Anterior vs. Posterior vs. Lateral Hip Replacements… Which Leads to Better Outcomes?

By dpope2020

June 5, 2026

anterior hip replacement, anterior vs posterior hip replacement, direct anterior approach, hip replacement outcomes, hip replacement precautions, hip replacement recovery, hip replacement rehab, new grad physical therapist, orthopedic physical therapy, orthopedic rehabilitation, physical therapy education, posterior approach THA, posterior hip replacement, sports physical therapy, total hip arthroplasty, total hip arthroplasty rehabilitation, total hip replacement

Anterior vs. Posterior vs. Lateral Hip Replacements... Which Leads to Better Outcomes?

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In today's video we go over, Anterior vs. Posterior vs. Lateral Hip Replacements... Which Leads to Better Outcomes? - FPF Show Episode 195:

The direct anterior and posterior approaches are the two most common surgical techniques used for total hip replacement (THA), but does one actually produce better outcomes?

In this video, we'll review the latest evidence comparing:

✅ Pain and functional outcomes

✅ Dislocation risk

✅ Recovery timelines

✅ Muscle preservation

✅ Rehabilitation considerations

✅ Return to sport and activity

✅ Long-term outcomes and revision rates

You'll learn the advantages and disadvantages of the anterior, posterior, and direct lateral approaches, and how surgical approach may influence your rehabilitation plan as a physical therapist. 

⏱️ TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction

00:30 Why Physical Therapists Should Care About Surgical Approach

02:05 Direct Anterior Hip Replacement: Anatomy & Surgical Technique

03:45 Advantages of the Direct Anterior Approach

05:30 Risks & Limitations of the Anterior Approach

08:05 Anterior vs Posterior Dislocation Risk

10:00 Posterior Hip Replacement Explained

11:10 Benefits of the Posterior Approach

12:20 Drawbacks of the Posterior Approach

13:45 Direct Lateral Hip Replacement Explained

15:10 Benefits of the Direct Lateral Approach

17:10 Drawbacks of the Direct Lateral Approach

20:15 Comparing Outcomes Between Approaches

22:15 How Surgeons Decide Which Approach to Use

25:45 Patient Anatomy, BMI & Revision Considerations

28:30 Hip Precautions: Are They Necessary?

31:00 Early Rehabilitation Following Total Hip Replacement

34:20 Muscle Recovery & Long-Term Strength Deficits

37:45 Long-Term Outcomes & Implant Survival

40:00 Return to Sport After Total Hip Replacement

43:15 Which Sports Are Safe After THA?

45:45 Running After Hip Replacement: What Does the Research Say?

48:20 Modern Implant Longevity & Revision Risk

51:10 Practical Clinical Takeaways for Physical Therapists

54:10 Summary & Key Conclusions

Get your approaches right!

- Dan Pope DPT,OCS,CSCS

Show Notes / Relevant Articles:

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Thank you!

Dan Pope DPT, OCS, CSCS

References: 

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