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Anterior & Robotic-Assisted Hip Replacement

Anterior hip replacement is a muscle-sparing approach in which the hip is entered from the front of the body, working between the muscles rather than cutting through them. Dr. Dattilo performs anterior and robotic-assisted hip replacement for patients across the Tampa Bay area — St. Petersburg, Largo, Palm Harbor, and Sarasota — and many patients are candidates for same-day, outpatient surgery.

What is anterior hip replacement?

In a total hip replacement, the worn ball-and-socket joint is replaced with durable implants that restore smooth, pain-free motion. The word “anterior” refers to how the surgeon reaches the joint. Using the direct anterior approach (DAA), Dr. Dattilo accesses the hip from the front, moving through a natural interval between the muscles and tendons rather than detaching or cutting them.

Because those key muscles are preserved, many patients experience less early discomfort, fewer movement restrictions, and a quicker return to walking.

X-ray of an anterior total hip replacement showing the implant in place

How the anterior approach differs

Traditional hip replacement is often performed from the side or back of the hip, which involves cutting through muscle that then has to heal. The anterior approach works through the space between muscles instead. For many patients, that can mean:

Prefer a scar that stays hidden under swimwear? The bikini incision is a form of the anterior approach, placed low along the bikini line. Learn about bikini hip replacement ›

Robotic-assisted hip replacement

Dr. Dattilo also offers computer and robotic-assisted hip replacement. The procedure is planned from your imaging, and the implant is positioned with a high degree of precision and consistency. The surgeon remains fully in control throughout; the robotic system provides real-time data and guidance to help place the implant in the optimal position for stability and long-term durability. When appropriate, robotic assistance can be combined with the anterior approach.

Who is a candidate?

Anterior and same-day hip replacement are options for many patients with hip arthritis whose pain limits daily life and who haven’t found lasting relief from nonsurgical care. Candidacy depends on factors such as your anatomy, body type, bone quality, and overall health.

The best way to find out is an evaluation with Dr. Dattilo, who will review your symptoms, examination, and X-rays and recommend the approach that fits you — including whether nonsurgical treatment is still the better path for now.

Recovery and what to expect

Most patients are up and walking the same day of surgery, transition off a walker after the first 2–3 days and then a cane over a few weeks, and return to most everyday activities within about four weeks — with continued improvement over several months. Physical therapy is an important part of the process, and your specific recovery depends on the procedure, your health, and your activity goals.

Many healthy patients have their hip replacement performed as a same-day (outpatient) procedure at SmartCare in Palm Harbor and go home the same day rather than staying in a hospital. Learn more about outpatient joint replacement ›

Why patients choose Dr. Dattilo

Dr. Dattilo is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon who focuses specifically on hip and knee replacements. He completed fellowship training at the Anderson Orthopaedic Research Institute after earning his medical degree at Johns Hopkins and completing residency at the University of Pennsylvania. He has authored 45+ peer-reviewed publications and has been recognized among Becker’s Top 10 Total Joint ASC Physicians to Know.

He sees patients at four Tampa Bay locations — St. Petersburg, Largo, Palm Harbor, and Sarasota. Learn more about Dr. Dattilo ›

Frequently asked questions

What is anterior hip replacement?
Anterior hip replacement is a muscle-sparing approach to total hip replacement. The surgeon reaches the hip from the front of the body, working through a natural interval between muscles rather than cutting through them. Because key muscles are preserved, many patients experience less early discomfort and a quicker return to walking.
How is the anterior approach different from traditional hip replacement?
Traditional hip replacement is often done from the side or back of the hip and involves cutting through muscle that then needs to heal. The anterior approach works between the muscles instead. For many patients this means less muscle disruption, no post-operative movement restrictions, and faster early mobility.
What is computer- and robotic-assisted hip replacement?
With computer and robotic assistance, the procedure is planned from your imaging and the implant is positioned with a high degree of precision. The surgeon stays in control throughout while the system provides real-time guidance to help place the implant in the optimal position for stability and longevity. It can be combined with the anterior approach.
What robotic platforms does Dr. Dattilo use for hip replacement?
Dr. Dattilo is certified on all of the current major robotic surgery platforms — Stryker’s Mako, Zimmer Biomet’s ROSA, Smith & Nephew’s CORI, and DePuy’s VELYS. Because he isn’t tied to a single system, he can use the technology best suited to your hip replacement rather than fitting your surgery to one company’s device.
Am I a candidate for anterior or same-day hip replacement?
Anterior and outpatient hip replacement are options for many patients with hip arthritis whose pain limits daily life and who haven’t gotten lasting relief from nonsurgical care. Candidacy depends on factors such as your anatomy, body type, and overall health. An evaluation with Dr. Dattilo — including your symptoms, exam, and X-rays — is the best way to find out.
How long is recovery after anterior hip replacement?
Most patients are walking the same day of surgery, transition off a walker after the first 2–3 days and then a cane over a few weeks, and return to most everyday activities within about four weeks, with continued improvement over several months. Physical therapy is an important part of recovery, and your timeline depends on your health and activity goals.

→ Ask Dr. Dattilo about his multimodal, narcotic-free approach to pain management — designed to keep you comfortable with little or no narcotic medication.

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This information is general and educational and is not a substitute for an individual medical consultation. Please see Dr. Dattilo or your own physician for advice about your specific situation.