Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-approach-comparison/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Hip & joint replacement # 6 questions about anterior versus posterior hip replacement Anterior and posterior describe routes used to reach the hip joint. The approach matters, but it should be considered alongside the surgeon’s experience, your anatomy and the complete recovery plan. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 21, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-approach-comparison/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-approach-comparison/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Ask why this approach fits your hip](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-approach-comparison/#guide-section-1) 2. [Compare outcomes that matter to you](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-approach-comparison/#guide-section-2) 3. [Discuss risks in the context of your history](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-approach-comparison/#guide-section-3) 4. [Ask about the surgeon’s experience and judgment](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-approach-comparison/#guide-section-4) 5. [Get the actual recovery instructions](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-approach-comparison/#guide-section-5) 6. [Choose the whole care pathway](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-approach-comparison/#guide-section-6) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-approach-comparison/#consultation-questions) ## 1. Ask why this approach fits your hip Have the surgeon explain the route proposed and why it suits your anatomy, health and previous operations. Anterior and posterior approaches expose the joint differently, and other approaches also exist. The same label does not describe every technical choice. Ask whether anything about your case makes one route less suitable or more complex. A recommendation should be based on the operation you need rather than a general claim that one incision location is best for every patient. Sources: [Anterior Hip Replacement](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/conditions-and-treatments/anterior-hip-replacement) ## 2. Compare outcomes that matter to you Ask about pain, walking, complications, function and the need for later surgery, and distinguish early recovery differences from longer-term results. If a benefit is claimed, ask what evidence supports it and whether the comparison involves patients similar to you. A shorter incision or a particular surgical route is not itself the outcome you are seeking. Tell the clinician which daily activities and concerns drive your decision so the comparison stays connected to your goals. If you are comparing online descriptions, write down the same questions for each approach: what improvement is being measured, at what time point and in which patients? Ask whether the surgeon expects those differences to matter for your priorities. Someone seeking an early return to a desk job may weigh the information differently from someone whose main concern is long-term walking endurance. A good discussion can acknowledge an early advantage reported in some studies without turning it into a claim that all later outcomes are better or that every patient will notice the same difference. Sources: [Anterior Hip Replacement](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/conditions-and-treatments/anterior-hip-replacement) ## 3. Discuss risks in the context of your history Every approach has possible complications, and the discussion should reflect your individual situation. Ask about instability, nerve symptoms, wound issues, fracture and other risks relevant to the proposed operation without expecting one route to eliminate them all. Mention previous surgery, spine problems or stiffness and other factors the surgeon asks about. Request an explanation of how the team reduces the risks that matter most for you. A single headline percentage cannot substitute for that personal assessment. Sources: [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) ## 4. Ask about the surgeon’s experience and judgment Find out how often the surgeon uses the proposed approach and what makes them choose a different one. Ask how they handle an unexpected finding or complication and whether your case might need an altered plan. Familiarity and judgment are part of the discussion, not just the name of the technique. If comparing surgeons, ask the same questions about your images, health and goals. You should be able to understand why each recommends the route they use. Sources: [Anterior Hip Replacement](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/conditions-and-treatments/anterior-hip-replacement) ## 5. Get the actual recovery instructions Ask about movement precautions, walking aids, wound care, sleep, stairs, driving and work. Some instructions vary by approach, but they also depend on the complete operation and your circumstances. Do not assume a particular approach means no restrictions or no need for therapy. Have the team explain what each instruction protects and when it will be reviewed. Bring the layout of your home and available support into the conversation so the plan is practical before the surgery date arrives. Sources: [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) ## 6. Choose the whole care pathway Compare preparation, the operative plan, symptom management, rehabilitation and access to help if a concern arises. Ask how follow-up is organized and who answers questions after discharge. Bring the approach comparison to a consultation with our joint-care team. Ask how the surgeon's preferred route fits your images and health, and use patient experiences to prepare questions about explanations, practical support and follow-up. The decision should leave you confident that the technique, clinician and recovery plan fit your needs, with the remaining uncertainties clearly explained. Bring the same priorities to each consultation so the comparisons remain meaningful. Sources: [Anterior Hip Replacement](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/conditions-and-treatments/anterior-hip-replacement) · [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - Why does this approach fit my anatomy and history? - Which claimed benefits concern early recovery versus long-term outcomes? - Which risks matter most for me? - What is your experience with this approach and alternatives? - What precautions and rehabilitation would I actually follow? - How will the team support me if recovery does not follow the expected course? ## Sources & further reading - [Anterior Hip Replacement](https://www.hss.edu/health-library/conditions-and-treatments/anterior-hip-replacement) Hospital for Special Surgery - [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-approach-comparison/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Andrew Wassef, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [More about Andrew Wassef ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [**Christopher Combs, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [More about Christopher Combs ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [**Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [More about Prem N. Ramkumar ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Meet the clinician. *Hear the experience.* Read how patients describe their care, then bring the questions that matter to your own visit. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s accounts. [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) ## [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Excerpt > I’d recommend this procedure for anyone with chronic hip pain as it gave me back my mobility lost over time and as promised, NO PAIN! P. Comer Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: September 18, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103705602948437078755/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > I highly recommend Dr. Prem Ramkumar for a direct anterior (not posterior) total hip arthroplasty with robotic assistance. J. Napper Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: August 16, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105323622144989016953/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > I wholeheartedly recommend Dr. Ramkumar. His expertise, coupled with his compassionate approach, made the entire process significantly less daunting than I anticipated. M. Colasurdo Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: June 29, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102031901066724662404/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > Dr. Ramkumar has also operated on Olympic athletes. If I had a Gold medial, I’d give it to Dr. Ramkumar and his wonderful team. E. Anderson Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 18, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103262835013963300107/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/christopher-combs-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) ## [Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Excerpt > He is kind and patient and very knowledgeable. Excellent!! P. Nardo Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: June 26, 2025 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/111153017107708452932/place/ChIJH2XhMeQy3YARbezZye2vIhY) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Christopher Combs, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) ## [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Excerpt > He was so kind and professional and made me feel at ease. His PA Jason was equally wonderful. B. Mast Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: March 10, 2024 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/117086047657601895752/place/ChIJqeNILuQy3YAR9WA5ym3pGLU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Andrew Wassef, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Hip & joint replacement ### [8 things your hip replacement consultation should make clear](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-physician-questions/) Comparing hip replacement care is easier when the conversation starts with your symptoms, goals, and support needs. Ask about relevant experience, the proposed operation, realistic function, and who will help you through recovery. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-physician-questions/) Hip & joint replacement ### [6 checkpoints for a useful hip arthritis treatment plan](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-arthritis-nonsurgical-options/) Nonsurgical care should have a purpose, a tolerable starting point and a way to decide whether it is helping enough. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-arthritis-nonsurgical-options/) Hip & joint replacement ### [6 questions about dental visits after hip or knee replacement](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/) A joint replacement changes the conversation with your dentist, but it does not automatically mean antibiotics before every visit. Ask your dentist and surgical team to agree on advice for the procedure and your health history. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/dental-care-after-joint-replacement/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints ### [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Andrew Wassef](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [![Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/christopher-combs-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Christopher Combs](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Prem N. Ramkumar](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. This website is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Google, Zocdoc, or Yelp. Google, Google Maps, and Google Business Profile are trademarks of Google LLC. Zocdoc and the Zocdoc logo are trademarks of Zocdoc, Inc. Yelp and the Yelp logo are registered trademarks of Yelp Inc. All third-party names and logos belong to their respective owners and identify the original review sources. © 2026 Commons Clinic. All rights reserved.