What Is a Direct Anterior Hip Replacement?

Direct anterior hip replacement is an advanced, highly technical hip replacement performed by Bradley Gerber, M.D., at Orlin & Cohen. It allows the surgeon to replace a damaged hip joint by accessing the joint from the front of the hip and working between natural muscle intervals rather than detaching major muscles.

What makes Dr. Gerber’s approach different is its focus on surgical precision, capsule preservation, and careful soft-tissue handling. By preserving the hip capsule when appropriate and minimizing disruption to the surrounding tendons and muscles, this joint replacement technique is designed to support better tendon recovery, faster early mobility, and a smoother return to everyday movement.

The difference between direct anterior and traditional hip replacement

Traditional hip replacement techniques often require cutting or detaching muscles at the back and side of the hip to reach the joint. Standard direct anterior hip replacement avoids these muscles by accessing the joint from the front. Direct anterior Hip Replacement builds on that foundation with a more technical, capsule-preserving approach that helps protect the soft tissues that support the new joint.

Benefits of the Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Approach

For patients who are candidates, direct anterior hip replacement may offer several advantages, including:

• Easier early recovery – With fewer muscles and tendons disturbed, most patients feel more mobile within days and regain function faster than with traditional hip replacements.
• Capsule-preserving technique – By preserving the hip capsule when appropriate, this approach helps support joint stability and protect surrounding soft tissues.
• Better tendon recovery – Careful soft-tissue handling helps reduce tendon trauma and may support more efficient recovery.
• Lower risk of dislocation – Preserving the posterior hip muscles helps keep the new joint secure.
• Improved surgical precision – Surgeons can use real-time X-ray guidance to verify implant sizing, alignment, and leg length during surgery, helping the hip feel more natural and reducing postsurgical soft-tissue issues.

How to Choose an Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Surgeon

Choosing a surgeon with extensive experience in hip replacement and advanced joint reconstruction can mean a better outcome for you. At Orlin & Cohen, patients have access to nationally recognized joint replacement expertise from Bradley Gerber, M.D., a board-certified, senior fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon and leader in adult reconstruction.

Dr. Gerber serves as chief of the orthopedic surgery department and director of orthopedic surgery at Northwell Health’s Syosset Hospital. With more than 20 years of experience, he is recognized for his use of leading-edge techniques across hip and knee replacement, including robotics, advanced materials, and complex revision procedures.
If you’re considering direct anterior hip replacement or exploring your options for hip arthritis, chronic hip pain, or joint replacement surgery, Dr. Gerber can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan for your needs, goals, and lifestyle. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Gerber to take the next step toward moving with less pain and more confidence.

What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery

Before surgery

Your path begins with a full orthopedic assessment that includes:

• X-rays
• A review of symptoms and medical history
• Discussions about prior treatments, such as physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medication
• A personalized conversation about surgical risks and expected outcomes
  Hip replacement is only recommended when conservative treatments and lifestyle changes are not effective, and your pain significantly affects your daily life.

During surgery

Direct anterior hip replacement typically involves:

• Real-time X-ray imaging to ensure accurate placement, alignment, and leg length
• A capsule-preserving, soft-tissue-sparing technique designed to protect surrounding tendons and muscles
  With this approach, Dr. Gerber can verify implant placement and leg length while minimizing trauma to surrounding tissues.

After surgery

Many patients can walk the same day as surgery with the help of a cane or walker. By six weeks, most can move without a walking aid, and many return to daily activities without significant pain. Most patients regain full mobility after three months with minimal discomfort.

Physical therapy (PT) is provided at home for the first two weeks; many patients choose to continue with outpatient PT or a home exercise program, depending on their goals and comfort level.

Is the Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Right for You?

The best candidates for direct anterior hip replacement typically include patients who:

• Have hip osteoarthritis or degenerative hip disease
• Experience chronic hip pain that limits daily activities
• Have exhausted nonsurgical treatment options
• Want a recovery that prioritizes early mobility and reduces postoperative restrictions

While this approach is appropriate for most patients, those with significant hip deformity or previous surgical implants may require a different technique. At Orlin & Cohen, our fellowship-trained hip specialists determine the best option for each patient.

Book an Appointment with Our Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Surgeon on Long Island

If hip pain is keeping you from activities you love, the direct anterior hip replacement may help you return to walking, working, and moving comfortably faster than with traditional hip replacement. Book an appointment to learn if you’re a candidate and start your journey to feel better, faster.