The anterior approach: Better, faster, and cheaper

Total hip arthroplasty is among the most common procedures performed by orthopaedic surgeons and there are many different surgical approaches that can be used. The direct anterior approach offers numerous benefits when compared to other surgical approaches. Some of these include an inter-muscular plane that avoids violating the abductors, minimal soft-tissue disruption, easy use of fluoroscopy with resultant improved component positioning, earlier functional recovery, and potential cost savings. While the procedure does have a learning curve and takes time to master, it is a safe approach for total hip arthroplasty that yields excellent clinical outcomes.