All Appointments Phone:

07 3831 9777

Brisbane Hip Clinic
Level 7 St Andrew's Hospital,
457 Wickham Tce, Spring Hill

Surgery of the HipJoint

Direct Anterior Approach

What is Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) Hip Replacement?

The Direct Anterior Approach is a technique used in total hip replacement surgery where the surgeon can obtain access to the joint using intermuscular planes (between muscles) without the requirement for detachment or splitting of major muscle groups. For DAA hip replacement procedures the incision is placed on the front of the groin and the surgeon follows natural anatomical gaps between adjacent muscles to access the joint.

 

The Direct Anterior Approach is also known as the ASI (Anterior Supine Intermuscular) Approach, AMIS (Anterior Minimally Invasive Surgery) or the Heuter Approach.

What are the advantages of Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement techniques?

The principle advantage of DAA surgery relates to a reduction in muscular injury sustained while performing the joint replacement. As muscle attachments and function is preserved, patients are able to rehabilitate quicker with a substantial reduction in the risk of hip dislocation. 

Does Dr Weinrauch perform Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement procedures?

Yes - Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement offers a number of advantages in suitable patients.

Am I suitable for Direct Anterior Approach Hip Replacement?

While many patients are suitable for DAA replacement techniques there are some who are better suited to other surgical approaches (see below). I will advise you regarding your suitability for DAA hip replacement after clinical evaulation.

What are the alternatives to DAA?

Hip replacement procedures can be conducted via many other alternative approaches, each of which has particular merits. For patients less suitable for DAA procedures I often recommend a minimally invasive posterior approach. Regardless of the approach used, the outcomes after hip replacement surgery using modern surgical techniques and anaesthesia are excellent and rehabilitation generally progresses in a safe and rapid manner. It is important to understand that posterior approach hip surgery is not necessarily inferior - as with any surgical technique each method of approach has advantages depending on the patients particular requirements.

 

This information has been written by Dr Patrick Weinrauch for the purposes of patient education. The details provided are of general nature only and do not substitute for professional recommendations based an individual clinical assessment.