Muscle-sparing approach to hip replacement

As West Michigan’s first fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon in the anterior approach to hip replacement, Dr. Johnson continues to educate surgeons worldwide in this advanced, minimally invasive technique. This approach allows the surgeon to reach the hip or joint from the front versus the side or back.

Unlike traditional hip replacement, anterior approach replaces the joint without disturbing or detaching muscle from the pelvis or femur during surgery. That means patients are often able to bend their hip freely and bear full weight when comfortable, leading to a faster return to normal function.

When appropriate, Dr. Johnson also performs Mako SmartRobotics™ in anterior hip replacement. Using real-time imaging, Mako SmartRobotics® maps a customized surgery based on the patient’s diagnosis and unique anatomy for more precise implant alignment.