Direct Anterior Hip Replacement
What is Direct Anterior Hip Replacement and How is it Different?
At Decatur County Hospital, we’re proud to offer direct anterior hip replacement surgery, an advanced, muscle-sparing approach to total hip surgery that allows surgeons to replace the joint through the front of the hip—without cutting major muscles. This technique often results in less pain, faster recovery, improved stability, and a quicker return to everyday activities, helping our patients get back to the life they love with confidence.
Why Choose Direct Anterior Hip Replacement?
✔ Muscle-sparing technique
The surgeon works between muscles instead of cutting them, helping preserve natural movement and strength.
✔ Faster early recovery
Many patients walk the same day and return to daily activities sooner compared to traditional approaches.
✔ Less postoperative pain
Avoiding major muscle disruption often means less pain and reduced need for pain medication.
✔ Lower risk of dislocation
The hip’s natural anatomy remains more intact, improving joint stability.
✔ More natural movement
Patients often report the hip feels more “normal” earlier in recovery.
✔ Smaller incision
Typically results in less tissue trauma and a more cosmetic scar.
Why Should You Go to Decatur County Hospital for a Direct Anterior Hip Replacement?
Personalized care close to home
At Decatur County Hospital, you don’t have to travel far for advanced orthopedic care. Patients benefit from specialized hip replacement surgery right here in your community, with attention to comfort, recovery, and long-term results—not just the procedure itself.
Experienced surgical expertise
The orthopedic team includes surgeons who specialize in direct anterior hip arthroplasty, a technique known for minimizing muscle disruption and promoting faster early recovery.
Advanced surgical technology
Decatur County Hospital uses modern equipment such as a Hana surgical table specifically designed to support the anterior approach—helping with precision, safety, and consistent outcomes.
Focus on faster, more comfortable recovery
Because the direct anterior approach works between muscles rather than cutting them, many patients experience less pain in the first weeks after surgery and regain mobility more quickly compared with traditional approaches.
Enhanced support through partnerships
DCH has partnered with organizations like Goldfinch Health to offer additional support resources, such as nurse navigators and digital tools to guide you through preparation, pain management, and recovery.
Comprehensive orthopedic services
Hip replacement is part of a broader orthopedic program that includes joint replacements, fracture care, spine care, and hand-to-shoulder procedures—meaning continuity of care across your orthopedic needs.
Care that’s centered on you
Decatur County Hospital emphasizes a positive patient experience, education, and support throughout your surgical journey—from your first consultation to recovery milestones.
Take the next step toward moving comfortably again
Meet Your Provider
Dr. Daniel Reinhardt, MD
Dr. Reinhardt is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon known for his expertise in direct anterior hip arthroplasty and advanced, patient-centered surgical care.
Dr. Reinhardt earned his medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, where he graduated in the top quartile of his class and was inducted into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the University of Kansas Medical Center, where he received both the Kim Templeton Outstanding Teaching Award and the Betty & Federico Adler Research Award in 2021.
Before entering medicine, Dr. Reinhardt served 12 years in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Flight Officer, flying P-3C Orion aircraft from Hawaii and completing more than 100 combat missions during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He later served as an Assistant Professor of Naval Science at the University of Notre Dame, teaching engineering, weapons systems, and leadership.
A Kansas City native, Dr. Reinhardt brings advanced orthopedic expertise to Decatur County Hospital’s Outpatient Clinic, offering a broad range of orthopedic services while expanding access to advanced surgical procedures. He is particularly recognized for his use of multimodal pain control strategies that minimize opioid use and promote faster recovery. With his expertise—and the addition of a Hana surgical table—Decatur County Hospital now offers direct anterior hip replacement alongside its comprehensive total joint replacement services.
Outside of work, Dr. Reinhardt enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, and cheering on Navy football, as well as the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals.
I’M INTERESTED IN HIP REPLACEMENT SERVICES
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