If you or someone you care for has been told they need hip replacement surgery, the first question is often: "Will I ever walk normally again?" The answer, increasingly, is not just yes - but yes, faster than you might expect.
The Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) to hip replacement is transforming what recovery looks like. Dr. Supreet Bajwa is one of a small number of surgeons in India who routinely performs DAA hip replacement - a distinction he earned through Fellowship training in Sydney and Sunshine Coast, Australia under world-renowned surgeon Dr. Daevyd Rodda.
What Is the Direct Anterior Approach?
The traditional approach to hip replacement surgery involves cutting through or detaching muscles at the back or side of the hip. Recovery is longer because these muscles must heal before the joint can function well.
The Direct Anterior Approach is fundamentally different. The surgeon accesses the hip joint from the front of the hip, slipping between the natural muscle planes rather than cutting through them. The muscles are gently moved aside - not cut - and return to their normal position once the surgery is complete.
The result: no muscle damage. No repair needed. Recovery begins immediately
DAA vs Traditional Hip Replacement: A Clear Comparison
| Feature | Direct Anterior Approach | Posterior / Lateral Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Muscle involvement | Muscles moved aside, not cut | Muscles cut and reattached |
| Incision size | 4–5 inches (front of hip) | 9–11 inches (side or back) |
| Walking post-surgery | Often same day | Day 2–3 |
| Dislocation risk | Significantly lower | Higher (esp. posterior) |
| Post-op restrictions | None | 6–12 weeks of precautions |
| Hospital stay | 2–3 days | 5–10 days |
| Scar visibility | Front of hip (easily covered) | Back or side of hip |
| Return to daily life | 2–4 weeks | 8–12 weeks |
The "No Restrictions" Advantage
One of the most significant benefits of DAA hip replacement is the absence of post-operative positional restrictions. With the traditional posterior approach, patients are typically told for 6-12 weeks: do not bend the hip beyond 90 degrees, do not cross your legs, do not sleep on the operated side.
With DAA, because the muscles are not disturbed, the risk of dislocation is dramatically reduced. Dr. Bajwa's DAA patients typically have no functional restrictions from day one. They can sit in a normal chair, sleep comfortably, and use a standard toilet without fear.
This matters enormously for elderly patients living alone, patients with family at home, and anyone who cannot easily manage movement restrictions.
Who Is DAA Hip Replacement Suitable For?
DAA works well for the majority of hip replacement candidates, including:
- Patients with hip osteoarthritis
- Patients with avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip
- Patients who want faster return to work or travel
- Younger, active patients who need hip replacement
- Patients who are anxious about dislocation
Dr. Bajwa will assess your anatomy, body habitus, and condition to confirm DAA is appropriate. In a small number of cases with very complex anatomy or extreme obesity, a different approach may be recommended.
What to Expect: The DAA Procedure Step by Step
Before surgery: Dr. Bajwa uses templating on your X-rays to pre-plan the exact implant size and positioning. In robotic-assisted cases, a 3D model of your hip is constructed for precision planning.
Surgery (60–90 minutes): You lie on your back (supine position). The incision is made at the front of the hip. Using specialised retractors, the muscles are gently moved aside. The damaged femoral head is removed and the socket (acetabulum) is prepared. The implant is placed and fixed. The muscles return to their natural position - no sutures required to reattach them.
Same day: Standing and walking with support within hours.
Day 1–3: Walking without support. Discharge from hospital.
Week 1–2: Most patients are walking independently indoors.
Week 3: Return to most daily activities, including driving and light work.
Dr. Bajwa's Training in DAA: A Unique Credential in India
Dr. Bajwa completed two dedicated Fellowships in Australia:
- Harbour City Orthopaedics, Sydney - SuperPATH Hip Replacement Fellowship
- Sunshine Coast Orthopaedic Group - Direct Anterior Minimally Invasive Hip Replacement Fellowship under Dr. Daevyd Rodda
He is currently one of the few practising surgeons in India performing DAA hip replacement on a regular basis. This is not a technique he occasionally applies - it is his primary approach to hip replacement surgery.
Fellowship-trained in Australia, Dr. Supreet Bajwa is one of India's leading hip and knee specialists — 12+ years, 3300+ surgeries, 35+ research publications
He brought the Direct Anterior Approach (DAA) to India, is the only orthopaedic surgeon in Mumbai performing Cooled RFA, and uses Robotic Knee Surgery for precision most patients never knew was possible.
No long recovery. No unnecessary restrictions. Most patients walk within hours.
📍 Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central & Mira Road
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DAA hip replacement more expensive than traditional hip replacement?
The implantsused are the same. The procedure itself may carry a slightly different surgical fee reflecting the specialised training and technique. Overall costs are comparable and covered by most insurance policies.
Does the scar from DAA show?
The incision is at the front of the hip, typically 3–5 inches. It is easily covered by clothing and fades significantly over 12 months.
Can I fly after DAA hip replacement?
Most patients can travel by car and by air within 1–3 weeks, subject to Dr. Bajwa's assessment.
Is DAA available with robotic assistance?
Dr. Bajwa combines DAA with robotic navigation in selected cases for added precision in implant positioning.
What is the recovery like compared to what my parents experienced after their hip replacement?
If your parents had traditional hip replacement more than 5–10 years ago, you will notice a dramatic difference. Most DAA patients describe a recovery that is faster and less painful than they expected.
Book a Consultation: To discuss whether DAA hip replacement is right for you, contact Dr. Supreet Bajwa at Wockhardt Hospital, Mumbai Central. Call or WhatsApp: +91 9820727046