Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been one of the most successful surgical interventions in recent memory and is nicknamed by some the "Surgery of the Century". Over the past decade, there has been a drastic change in THA management with the rise of the direct anterior approach both globally and in the USA market. While many would remark that this has been driven by false marketing, it is clear that the direct anterior approach can be an effective and safe way to perform a THA.It is the goal of this review to highlight evidence of its outcomes and clinical advantages, in particular, how it can decrease dislocation, even in high-risk individuals, and result in faster recovery in the early postoperative period with decreased muscular inflammation. We will also highlight its major disadvantages, including but not limited to increased wound complications and risk for periprosthetic fracture. Hopefully, this review will provide up-to-date information on the current state of the direct anterior approach and provide recommendations on patients that would be optimal candidates for this technique.
Keywords: Direct anterior approach; Early rehab; Prosthetic joint infection; Total hip arthroplasty.
© 2023. The Author(s).