Anterior total hip replacement is a modern surgery to replace a damaged or arthritic hip joint with a prosthetic implant that uses a muscle-sparing technique to reduce pain, promote a quicker recovery, and improve long-term outcomes.
Restore mobility and get back to doing what you love.
- Dr. Drew Ratner, MD, Board-Certified Orthopedic Surgeon
Patient of Dr. Ratner.
Before
After
When it comes to joint replacement, your choice of surgeon makes all the difference. At American Orthopedics, you’re not just a number—you’re an individual receiving expert, personalized care from Dr. Rather, a highly skilled and compassionate provider.
Dr. Ratner is fellowship-trained in sports medicine and has specialized expertise in anterior hip replacement. He combines academic excellence with real-world athletic insight to deliver superior outcomes.
Unlike hospital systems where patients are passed between providers, you’ll see Dr. Ratner at every stage—from consultation to surgery to follow-up.
Enjoy the benefits of personalized orthopedic care with the convenience of online scheduling, 24/7 messaging, and no long wait times. Our concierge-style approach ensures you feel cared for at every step.
The procedure involves making a small incision at the front of the hip. Dr. Ratner then carefully navigates between the muscles rather than cutting through them. Using a special surgical table and intraoperative fluoroscopy (real-time X-ray), Dr. Ratner is able to precisely align the new hip components.
This advanced technique ensures the artificial joint is positioned optimally, which enhances function and reduces complications. The procedure is often performed on an outpatient basis, allowing many patients to return home the same day.
Not everyone with hip pain needs surgery—but for those whose daily life is limited by chronic hip discomfort or arthritis, anterior hip replacement may be an excellent solution. Ideal candidates are individuals who:
During your consultation, Dr. Ratner will evaluate your condition and recommend the best treatment plan based on your lifestyle, goals, and overall health.
There are several distinct advantages to anterior hip replacement when compared to traditional methods.
These advantages make the anterior approach particularly appealing for active adults who want to return to work, sports, or daily movement as quickly and safely as possible.
When you visit American Orthopedics for a consultation, you’ll meet directly with Dr. Ratner—not an assistant or rotating staff member. He’ll review your medical history, perform a thorough physical exam, and order imaging studies (such as X-rays) if necessary. Together, you’ll discuss your symptoms, goals, and whether anterior hip replacement is the right solution.
If surgery is recommended, Dr. Ratner will walk you through the process step-by-step and answer any questions you have. We pride ourselves on making sure patients feel informed, supported, and confident in their care decisions.
Surgery is typically performed at a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center or hospital. After anesthesia is administered, Dr. Ratner makes a small incision at the front of the hip and uses muscle-sparing techniques to access the joint. The damaged bone and cartilage are removed and replaced with precise, high-performance implants.
Thanks to the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy, Dr. Ratner can confirm optimal placement of all components in real time. The incision is closed, and most patients begin walking within hours of the procedure.
Recovery is often quicker and more comfortable with the anterior approach. Many patients go home the same day or after a brief overnight stay. Walking with the help of a walker begins almost immediately, often within hours of surgery. Most patients are walking independently within three weeks and may return to work earlier, depending on their job. Full healing is typically achieved within 10–12 weeks.
Throughout your recovery, Dr. Ratner and his team provide support and clear guidance so you know exactly what to expect and how to get the best outcome.
Advanced care for maxium results & comfort
Many patients are discharged the same day as surgery
Will begin walking with walker immediately after surgery
Most patients are ambulating with no assistive device by 3 weeks postoperatively and no additional therapy is needed after this
Fully healed from surgery 10-12 weeks post op but most patients have returned to work before that depending on type of job
Most patients return to light work after 3 weeks, medium level work after 6 weeks, and high demand work after 8-10 weeks