Is the Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Right for You? Hip Health, Iowa Ortho, Service Information
Is the Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Right for You?

Are you considering a hip replacement and wondering which surgical approach may be best for you? The direct anterior approach (DAA) is a modern, minimally invasive technique that offers faster recovery, less post-surgical pain, and excellent long-term outcomes.

At Iowa Ortho, our board-certified surgeons—including Dr. Kamal Aderibigbe and Dr. Benjamin Wilke—specialize in this advanced procedure and are among the few in the region with the training and tools to perform it effectively.

What Is the Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Approach?

The anterior hip replacement technique is a minimally invasive surgical (MIS) approach that accesses the hip joint from the front (anterior) of the body. This method allows surgeons to avoid cutting through muscles and tendons, unlike the more traditional posterior approach.

Benefits of the anterior approach:

  • Accelerated recovery time
  • Reduced post-operative pain
  • Lower risk of complications, such as dislocation or leg length differences
  • Smaller incision (typically 10 cm or less)

By working through a natural plane between muscles, this technique promotes faster healing and allows patients to return to daily activities more quickly.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Anterior Hip Replacement?

Most adults suffering from chronic hip pain or hip arthritis that limits daily movement may be candidates for the anterior approach—provided they meet general health criteria for surgery.

Whether you’re facing your first joint replacement or a revision procedure, Dr. Aderibigbe and Dr. Wilke will develop a surgical plan tailored to your specific needs and goals.

Why Isn’t the Anterior Approach More Common?

The direct anterior hip replacement requires:

  • Specialized training
  • Advanced surgical equipment
  • Precision imaging tools like intraoperative x-rays
  • A dedicated orthopedic surgical table (PRO-fx)

Because of this, it’s not available at all hospitals or clinics. Iowa Ortho is proud to offer this advanced procedure through our experienced surgeons and state-of-the-art River Hills Surgery Center.

How the Anterior Hip Replacement Procedure Works

Patients lie on their back during surgery, which allows better alignment and real-time imaging to confirm proper implant placement.

Key steps of the procedure:

  • A small incision is made at the front of the hip.
  • Two muscles are gently separated (not cut).
  • Advanced imaging guides the accurate placement of implants.
  • Implants are typically made from ceramic on polyethylene or metal on polyethylene, offering durability and longevity.

What to Expect After Surgery

Thanks to the muscle-sparing nature of the anterior approach, recovery is typically faster and less restrictive than with traditional techniques.

Recovery highlights:

  • Same-day physical therapy: Patients usually begin sitting, standing, and walking hours after surgery.
  • Short hospital stay: Most patients return home the same day or after a short 23-hour observation.
  • Rapid progress: Daily walking is the primary rehabilitation. Many patients walk independently within 1 to 3 weeks.

Unlike traditional methods, patients don’t need to avoid bending past 90 degrees or crossing their legs for months after surgery. They can resume normal activities as soon as they feel ready.

Are There Risks?

As with any orthopedic surgery, there are some potential risks—although complication rates are low with the anterior approach:

  • Temporary numbness over the lateral thigh
  • Dislocation or leg length differences (rare with imaging-guided precision)
  • Blood clots (managed with post-op blood thinners)
  • Infection (less than 1% incidence)
  • Fracture, though uncommon

Your Iowa Ortho surgeon will discuss these with you and take every precaution to minimize risk.

Why Choose Iowa Ortho for Your Hip Replacement?

  • Dr. Aderibigbe and Dr. Wilke are among the region’s top specialists in anterior hip replacement and revision procedures.
  • Iowa Ortho’s River Hills Surgery Center is equipped with the latest tools and technology for precision surgery and rapid recovery.
  • Patients benefit from minimally invasive techniques, robotic-assisted surgery, and individualized care plans to achieve the best outcomes.

If hip pain is interfering with your quality of life, Iowa Ortho’s team is here to help you get back to doing what you love.

Schedule Your Consultation

Call us at 515-247-8400 or schedule an appointment online to explore your options for anterior hip replacement with Iowa Ortho.