Minimally invasive SuperPath approach in artificial femoral head replacement for senile femoral neck fractures

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the short-term clinical outcomes of minimally invasive SuperPath approach in hip artificial femoral head replacement for senile femoral neck fractures. Methods From December 2015 to March 2016, 18 senile patients with femoral neck fracture underwent femoral head replacement via the SuperPath approach. They were 3 males and 15 females, with a mean age of 77.6 years (range, from 75 to 90 years). Their operation time, intraoperative blood loss, length of incision, 48-hour drainage after operation, time for weight-bearing activity and complications were recorded. Harris score was used to evaluate the hip joint function preoperatively, 2 days and 6 months after operation. Results Surgery succeeded in the 18 patients. The operation time averaged 53.3 minutes, the intraoperative blood loss 108.9 mL, the incision length 7.1 cm, the 48-hour drainage after operation 86.1 mL, and the time for weight-bearing activity 2.6 days. All the patients were discharged uneventfully 2 weeks after operation. No such complications as deep vein thrombosis, paralysis of the sciatic nerve, joint infection or dislocation occurred. The mean Harris score of the affected hips 2 days after operation (67.9±5.1 points) was significantly higher than the preoperative one (13.4±3.9 points) (P<0.05). The mean Harris score of the affected hips 6 months after operation (96.1±3.0 points) was significantly higher than that 2 days after operation (67.9±5.1 points) (P<0.05). Conclusion The SuperPath approach can effectively enhance functional recovery of the affected hip, reduce pain, and improve the patients’ quality of life in artificial femoral head replacement for elderly patients with femoral neck fracture. Key words: Femoral neck fractures; Arthroplasty, replacement, hip; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive; Surgical approach