The best hip replacement is the one you forget you have.
Hip replacement has one of the highest satisfaction rates of any surgical procedure in medicine. When it's done well, most patients spend more time thinking about what they were missing before the surgery than about the surgery itself.
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A surgical procedure where a damaged hip joint is removed and replaced with artificial components made of metal, plastic, or ceramic.
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The direct anterior approach to hip replacement focuses on getting you there as directly as possible: less disruption during surgery, faster recovery afterward, and a hip that lets you get back to doing what you actually want to do
Direct Anterior Approach (DAA)
What makes it different
The direct anterior approach accesses the hip joint from the front, working in the natural space between the muscles rather than cutting through them. It's more technically demanding — it requires specialized training and certification — but the payoff for patients is meaningful.
The advantages
Muscle-sparing — the hip abductors and external rotators are not cut or detached. Faster return to walking and normal activities. Lower dislocation risk compared to posterior approach. No posterior hip precautions — you won't be given a long list of movements to avoid. Less pain in the early recovery period for most patients.
What it takes
Not every surgeon does it, and for good reason — the learning curve is steep and the technique requires specific training and equipment. Dr. Rubinger is trained in anterior approach hip replacement and has performed it in high-volume academic centres as well as the Schroeder Ambulatory Centre.
What to Expect
Before surgery
You'll have a thorough preoperative assessment including imaging and medical optimization. Dr. Rubinger will explain the procedure in plain language and give you realistic information about recovery, including what the first 48 hours look like and what physiotherapy will involve.
The procedure
Direct anterior total hip replacement is typically a 1–1.5 hour procedure. Anaesthetic type (spinal vs. general) will be discussed with your anaesthesiologist. Same-day discharge is available at both the Schroeder Ambulatory Centre and Lakeridge Ajax for appropriate candidates. Patients who need to stay overnight are accommodated at Lakeridge based on their health and home support.
Recovery
Most patients are walking with a walker or crutches the same day. By six weeks, the majority are walking without an aid. Return to driving, swimming, and lower-impact sports typically happens in the 6–12 week range. Dr. Rubinger doesn't hand you a list of restrictions and send you on your way, he follows your recovery closely and adjusts as needed.