Home / Special Procedures & Techniques / Minimally Invasive Joint Replacements / Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Direct Anterior Hip Replacement Total joint replacement surgery is one of the most advanced successful procedures in patients dealing with severe hip and knee pain. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and restore the normal functioning of the joint and help patient resume normal activities. Over the past few years, there have been great advances in the treatment options, implants, and minimally invasive techniques. The latest technique in joint replacement such as anterior hip replacement has resulted in a dramatic improvement in outcome. What is direct anterior approach hip replacement surgery? Direct Anterior Hip Replacement is a minimally invasive hip surgery to replace the hip joint without cutting through any muscles or tendons. Traditional hip replacement involves cutting major muscles to access the hip joint. Normally, after a traditional hip replacement, your surgeon would give you instructions on hip precautions to allow the cut muscles to heal. However, for Anterior Hip Replacement patients, hip precautions are not necessary as no muscles are cut. Advantages of both anterior hip replacements include: Less postoperative pain Minimal soft-tissue trauma Smaller incision Less scarring Minimal blood loss Shorter operative time Quicker recovery Early mobilization Less postoperative restrictions Quicker return to normal activities Short hospital stay