🦴 What is a Hip Replacement?
A hip replacement is a surgery where a damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial one to relieve pain and improve movement.
🚶♂️ Two Main Types:
1. DAA (Direct Anterior Approach) – The Modern Way
2. Traditional Hip Replacement – The Older, Common Method
🆚 What’s the Difference?
✅ DAA Hip Replacement (from the front):
- The surgeon reaches the hip from the front of your body.
- They don’t cut through major muscles – they just move them aside.
- This means:
- Less pain after surgery
- Faster healing
- You may go home sooner and start walking more quickly.
❗ Traditional Hip Replacement (from the back or side):
- The surgeon reaches the hip from the back or side.
- They usually cut some muscles to reach the joint.
- This means:
- More soreness after surgery
- Longer recovery
- You may need to stay in the hospital a bit longer.
- There are usually more movement restrictions at first.
🏥 So Which One is Better?
- DAA is newer and less invasive, so many patients prefer it if they’re eligible.
- But traditional surgery is still safe and effective, and sometimes it’s a better choice depending on your body or bone condition.
