Anterior Total Hip Replacement in Los Angeles
Anterior total hip replacement represents a modern, muscle-sparing approach to hip replacement surgery. Unlike traditional techniques that require cutting or detaching muscle, the anterior approach replaces the hip through the front of the joint, working between natural muscle planes. When performed with precision and experience, this approach allows for faster recovery, improved stability, and a more natural-feeling hip after surgery.
In Los Angeles, anterior total hip replacement is performed by Dr. Farzin Kabaei, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon whose practice is focused on modern, precision-based hip and knee replacement. His approach combines advanced surgical technique, robotic-assisted planning, and individualized patient care to restore movement and quality of life.
What Is Anterior Total Hip Replacement?
Anterior total hip replacement is a minimally invasive technique in which the hip joint is replaced through a small incision at the front of the hip. By working between muscles rather than cutting them, the surgeon preserves the structures that stabilize the hip, reducing post-operative pain and helping patients regain mobility more quickly.
Because muscles remain intact, patients often experience:
- Less pain after surgery
- Improved hip stability
- Faster functional recovery
- Earlier return to daily activities
- A more natural range of motion
The anterior approach also allows for accurate restoration of leg length and joint alignment when performed by an experienced specialist.
Why Surgeon Experience Matters With the Anterior Approach
Anterior total hip replacement is technically demanding. The surgical window is narrow, and implant placement must be precise. Outcomes depend heavily on surgeon experience, planning, and consistency.
Dr. Kabaei has performed more than 2,000 hip replacements, including over 1,000 robotic-assisted joint replacement procedures. In addition to primary hip replacement, he is frequently trusted with complex and revision cases, including failed prior hip replacements, loose or worn implants, infected joints, severe deformities, post-traumatic arthritis, and fractures around existing implants.
This depth of experience allows him to tailor anterior hip replacement to each patient’s anatomy and lifestyle rather than relying on a one-size-fits-all approach.
Robotic-Assisted Precision for Anterior Total Hip Replacement
Modern anterior total hip replacement is significantly enhanced by robotic-assisted planning. Dr. Kabaei uses advanced 3D CT imaging to map each patient’s unique hip anatomy before surgery, allowing implant placement to be planned with exceptional accuracy.
Robotic-assisted planning helps:
- Precisely size and position implants
- Restore natural leg length
- Optimize joint alignment and balance
- Reduce variability during surgery
- Create a more stable, natural-feeling hip
Dr. Kabaei has been using robotic-assisted joint replacement technology for over seven years and is fully certified in robotic hip replacement systems. His practice also serves as a training and education center for surgeons learning safe and effective robotic joint replacement techniques.
Benefits of Anterior Total Hip Replacement
For appropriately selected patients, the anterior approach offers several important advantages.
- No cutting of major muscles
- Reduced risk of hip dislocation
- Less post-operative pain
- Faster recovery and mobility
- Shorter hospital stay, often same-day discharge
- Earlier return to work and daily activities
- Improved long-term hip function
These benefits are maximized when the procedure is performed by a surgeon who specializes in modern hip replacement and uses advanced planning technology.
Recovery After Anterior Total Hip Replacement
Anterior total hip replacement in Dr. Kabaei’s practice is designed to be efficient, safe, and patient-focused. Most procedures take approximately one hour and are performed using spinal anesthesia with regional nerve blocks, which improves pain control and reduces side effects.
Because the muscles are preserved and implants are immediately stable:
- Patients typically stand and walk within hours of surgery
- Most patients return home the same day
- Physical therapy begins promptly, often at home
- Waterproof dressings allow patients to shower immediately
Most patients return to normal daily activities within one to two weeks, with many resuming exercise and gym activity shortly thereafter depending on overall health and conditioning.
Outcomes and Long-Term Function
The goal of anterior total hip replacement is not simply pain relief, it is restoring natural movement and confidence. Advanced robotic planning, precise implant placement, and soft tissue preservation allow the new hip to move and feel natural rather than mechanical.
Patients frequently return to activities such as hiking, skiing, jogging, tennis, and strength training. When performed by an experienced specialist using modern techniques, hip replacement is one of the most successful and reliable procedures in all of medicine.
Dr. Kabaei’s complication rate is well under one percent, achieved through tissue-sparing techniques, precision implant placement, modern pain management, and early mobilization.
Advanced Anterior Hip Replacement Options
While anterior total hip replacement is an excellent option for many patients, the approach can be further refined for select individuals. For patients who are appropriate candidates, Dr. Kabaei also offers bikini incision direct anterior hip replacement, a cosmetic variation of the anterior approach that places the incision within a natural skin crease while preserving the same muscle-sparing benefits.
This option is discussed during consultation and depends on anatomy, lifestyle, and surgical goals.
A Personalized, Patient-Centered Philosophy
Dr. Kabaei believes the best outcomes come from education, trust, and individualized care. Patients work directly with him from consultation through recovery. He emphasizes non-surgical options whenever appropriate and recommends surgery only when it offers a clear improvement in quality of life.
Each patient receives a customized treatment plan that may include pre-operative optimization, advanced surgical planning, coordinated rehabilitation, and long-term follow-up focused on performance and durability.
Anterior Total Hip Replacement in Los Angeles
Hip replacement has evolved dramatically. With modern anterior techniques, robotic-assisted precision, and rapid recovery protocols, patients no longer need to delay surgery based on outdated fears or assumptions.
For patients in Los Angeles considering anterior total hip replacement, Dr. Kabaei offers a level of experience, precision, and personalized care that reflects the new standard in modern joint replacement. Contact us to schedule your appointment with Dr. Kabaei.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anterior Total Hip Replacement
Anterior total hip replacement is performed through the front of the hip, allowing the surgeon to work between natural muscle planes instead of cutting muscle. This muscle-sparing approach helps improve stability, reduce pain, and support faster recovery compared to traditional side or posterior approaches.
Yes. The anterior approach is considered minimally invasive because it preserves muscle and soft tissue. While the incision size varies based on anatomy and surgical needs, the defining feature is muscle preservation rather than incision length alone.
When performed by an experienced surgeon, anterior total hip replacement is a safe and reliable procedure. Surgeon experience, precise planning, and proper patient selection are critical factors that influence safety and outcomes.
Yes. Preserving the muscles and soft tissues around the hip helps maintain natural joint stability, which can reduce the risk of dislocation compared to approaches that detach stabilizing structures.
Most anterior total hip replacement procedures take approximately one hour. Surgical time may vary depending on anatomy, prior surgery, or complexity of the case.
Most patients return home the same day following anterior total hip replacement. Some patients may stay overnight based on medical history or recovery needs, but inpatient stays are far less common than with older techniques.
Most patients stand and walk within hours of surgery. Early mobilization helps reduce stiffness, improves circulation, and supports faster recovery.
Many patients resume normal daily activities within one to two weeks. Return to work, driving, and exercise depends on individual recovery, overall health, and activity level.
Yes. The anterior approach is well suited for active individuals who want a stable, natural-feeling hip and a faster return to movement. Many patients return to hiking, gym workouts, and recreational sports after recovery.
In most cases, patients are encouraged to return to an active lifestyle once healing is complete. Activity recommendations are personalized and based on implant type, bone quality, and overall conditioning.
Modern hip replacement implants are designed for long-term durability. With proper alignment, bone integration, and activity moderation, many implants last decades.
Outcomes depend on surgeon experience, implant positioning, surgical planning, patient health, and commitment to rehabilitation. Precision and consistency play a major role in long-term success.