Approach For Total Hip Arthroplasty Research Articles

Virtual reality training improves trainee performance in total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

Arthroplasty skills need to be acquired safely during training, yet operative experience is increasingly hard to acquire by trainees. Virtual reality (VR) training using headsets and motion-tracked controllers can simulate complex open procedures in a fully immersive operating theatre. The present study aimed to determine if trainees trained using VR perform better than those using conventional preparation for performing total hip arthroplasty (THA). A total of 24 surgical trainees (seven female, 17 male; mean age 29 years (28 to 31)) volunteered to participate in this observer-blinded 1:1 randomized controlled trial. They had no prior experience of anterior approach THA. Of these 24 trainees, 12 completed a six-week VR training programme in a simulation laboratory, while the other 12 received only conventional preparatory materials for learning THA. All trainees then performed a cadaveric THA, assessed independently by two hip surgeons. The primary outcome was technical and non-technical surgical performance measured by a THA-specific procedure-based assessment (PBA). Secondary outcomes were step completion measured by a task-specific checklist, error in acetabular component orientation, and procedure duration. VR-trained surgeons performed at a higher level than controls, with a median PBA of Level 3a (procedure performed with minimal guidance or intervention) versus Level 2a (guidance required for most/all of the procedure or part performed). VR-trained surgeons completed 33% more key steps than controls (mean 22 (sd 3) vs 12 (sd 3)), were 12° more accurate in component orientation (mean error 4° (sd 6°) vs 16° (sd 17°)), and were 18% faster (mean 42 minutes (sd 7) vs 51 minutes (sd 9)). Procedural knowledge and psychomotor skills for THA learned in VR were transferred to cadaveric performance. Basic preparatory materials had limited value for trainees learning a new technique. VR training advanced trainees further up the learning curve, enabling highly precise component orientation and more efficient surgery. VR could augment traditional surgical training to improve how surgeons learn complex open procedures. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:1585-1592.

Algorithmic soft tissue femoral release in anterior approach total hip arthroplasty.

Although the anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty has gained increasing utilization, some studies have suggested a higher risk of femoral complications, as well as difficulty with femoral exposure. Techniques of soft tissue releases have been described to offer better femoral exposure, and to help mitigate complications. The purpose of the study is to describe an algorithmic soft tissue femoral release in direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty and to assess the clinical outcomes of patients upon which this algorithm of femoral soft tissue releases was utilized. Clinical outcomes with the Harris Hip Score, reoperation rates, component survivorship, and complications were analyzed.

Total Hip Arthroplasty for Crowe Type IV Hip Dysplasia: Surgical Techniques and Postoperative Complications.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) of Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is challenging. Although traditional (lateral, posterolateral, and posterior) THA approaches have been used with great anatomic success, they damage periarticular muscles, which are already quite weak in type IV DDH. The recently developed direct anterior approach (DAA) can provide an inter‐nerve and inter‐muscle approach for THA of type IV dysplasia hips. However, femur exposure with the DAA could be difficult during surgery and it is hard to apply femoral shortening osteotomy. THA techniques used for type IV DDH include anatomic hip center techniques (true acetabular reconstruction) and high hip center techniques, wherein an acetabulum is reconstructed above the original one. Although anatomic construction of the hip center is considered “the gold standard” treatment, it is impossible if the anatomical acetabular is too small and shallow. Procedures used to support type IV DDH reduction with anatomic hip center techniques include greater trochanter osteotomy, lesser trochanter osteotomy, and subtrochanteric osteotomy. However, these techniques have yet to be standardized, and it is unclear which is best for type IV DDH. One‐state and two‐state non‐osteotomy reduction techniques have also been introduced to treat type IV DDH. Potential complications of THA performed in patients with type IV DDH include leg length discrepancy (LLD), peri‐operative femur fracture, nonunion of the osteotomy site, and nerve injury. It is worth noting that nowadays an increasing number of Crowe type IV DDH patients are more sensitive to postoperative LLD.

Antéversion du pivot fémoral avec tiges sans ciment effilé dans les dysplasies de hanche : comparaison selon la voie d’abord postérolatérale ou antérolatérale

BackgroundIn total hip arthroplasty (THA), the concept of combined anteversion is accepted as one of best indicators of prosthetic joint stability. Technical parameters may influence the stem and cup anteversion. We therefore investigated if stem anteversion could be influenced by surgical approaches in cementless THA using a tapered wedge stem with stem-first technique. HypothesisWe postulated that the type of approach, posterolateral (PLA) or anterolateral approach (ALA), would influence stem anteversion in dysplastic hip patients. We asked: (1) whether stem anteversion was higher in the PLA group and (2) how postoperative stem anteversion was correlated to preoperative femoral anteversion in each group. Patients and methodsWe retrospectively compared two groups of hips that underwent THA using a tapered wedge stem with the posterolateral (PLA group; 154 hips) or anterolateral (ALA group; 81 hips) approaches. Computed tomography was utilized to measure femoral neck and stem anteversion. To investigate related factors that affect stem anteversion, a stepwise regression analysis was performed. ResultsThe stem anteversion in the PLA and ALA groups was 43.7°±9.8° and 34.0°±12.3°, respectively (p<0.01). The stepwise selection process resulted in a model involving femoral neck anteversion and surgical approach (p<0.01). The stem anteversion of the ALA group (r=0.75, p<0.01) was better correlated to femoral neck anteversion than that of the PLA group (r=0.52, p<0.01). DiscussionThe stem implantation through the ALA is thought to be more restricted than that through the PLA due to the difference of difficulty in femoral exposure. Tapered wedge stems, which are relatively thin and flat, have a high degree of freedom in the femoral canal. Consequently, in cementless THA using a tapered wedge stem, the surgical approaches affected stem anteversion differently. Stem anteversion was more anatomically restored to femoral neck anteversion through the ALA than through the PLA. Level of evidenceIII, retrospective case-control study.

Heterotopic Ossification after Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty

AbstractPrevious studies have demonstrated varying rates of heterotopic ossification (HO) after total hip arthroplasty (THA) depending on which anatomical approach is utilized. The direct anterior approach (DAA) is considered to be a muscle-sparing approach to the hip, which may lead to decreased rates of HO formation. This study evaluated the incidence of HO formation after DAA THA. The current work is a retrospective review of patients who underwent DAA THA. Six-month postoperative radiographs were evaluated and HO grade was classified using the Brooker classification system. Baseline characteristic differences between the Brooker classification groups were analyzed, specifically looking at: age, sex, type of deep venous thrombosis prophylaxis utilized, and preoperative Bombelli arthritis type. The overall incidence of HO in this DAA group was 179/485 patients (36.9%). There were 14 patients (2.9%) with Brooker Type 3 HO and 1 patient (0.21%) with Brooker Type 4 HO. No surgical excision of HO was performed. Patients were significantly more likely to develop HO if they had Bombelli hypertrophic arthritis (p &lt; 0.00003). Preoperative radiographic imaging suggesting Bombelli hypertrophic arthritis is predictive of HO formation, warranting consideration for HO prophylactic treatment. The radiographic incidence of HO in DAA THA was 36.9%, which is within the previously reported range of HO seen for lateral and posterior approaches to the hip. HO after total hip arthroplasty is likely due to soft tissue handling, hemostasis, and patient factors, rather than type of surgical approach.

Comparative study of stem anteversion using a cementless tapered wedge stem in dysplastic hips between the posterolateral and anterolateral approaches

BackgroundIn total hip arthroplasty (THA), the concept of combined anteversion is accepted as one of best indicators of prosthetic joint stability. Technical parameters may influence the stem and cup anteversion. We therefore investigated if stem anteversion could be influenced by surgical approaches in cementless THA using a tapered wedge stem with stem-first technique. HypothesisWe postulated that the type of approach, posterolateral (PLA) or anterolateral approach (ALA), would influence stem anteversion in dysplastic hip patients. We asked (1) whether stem anteversion was higher in the PLA group and (2) how postoperative stem anteversion was correlated to preoperative femoral anteversion in each group. Patients and MethodsWe retrospectively compared two groups of hips that underwent THA using a tapered wedge stem with the posterolateral (PLA group; 154 hips) or anterolateral (ALA group; 81 hips) approaches. Computed tomography was utilized to measure femoral neck and stem anteversion. To investigate related factors that affect stem anteversion, a stepwise regression analysis was performed. ResultsThe stem anteversion in the PLA and ALA groups was 43.7°±9.8° and 34.0°±12.3°, respectively (p<0.01). The stepwise selection process resulted in a model involving femoral neck anteversion and surgical approach (p<0.01). The stem anteversion of the ALA group (r=0.75, p<0.01) was better correlated to femoral neck anteversion than that of the PLA group (r=0.52, p<0.01). DiscussionThe stem implantation through the ALA is thought to be more restricted than that through the PLA due to the difference of difficulty in femoral exposure. Tapered wedge stems, which are relatively thin and flat, have a high degree of freedom in the femoral canal. Consequently, in cementless THA using a tapered wedge stem, the surgical approaches affected stem anteversion differently. Stem anteversion was more anatomically restored to femoral neck anteversion through the ALA than through the PLA. Level of evidenceIII, retrospective case-control study.

Hospital Adverse Events and Perioperative Outcomes in Bilateral Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundPerioperative hospital adverse events represent a significant outcome that is often overlooked. Even “minor events” such as fever or tachycardia may lead to significant costs due to workup tests, interconsultations, and/or increased length of stay (LOS). The optimal timing of bilateral direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (DAA-THA) remains unsettled. Consequently, we wanted to compare hospital LOS, discharge disposition, hospital adverse events (major and minor), and transfusion rates between simultaneous and staged bilateral DAA-THA. MethodsA retrospective chart review was conducted on a consecutive series of 347 primary bilateral DAA-THAs (204 patients) performed by 2 surgeons in a single institution (2010-2016). The hips finally included were categorized as simultaneous (Sim-n = 61), staged 1 (Stg1-n = 143), or staged 2 (Stg2-n = 143). We also compared simultaneous with staged surgeries performed ≤1 and >1 year apart. Baseline demographics, LOS, discharge disposition, hospital adverse events, and transfusions were assessed. ResultsThe simultaneous group had significantly younger patients and a higher proportion of males when compared with the staged groups and showed significant longer LOS [2.61 (Sim) vs 2.06 (Stg1) vs 1.63 (Stg2) days, P < .001], lower proportion of home discharge [77% (Sim) vs 91.6% (Stg1) vs 96.5% (Stg2), P < .001], as well as higher (overall) rate of adverse events [31.1% (Sim) vs 28.7% (Stg1) vs 14.0% (Stg2), P = .003] and transfusions [45.9% (Sim) vs 6.3% (Stg1) vs 7.0% (Stg2), P < .001]. However, most transfusions were autologous [37.7% (Sim) vs 3.5% (Stg1) vs 0% (Stg2), P < .001]. ConclusionOur data show that bilateral DAA-THAs performed in a staged fashion, rather than simultaneously, have a shorter hospital LOS and decreased rates of adverse events and overall transfusions. Notwithstanding, simultaneous surgery should still be considered an option in selected patients. Level of EvidenceLevel III.

Anterior versus posterior approach total hip arthroplasty: patient-reported and functional outcomes in the early postoperative period.

Direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (DA THA) has been reported to improve early outcomes compared to posterior approach THA up to 6 weeks postoperatively. Limited weekly outcomes data are available prior to 6 weeks. We evaluate outcomes including when patients first drive a car, leave home, and discontinue their assist device. Patients undergoing THA for primary osteoarthritis were prospectively enrolled. Outcomes data were collected preoperatively and postoperatively at weekly intervals for 6 weeks. 111 patients (55 DA and 56 posterior approach) were enrolled. There was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in pre-surgical Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores or modified Harris Hip Score (mHHS).Postoperatively, the DA THA group had decreased length of stay (p = 0.0002) and increased distance walked on postoperative day 1 and 2 (p = 0.011, p = 0.0004). The DA group had lower pain scores (p < 0.05) and required less day 1 and total narcotics (p = 0.029, p = 0.01). The DA cohort had improved PROMIS Physical Function scores and mHHS up to 5 weeks postoperatively. DA patients discontinued their assistive device 8 days earlier (p = 0.01), left home 3 days earlier (p = 0.001), and drove a car 5 days earlier (p = 0.01). Patients undergoing DA THA discontinued their assistive device, left their home, and drove a car sooner than posterior approach patients. We found improvement in physical function with DA, and it persisted up to 5 weeks postoperatively. Furthermore, DA patients had significantly shorter length of stay, improved mobilisation, decreased narcotic requirements and improved inpatient pain scores compared to posterior approach THA. Future randomised controlled study should be performed to minimise the biases inherent in this study methodology and confirm the results.

Prospective Evaluation of the Posterior Tissue Envelope and Anterior Capsule After Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundFemoral exposure for direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) invariably requires posterior soft tissue releases. Released posterior structures cannot be repaired. The purpose of this study is to describe the frequency and anatomic consequences of DAA THA posterior soft tissue releases and to compare the appearance of the anterior capsule between a group of patients who had capsulotomy and repair versus capsulectomy. MethodsThirty-two DAA THA patients underwent metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging at discharge and 1-year follow-up. Seventeen had underwent capsulotomy and repair and 15 capsulectomy. A radiologist blinded to intraoperative data scored each metal artifact reduction sequence magnetic resonance imaging. Anterior capsular integrity, status of the piriformis and conjoint tendons, and muscle atrophy were graded. Descriptive statistics were performed to analyze results. ResultsImmediately postoperatively, 75% of piriformis tendons were intact and 38% of conjoined tendons were intact. At 1 year, 97% had an intact piriformis and conjoined tendon, although many were in continuity through scar with the capsule. The posterior capsule directly contacted bone in all patients. At 1 year, none of the patients who underwent capsulotomy with repair had persistent anterior capsule defects, while 27% in the capsulectomy group had persistent defects. ConclusionPosterior capsule and conjoined tendon releases were commonly performed during DAA THA, yet continuity with bone was frequently achieved at 1 year. In this study, capsulotomy with repair resulted in no anterior capsular defects when compared with capsulectomy. These results may support improved THA stability observed after DAA with capsular repair despite posterior soft tissue releases. Level of EvidenceLevel III, prospective cohort study.

Assessment of Early Gait Recovery After Anterior Approach Compared to Posterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Smartphone Accelerometer–Based Study

BackgroundThe influence of total hip arthroplasty surgical approach on postoperative recovery is not well understood and often debated. This study compares anterior and posterior approach (PA) gait and patient-reported Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome scores (HOOS) in the early phases of recovery. MethodsA prospective study evaluated 20 control subjects, 35 direct anterior approach (DAA), and 34 PA total hip arthroplasty patients. Subjects were assessed preoperatively and at 1 and 4 months postoperatively with HOOS and smartphone gait assessments of gait speed, step length, cadence, step symmetry, and horizontal and vertical center of mass displacements. ResultsThe DAA and PA groups were not different in baseline HOOS or gait characteristics except for less horizontal center of mass displacement in the DAA group. At 1 month postoperatively, the DAA group had significantly faster gait speed at self-selected (P = .02) and fastest possible gait (P = .01) and longer step length at self-selected (P = .047) and fastest gait (P = .003) compared to the PA. At 4 months, there were no differences in DAA and PA gait measures. At 1 month postoperatively there were no significant differences in HOOS, but after 4 months HOOS were significantly higher in the DAA group. ConclusionThere were minimal differences between the two approaches in the recovery of gait mechanics with some gait parameters particularly gait speed and step length recovery favoring the DAA at 1 month postsurgery in this nonrandomized study.

A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial Evaluating the Effectiveness of Cognitive Training for Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty

For total hip arthroplasty (THA), cognitive training prior to performing real surgery may be an effective adjunct alongside simulation to shorten the learning curve. This study sought to create a cognitive training tool (CTT) to perform anterior approach (AA)-THA, which was validated by expert surgeons, and test its use as a training tool compared with conventional material. We employed a modified Delphi method with 4 expert surgeons from 3 international centers of excellence. Surgeons were independently observed performing THA before undergoing semistructured cognitive task analysis (CTA) and before completing successive rounds of surveys until a consensus was reached. Thirty-six surgical residents (postgraduate year [PGY]-1 through PGY-4) were randomized to cognitive training or training with a standard operation manual with surgical videos before performing a simulated AA-THA. The consensus CTA defined THA in 11 phases, in which were embedded 46 basic steps, 36 decision points, and 42 critical errors and linked strategies. This CTA was mapped onto an open-access web-based CTT. Surgeons who prepared with the CTT performed a simulated THA 35% more quickly (time, mean 28 versus 38 minutes) with 69% fewer errors in instrument selection (mean 29 versus 49 instances), and required 92% fewer prompts (mean 13 versus 25 instances). They were more accurate in acetabular cup orientation (inclination error, mean 8° versus 10°; anteversion error, mean 14° versus 22°). This validated CTT for arthroplasty provides structure for competency-based learning. It is more effective at preparing orthopaedic trainees for a complex procedure than conventional materials, as well as for learning sequence, instrumentation utilization, and motor skills. Cognitive training combines education on decision-making, knowledge, and technical skill. It is an inexpensive technique to teach surgeons to perform hip arthroplasty and is more effective than current preparation methods.

Negative Pressure Incisional Therapy and Infection After Direct Anterior Approach Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty.

With the aging of the US population, total hip arthroplasty (THA) is becoming an increasingly common procedure. A major concern after THA is reducing infection rates, as infections can cause devastating complications. Improved sterile technique, standardized infection control protocols, and novel dressings have been used to reduce postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs). The use of either silver-impregnated dry dressings or easily applied incisional negative pressure dressings is aimed at reducing the rates of SSIs after primary anterior THA. The authors retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 275 patients who underwent anterior THA at their institution during a 1-year period. Patients were separated into groups based on their surgical dressing. Rates of SSI were documented, and the effects of various factors, including age, sex, body mass index, and comorbidities, were compared between the 2 cohorts. The authors also analyzed high-risk patients to determine whether easily applied incisional negative pressure dressings reduced infections. The use of easily applied incisional negative pressure dressings after primary anterior THA did not have a statistically significant impact on SSI rate (P=.42). There was also no difference in SSI, readmission, or reoperation in the high-risk group. The goal of using an incisional negative pressure wound therapy device is to help further decrease the risk of SSI. This study's findings suggest that the SSI rate in this group did not differ from that in the standard dressing group, such that the prophylactic use of a negative pressure wound therapy device is not indicated for either standard or high-risk patients undergoing primary anterior approach THA. [Orthopedics. 2019; 42(6):e539-e544.].

Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block with different volumes of Ropivacaine: a randomized trial in healthy volunteers

BackgroundNerve block of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) is a predominantly sensory block. It reduces pain following total hip arthroplasty (THA), but the non-responder rate is high. We hypothesized, that an increased volume of ropivacaine, would result in greater coverage of incisions used for THA.MethodsWe conducted a randomized, blinded trial in 20 healthy volunteers. Participants were randomized to receive bilateral LFCN-blocks with 8 mL ropivacaine 0.75% on the left side and 16 mL ropivacaine 0.75% on the right side, or vice versa. Allocation was blinded to both participants and outcome assessors. Before nerve block performance, incision lines for posterior and lateral THA approaches were depicted with invisible ultraviolet-paint, thereby securing sufficient blinding during outcome assessment. The blocked area was mapped using temperature and mechanical discrimination tests. Quadriceps muscle strength was monitored. Primary outcome was coverage of the posterior incision line assessed by temperature discrimination test.ResultsWe found no difference in coverage of the posterior or lateral incision lines when comparing LFCN-blocks with 8 mL versus 16 mL of ropivacaine. The blocked area was significantly larger in the 16 mL group, assessed by both temperature discrimination test (p = 0.012) and mechanical discrimination test (p = 0.034). We observed no difference between groups regarding quadriceps muscle strength (p = 1.0).ConclusionsA LFCN-block with increased volume of ropivacaine from 8 mL to 16 mL did not result in a greater coverage of posterior or lateral incision lines used for THA, but in a larger blocked sensory area.Trial registrationClinicaltrials.gov: NCT03138668. Registered 3rd of May 2017.

A comparison of peri-operative effects of modified Bikini minimally invasive approach versus direct lateral approach for total hip arthroplasty

Objective To compare the perio-perative effects of modified bikini minimally invasive approach versus direct lateral approach for total hip arthroplasty(THA). Methods A total of 60 patients(70 hips), including 45 males(49 hips)and 15 females(21 hips)aged(54.9±6.1)years(range from 38 to 63 years)who underwent THA for the first time at joint surgery department of our hospital were retrospectively analyzed from October 2015 to May 2017.Thirty patients(34 hips)underwent modified bikini approach THA(the modified bikini group), and 30 patients(36 hips)received direct lateral approach THA(the direct lateral group). The comparisons were performed between the two groups in the orthopaedic pelvic films, disease stages, Harris scores before and after operation, intra-operative blood loss, postoperative drainage, blood transfusion rate, 24-h visual analog scale(VAS)scores for pain after operation, operation time and incision length.The straight leg elevation time, recovery time of hip abduction muscle strength, average hospitalization days and subjective satisfaction of patients were evaluated.Relevant surgical complications were recorded. Results Postoperative X-ray examinations showed that the position of prosthesis was good in both groups.There were no statistically significant difference between the two groups in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage, blood transfusion rate, straight leg elevation time and subjective satisfaction(P>0.05). There were statistically significant differences between the modified bikini group and the direct lateral group in the incision length[(9.2±1.9) cm vs.(18.5±3.3) cm], recovery time of hip abductor muscle strength[(1.6±0.8) d vs. (12.1±3.9) d], Harris scores[(87.1±5.9) vs.(86.8±7.1)], 24-hour VAS scores[(4.6±2.3) vs.(7.0±3.6)]and average hospitalization days[(7.4±1.8) vs.(10.8±2.4)]after operation between the modified bikini group and the direct lateral group(P<0.05). One case with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury and 1 case of posterior cortical perforation of proximal femur were found in the modified bikini group, and 1 case of dislocation of hip prosthesis was observed in the direct lateral group. Conclusions Both of the modified bikini minimally invasive approach and direct lateral approach for THA can achieve better postoperative effect, while the modified bikini approach achieves faster recovery. Key words: Arthroplasty; Replacement, hip; Surgical procedures, minimally invasive

Short-term outcomes of the supine muscle-sparing anterolateral versus direct lateral approach to primary total hip arthroplasty.

Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) is among the most successful orthopaedic procedures, it is not without complications. As such, finding the optimal surgical approach has become an area of particular interest. In this study, we compare: (1) pain intensity; (2) opioid consumption; (3) lengths of stay (LOS); (4) complication rates; (5) discharge destination; and (6) ambulatory function between patients who underwent THA via the supine muscle-sparing anterolateral (MS-ALA) and conventional direct lateral (DLA) approaches. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 220 consecutive patients who received primary THA using the supine MS-ALA (n = 101) or DLA (n = 119) between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016. Outcomes included postoperative pain intensity, opioid consumption, LOS, discharge destination, complications, additional procedures, and time to independent ambulation. We demonstrated significantly lower opioid consumption on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 (mean differences, -32.0 and -28.4 mg, respectively; p ⩽ 0.001) and decreased pain intensity during the second 24 hours of the hospital stay (mean difference, -22.0; p < 0.001) in patients receiving the MS-ALA. Relative to the DLA cohort, patients in the MS-ALA cohort were 2.04 times more likely to be discharged to home (p = 0.028) and 1.91 times less likely to experience postoperative abductor insufficiency (p = 0.039). The present study is the 1st to compare postoperative outcomes, particularly pain intensity and opioid consumption, between the supine muscle-sparing anterolateral and direct lateral THA approaches. Further research should investigate the effect of surgical approach on quality and cost of care, include larger sample sizes, and involve longer-term follow-up.

Intraoperative evaluation of acetabular cup position during anterior approach total hip arthroplasty: are we accurately interpreting?

Intraoperative radiographic evaluation during total hip arthroplasty (THA) has shown to improve the accuracy of acetabular component placement, however, differences in interpretation based on radiographic technique has not been established. This study aims to determine if differences exist in the interpretation of acetabular component abduction and anteversion between different radiographic projections. 55 consecutive direct anterior THAs in 49 patients were prospectively enrolled. Target anteversion and abduction was defined by the Lewinnek zone. Fluoroscopy was used to direct acetabular component placement intraoperatively. After final cup implantation, fluoroscopic posterior-anterior hip and pelvis images were obtained for analysis. After completion of the procedure, an anterior-posterior plain pelvis radiograph was obtained in the operating room. Acetabulum component abduction and anteversion were postoperatively determined using specialised software on each of the 3 image acquisition methods. Average acetabular cup abduction for intraoperative fluoroscopic posterior-anterior hip (FH), intraoperative fluoroscopic posterior-anterior pelvis (FP), and postoperative, standard, anteroposterior pelvis radiographs (PP) was 40.95° ± 2.87°, 38.87° ± 3.82° and 41.73° ± 2.96° respectively. The fluoroscopic hip and fluoroscopic pelvis tended to underestimate acetabular cup abduction compared to the postoperative pelvis (p < 0.001). Average acetabular cup anteversion for FH, FP, and PP was 19.89° ± 4.87°, 24.38° ± 5.31° and 13.36° ± 3.52° respectively. Both the fluoroscopic hip and fluoroscopic pelvis overestimated anteversion compared to the AP pelvis, with a 6.38° greater mean value measurement for FH (p < 0.001), and an 11° greater mean value measurement for FP (p < 0.001). Fluoroscopic technique and differences between radiographic projections may result in discrepancies in component position interpretation. Our results support the use of the fluoroscopic posterior-anterior hip as the choice fluoroscopic imaging technique.

Advantages of an Anterior-Based Muscle-Sparing Approach in Transitioning From a Posterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Minimizing the Learning Curve

BackgroundEnthusiasm for anterior-based approaches for total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues to increase but there is concern for increased complications during the learning curve period associated. This study aimed to investigate if there was a difference in perioperative variables, intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications, or patient-reported outcomes when transitioning from a mini-posterior approach (mPA) to an anterior-based muscle-sparing (ABMS) approach for THA. MethodsRetrospective cohort study on the first 100 primary THA cases (n = 96 patients) of the senior author (August 2016 to August 2017) using the ABMS approach. These cases were compared to primary THA cases done the year prior (July 2015 to July 2016, n = 91 cases in 89 patients) using an mPA. Data were extracted and analyzed via gamma regression with robust standard errors and using generalized estimating equation regression. ResultsWe found no difference in the estimated blood loss (P = .452) and surgical time (P = .564) between the cohorts. The ABMS cases had a slightly shorter length of stay (P = .001) with an adjusted mean length of stay of 1.53 days (95% confidence interval 1.4-1.6) compared to 1.85 days (95% confidence interval 1.8-1.9) in the mPA cases. There was no difference in the frequency of immediate postoperative complications (all, P > .05). There was no difference in the adjusted mean change in patient-reported outcomes (all P > .05). In the ABMS group, there was no difference in surgical time or physical function computerized adaptive test between the first 20 cases (reference) and each subsequent group of 20 cases (all P > .05). ConclusionThis study demonstrates no associated learning curve for an experienced senior surgeon when switching routine THA approach from mPA to ABMS. We advise careful interpretation of our results, as they may not apply to all surgeons and practices. Level of EvidenceLevel III Therapeutic Study: retrospective comparative study.

Thirty-Day Major and Minor Complications Following Total Hip Arthroplasty—A Comparison of the Direct Anterior, Lateral, and Posterior Approaches

BackgroundThe choice of surgical approach during total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains highly controversial. The aim of the present study was to compare 30-day major and minor complications, following primary THA between the direct anterior, lateral, and posterior approaches. MethodsOur hospital performs primary THAs using all 3 aforementioned approaches based on surgeon preference. Patients who underwent primary THA from August 2010 to August 2017 were identified using our institution’s total joint registry, and their data were combined with prospectively collected data from the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database (which evaluates a random sample of approximately 20% of all surgical patients in our hospital). Baseline characteristics, operative variables, and postoperative complications were then compared between the three groups. ResultsThe analysis comprised 1967 primary THAs (1913 patients), whereby 56%, 29%, and 15% were performed through a posterior, lateral, and direct anterior approach, respectively. Thirty-day major and minor complications occurred in 3.9% and 9.4% of surgeries, respectively. After adjusting for baseline patient characteristics, there was no significant difference in major or minor perioperative complications between the 3 approaches. ConclusionsThis study compared perioperative complications between the 3 most commonly used approaches for THA utilizing a synthesis of our institutional total joint registry and high-quality National Surgical Quality Improvement Program data. Thirty-day major and minor complications were similar regardless of the surgical approach employed, which may help surgeons and patients simplify the multiple considerations taken into account when deciding on surgical approach for primary THA. Level of EvidenceTherapeutic, Level III.

Are single plane intraoperative and biplanar postoperative radiographic measurements of acetabular cup position the same?

Supine positioning and the use of fluoroscopy during direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (DAA THA) have been reported to improve acetabular component positioning. This study aims to compare 2-dimensional intraoperative radiographic RadLink measurements of acetabular component position with 3-dimensional postoperative 3D SterEOS measurements. Intraoperative fluoroscopy and RadLink (El Segundo, CA, USA) were used to measure acetabular cup position intraoperatively in 48 consecutive patients undergoing DAA THA. Cup position was measured on 6-week postoperative standing EOS images using 3D SterEOS software (EOS Imaging, SA, Paris, France) and compared to RadLink findings using Student's t-test. Safe-zone outliers were identified. We evaluated for measurement difference of > +/- 5°. RadLink acetabular cup abduction measurement (mean 43.0°) was not significantly different than 3D SterEOS in the anatomic plane (mean 42.6°, p = 0.50) or in the functional plane (mean 42.7°, p = 0.61). RadLink acetabular cup anteversion measurement (mean 17.9°) was significantly different than 3D SterEOS in both the anatomic plane (mean 20.6°, p = 0.022) and the functional plane (mean 21.2°, p = 0.002). RadLink identified 2 cups outside of the safe-zone. However, SterEOS identified 12 (anatomic plane) and 10 (functional plane) outside of the safe-zone. In the functional plane, 58% of anteversion and 92% of abduction RadLink measurements were within +/- 5° of 3D SterEOS. Intraoperative fluoroscopic RadLink acetabular anteversion measurements are significantly different than 3D SterEOS measurements, while abduction measurements are similar. Significantly more acetabular cups were noted to be outside of the safe-zone when evaluated with 3D SterEOS versus RadLink.

Decisional conflict in surgical patients: Should surgeons care?

The choice of surgical approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains a contentious issue with regards to clinical outcome optimization and restoring patient function. The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of surgical approach for THA on quantitative gait analysis. Patients undergoing THA for primary osteoarthritis of the hip were assigned to 1 of 3 surgical approaches: anterior, posterior and lateral. Standardized implants were used at the time of surgery. Three-dimensional gait analysis was performed preoperatively and at 6 and 12 weeks postoperatively. At each time point, we compared temporal parameters, kinematics and kinetics. We included 30 patients in our analysis (10 anterior, 10 posterior, and 10 lateral). The groups were similar with respect to age (p = 0.27), body mass index (p = 0.16), and Charlson Comorbidity Index score (p = 0.66). Temporal parameters were similar among the groups at all time points. The lateral cohort had higher pelvic tilt during stance on the affected leg than the anterior cohort at 6 weeks (p = 0.041). Affected leg ipsilateral trunk lean during stance was higher in the lateral group than in the other cohorts at 6 weeks (p = 0.008) and 12 weeks (p = 0.040). The anterior and posterior groups showed increased external rotation at 6 weeks (p = 0.003) and 12 weeks (p = 0.012) compared with the lateral group. Temporal gait parameters were similar following THA for all approaches. Differences in gait kinematics and kinetics exist; however, given the small absolute differences, the clinical importance of these changes remains undetermined.