Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Adjunct to an Enhanced Recovery Pathway: Outcomes and Learning Curve Effects in Surgeons Transitioning From Other Surgical Approaches

Abstract

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate whether the direct anterior approach (DAA) to total hip arthroplasty (THA) resulted in a shorter length of stay (LOS) in surgeons new to the approach when compared to their previously used approach. Perioperative complications were also assessed. MethodsWe examined 93 DAA THA performed by 3 hip arthroplasty surgeons at a single institution comparing these to their previous 166 operations performed using the lateral or posterior approach. ResultsFixed-effects generalized linear modeling demonstrated that patients who underwent THA by the DAA had 26% shorter LOS than those who were operated on using lateral or posterior approaches (adjusted risk ratio = 0.74; 95% confidence interval = 0.65-0.84; P < .001). A greater proportion of DAA patients were discharged directly home (98% vs 87%, F (1,233) = 8.12, P = .005) and complication rates were comparable between groups. ConclusionThe DAA can reduce patient LOS and may be a valuable addition to enhanced recovery pathways. Our findings also suggest that surgeons transitioning to the DAA do not have an increased complication rate when compared to their previous approach.