Eric A. Chen, MD
Director, Anterior Hip Surgery

Hip & Knee Reconstruction

  • Conditions Treated/Clinical Services Provided

    • Hip and knee arthritis
    • Total hip replacement, including direct anterior approach
    • Partial and total knee replacement
    • Robotic-assisted hip and knee surgeries
    • Complex revisions of hip and knee replacements

  • Locations

    Offices

    Hospital Affiliations

    Dr. Chen regularly operates at UPMC Passavant Hospital-McCandless.

  • Fellowship Training

    Adult Reconstruction Fellowship

    NYU Langone Health, New York, NY

    Insall Scott Kelly Institute, New York, NY


    Specializing in direct anterior hip approach

  • Education

    Adult Reconstruction Fellowship

    NYU Langone Health, New York, NY

    Insall Scott Kelly Institute, New York, NY


    Specializing in direct anterior hip approach


    Orthopaedic Surgery Residency

    Chief Resident

    SUNY Stony Brook University Hospital

    Stony Brook, NY


    Medical School

    Drexel University College of Medicine

    Philadelphia, PA

  • Certifications & Activities

    Professional Appointments

    Director of Anterior Hip Surgery 

    UPMC Passavant Hospital

    Pittsburgh, PA


    Memberships

    American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons

    Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society

    Pennsylvania Medical Society

    Allegheny County Medical Society


    Certifications

    American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

  • APP

    J. Duane Chess, PA-C

FAQs about Direct Anterior Approach to Hip Replacement

  • When should you have your hip replaced?

    When arthritis has caused an unacceptable level of pain and disability with decreased ability to participate in activities that you consider essential.

  • What are the benefits of hip replacement?

    It is a fairly common surgery with a high rate of success. The implants replace the damaged surfaces in the hip. The goals of the surgery are:

    • to relieve pain
    • to restore function and mobility to pre-arthritis levels

  • What are the advantages of the direct anterior approach?

    When replacing your hip, an orthopedic surgeon will use different approaches to access the joint. Dr. Chen uses the direct anterior approach, which offers the following advantages:

    • muscle sparing
    • accelerated early recovery
    • less pain
    • lower dislocation rate
    • leg lengths more reliably assessed
    • improved restoration of anatomy

  • Can anyone receive a direct anterior approach?

    Most patients can be considered as candidates for a direct anterior approach. This can be determined quickly and easily by scheduling an evaluation and X-rays with Dr. Chen.

  • Does Tri Rivers offer robotic-assisted hip surgery?

    Yes, Dr. Chen uses the robot to assist with his hip surgeries. Robotics in surgery are powerful for accurate operative planning and assist with implant positioning. 

Make your musculoskeletal health a priority!

Request an Appointment