56 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) were randomized to undergo THA using either a direct anterior approach or posterior approach. The purpose of the study was to determine if the direct anterior approach resulted in improved early functional recovery compared to the posterior approach. The primary outcome of interest was time until discontinuation of an assistive ambulatory device. Results showed that patients treated with a direct anterior approach had significantly shorter use of an assistive ambulatory device, shorter hospital stay, and less post-surgical pain as compared to patients being treated with a posterior approach. No significant differences in other measures of functional outcome were noted.