Learning the anterior approach to total hip arthroplasty doesn't follow a straight line. Dr. Joe Schwab shares what happened when improving his femoral technique unexpectedly made his acetabular work feel worse—and why that unsettling experience taught him more than any single complication.
This episode is for orthopedic surgeons and trainees navigating the anterior approach learning curve, especially those who feel like their progress isn't linear. Joe walks through his own journey from posterior-trained resident to anterior-focused surgeon, including the cognitive challenges that don't show up in technique videos or course materials. He explains why the learning curve feels more like riding ocean waves than climbing a ladder, and offers practical guidance for managing the psychological demands of mastering a complex approach.
If you're somewhere in the middle of your anterior journey and wondering whether the struggle is normal, this conversation will help you understand what's happening beneath the surface—and give you permission to keep moving forward thoughtfully.
⏱ Chapters:
00:00 Introduction and disclaimer
01:08 Starting anterior approach out of the gate
04:51 The first plateau: getting good enough
06:10 The femur breakthrough and surprise setback
09:21 Understanding what was really happening
11:19 The waves: changing mindset over technique
13:58 What I wish someone had told me
16:19 Practical takeaways for surgeons on this path
Listen to the AHF Podcast on your preferred platform:
Buzzsprout: https://ahfpodcast.buzzsprout.com
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ahf-podcast/id1749521487
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5CrGJyvRiQFTCU3FFFVvHc
This podcast is intended for educational and informational purposes only.
The content discussed does not constitute medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for professional judgment. Clinicians should rely on their own training, experience, and clinical decision-making when applying information from this discussion.
