs include groin or thigh pain, stiffness when putting on shoes and socks, and pain that wakes you at night. If you are unsure whether your hip is the source, start with our hip pain guide.

Most patients who need a hip replacement can have it through the anterior approach. Dr. Waddell considers your goals, your anatomy, and the degree of deformity in your hip when recommending an approach.

​

Am I too young for a hip replacement?

​

In the past, a hip replacement at a young age usually meant another surgery later in life. That is still possible, but today's implants last much longer than previously thought. Based on studies performed over many years, most hip replacements are expected to last 15 to 30 years. Advances in materials and in accurate implant placement allow young, active patients to return to their activities with little to no pain.

Waiting has a cost too. Years of limited activity can mean lost strength, lost fitness, and time away from the things you enjoy.

​

Recovery

​

Every patient recovers at a different pace. Staying active with therapy is one of the most important things you can do. Read more on the road to recovery.

​

Returning to sports and activity

​

Most patients can expect to return to an active lifestyle after hip replacement. Dr. Waddell has performed numerous joint replacements on athletes and former professional athletes who wanted to stay active.

​

Why choose Dr. Waddell

​

• Fellowship-trained in adult reconstruction and joint replacement at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York.

• Board-certified orthopaedic surgeon at Carrell Clinic, serving Dallas and Frisco.

• Focused on hip and knee replacement, including complex and revision surgery.

• More than 100 national and international presentations on hip and knee surgery.

• ​

Frequently asked questions

​

-Is the anterior approach right for everyone? Most patients are candidates. Dr. Waddell will review your X-rays, anatomy, and goals and tell you which approach gives you the best chance of a good result.

​

-How long will my hip replacement last? Most hip replacements are expected to last 15 to 30 years, and newer implants and more accurate placement may extend that.

​

-Will I have restrictions after surgery? Far fewer than with a posterior approach. The restrictions that remain usually do not interfere with daily life.

​

-When can I drive? Most patients drive again at about 2 to 3 weeks. No one should drive while taking pain medication.

​

-Do you see patients from outside Dallas? Yes. Dr. Waddell sees patients at Carrell Clinic in Dallas and in Frisco, [and patients travel from across the country and world].

​

Schedule a consultation

​

If hip pain is keeping you from the life you want, call (214) 220-2468, ext. 3329, or request an appointment.

• Dallas: 9301 North Central Expressway, Dallas, TX 75225

• Frisco: 3800 Gaylord Parkway, Suite 700, Frisco, TX 75034

​

​​​​