The Direct Anterior Approach,
Explained

Every hip replacement approach is defined by where the surgeon accesses the joint. The direct anterior approach accesses the hip from the front, working between natural muscle planes rather than cutting through muscle. The more traditional posterior approach accesses the joint from the back of the hip.

Because the anterior approach works between muscles instead of through them, it's associated with faster recovery, better restoration of leg length, and a lower dislocation rate compared to the traditional posterior approach. It's also why anterior hip replacement patients typically don't need the hip precautions — restrictions on bending or crossing your legs — that posterior patients are often given.

Dr. Pallitto uses the direct anterior approach for nearly all of his hip replacement patients. The posterior approach is reserved for select cases, such as revision of a prior posterior hip replacement.