About the procedure
Direct anterior hip replacement is a surgical approach for total hip replacement in which the surgeon accesses the hip joint from the front of the hip. The goal of the procedure is to replace the damaged parts of the joint with artificial components when advanced joint damage causes persistent pain, stiffness, reduced walking ability, and limitations in daily life.
This service is relevant for patients with long-standing hip pain, progressive hip stiffness, limping, night pain, shorter walking distance, or difficulty with stairs, entering a car, putting on socks, or turning the leg inward. One of the most common reasons patients consider hip replacement is advanced osteoarthritis and joint degeneration.
The direct anterior approach is often described as muscle-sparing because the surgeon works through an anatomical interval between muscles. However, it is not automatically the right approach for every patient. Suitability depends on hip anatomy, imaging findings, previous surgery, bone quality, body build, general health, and the orthopedic surgeon’s assessment.
Key facts
- Service type: Surgical treatment for advanced hip joint damage.
- Procedure: Total hip replacement using the direct anterior approach in selected patients.
- Doctors: The procedure can be performed by Dr. Trpimir Vrdoljak, Dr. Tomislav Tabak, and Dr. Nikola Cicak, depending on evaluation and treatment planning.
- Clinics and hospitals: Evaluation and treatment planning can be connected with Patela and Akromion.
- Important pathway note: Dr. Vrdoljak sees patients through Patela, where examination and treatment planning can be arranged, while the exact operative setting is confirmed individually.
- Akromion pathway: At Akromion, Dr. Tabak and Dr. Cicak perform this procedure. The pathway may include orthopedic evaluation, diagnostics, surgery, and postoperative rehabilitation within the same hospital setting.
- Rehabilitation: Postoperative rehabilitation can be organized through physical therapy at Patela, Preventis, or Akromion, depending on the surgical pathway and recovery plan.
When patients usually consider this procedure
Direct anterior hip replacement may be considered when the hip joint is severely damaged and non-surgical treatment no longer provides enough relief. Patients may have already tried medication, activity modification, injections, or rehabilitation, but still struggle with walking, sleep, work, travel, or normal daily movement.
The procedure belongs to the broader category of total hip endoprosthesis. The important difference is the surgical access route. The patient should not choose the procedure based only on the name of the approach. The first step is a focused orthopedic assessment that confirms whether hip replacement is needed and whether the direct anterior approach is suitable.
Some patients with hip pain may require a different treatment pathway. If symptoms are related to selected problems inside the joint, such as labral damage or femoroacetabular impingement, hip arthroscopy may be considered instead.
Doctors and treatment locations
Through ZagrebMed, patients can be directed toward the most appropriate orthopedic pathway. Dr. Trpimir Vrdoljak is relevant for patients considering direct anterior hip replacement and sees patients through Patela. Patela is important for examination, assessment, and rehabilitation planning, while the operative setting for Dr. Vrdoljak is confirmed individually.
Akromion is also included in this service pathway because Dr. Tomislav Tabak and Dr. Nikola Cicak perform this procedure there. For patients treated through Akromion, the pathway may be more integrated within one hospital, including diagnostics, surgery, inpatient or outpatient recovery planning, and rehabilitation when indicated.
Evaluation and preparation
The process begins with an orthopedic examination and a review of the patient’s medical documentation. Useful information may include X-ray images or reports, MRI or CT findings, previous orthopedic reports, discharge summaries, a medication list, and a short description of how the hip problem affects walking, sleep, work, travel, or daily activity.
During the examination, the orthopedic specialist reviews the patient’s medical history, symptoms, walking pattern, hip movement, muscle function, imaging findings, and general health. The purpose is to determine whether the symptoms are primarily coming from the hip joint and whether hip replacement is a reasonable treatment option.
If the patient is considered a candidate for surgery, the surgeon discusses the selected surgical approach, implant planning, anesthesia preparation, medical clearance, medication instructions, and recovery pathway. Additional blood tests, imaging, or anesthesiology assessment may be required before surgery.
Surgery, recovery, and rehabilitation
During total hip replacement, the damaged femoral head and socket surface are replaced with artificial components. In the direct anterior approach, the surgeon accesses the joint from the front of the hip. Implant choice, anesthesia, hospital stay, and early mobilization depend on the patient’s case and the surgeon’s treatment plan.
After surgery, recovery focuses on pain control, wound care, prevention of complications, safe walking, and gradual rehabilitation. Physical therapy may include walking quality, hip mobility, muscle strength, balance, stair practice, and a gradual return to everyday activities.
Postoperative rehabilitation may be organized through Patela, Preventis, or Akromion. ZagrebMed can help connect the patient with an appropriate physical therapy pathway according to the surgical plan and recovery needs.
Realistic expectations
Hip replacement can significantly reduce pain and improve mobility in properly selected patients, but outcomes vary. Recovery depends on the degree of joint damage before surgery, muscle condition, age, general health, other joint or spine problems, and adherence to rehabilitation.
The direct anterior approach may have advantages in selected cases, but it should not be presented as automatically better for every patient. The most important decision is whether the patient needs hip replacement and which surgical plan is safest and most appropriate for that patient.
As with any hip replacement surgery, possible risks include infection, bleeding, blood clots, dislocation, leg length difference, nerve or blood vessel injury, implant loosening, fracture, persistent pain, or the need for additional treatment. After surgery, patients should follow the surgeon’s instructions and seek urgent medical attention for fever, increasing wound redness or drainage, sudden leg swelling, severe pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden deterioration.
If you have advanced hip pain, confirmed osteoarthritis, severe stiffness, reduced walking ability, or an existing recommendation for hip replacement, you can send an inquiry through ZagrebMed. ZagrebMed can help connect you with the appropriate orthopedic specialist, clarify the treatment pathway, and coordinate rehabilitation planning when appropriate.