Direct Anterior Research Articles

COST ANALYSIS OF DIRECT ANTERIOR VERSUS DIRECT LATERAL APPROACH FOR OUTPATIENT TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

The increased demand for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is having a significant impact on healthcare resources, resulting in increased interest in outpatient care pathways to reduce resource consumption. This study compared costs between patients who underwent outpatient THA using a Direct Anterior (DA) approach compared to a Direct Lateral (DL) approach to understand the effect of surgical approach on resource use.We conducted a prospective randomized controlled trial for DA patients undergoing primary THA. We compared patients in the outpatient arm of the trial to a prospective cohort of outpatient DL approach THAs. We recorded all costs including: equipment, length of stay in hospital, and laboratory or other medical tests. Following discharge, participants also completed a self-reported cost diary recording resource utilization such as emergency department visits or subsequent hospitalizations, tests and procedures, consultations or follow-up, healthcare professional services, rehabilitation, use of pain medications, informal care, productivity losses and out of pocket expenditures.We report costs from both Canadian public health care payer (HCP) and a societal perspective. The HCP perspective includes any direct health costs covered by the publicly funded system. In addition to the health care system costs, the societal perspective also includes additional costs to the patient (e.g. physiotherapy, medication, or assistive devices), as well as any indirect costs such as time off paid employment for patients or caregivers.We included 127 patients in the DA group (66.6 years old) and 51 patients in the DL group (59.4 years old) (p<0.01).There were no statistically significant differences in costs between groups from both the healthcare payer (DA= 7910.19, DL= 7847.17, p=0.80) and societal perspectives (DA= 14657.21, DL= 14581.21, p=0.96)In patients undergoing a successful outpatient hip replacement, surgical approach does not have an effect on cost from in hospital or societal perspectives.

Physical and mental demand during direct anterior total hip arthroplasty: Comparison of robotic-assisted and conventional techniques

IntroductionThe adoption of new techniques, such as the direct anterior (DA) approach, and technologies, such as robotic assistance, in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has the potential to alleviate the intraoperative physical and mental demand that surgeons experience. Therefore, the aim of this study is to compare the physical and mental demand of surgeons performing conventional DA THA with fluoroscopy and robotic-assisted DA THA without fluoroscopy. MethodsTwo orthopaedic surgeons completed bilateral DA THA's on six cadaveric specimens. To assess physical demand, heart rates (HR), respirations, HR variability (stress), calories burned, and sweat loss were recorded using smartwatches. Surgeons completed a modified SURG-TLX questionnaire to assess physical and mental demand. Data were pooled together and two-sample t-tests were performed. ResultsPhysical and mental demand metrics such as maximum HR, maximum stress, mean caloric expenditure and sweat loss were lower in robotic-assisted DA THA without fluoroscopy. Robotic-assisted THA was associated with a decreased percentage change for both the overall procedure and all surgical steps. Robotic-assisted THA also resulted in a significant difference in percentage change for maximum HR during acetabular reaming.Via questionnaire results, surgeons reported that robotic-assisted DA THA was significantly less physically and mentally demanding compared to conventional DA THA for the overall procedure and acetabular reaming. DiscussionIt is important to understand how robotic-assisted THA impacts the health of the surgeons using them. Robotic-assisted DA THA without fluoroscopy resulted in less physical and mental demand for orthopaedic surgeons for the overall procedure and individual surgical steps.

Surgical Approach Does Not Influence Instability Risk in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundAlthough the direct anterior (DA) approach has increased in popularity for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA), there is limited evidence regarding its use for revision THA. It is unknown whether the dislocation benefit seen in the primary setting translates to revision cases. MethodsThis retrospective review compared the dislocation rates of revision THA performed through DA versus postero-lateral (PL) approaches at a single institution (2011 to 2021). Exclusion criteria included revision for instability, ≥ 2 prior revisions, approaches other than DA or PL, and placement of dual-mobility or constrained liners. There were 182 hips in 173 patients that met the inclusion criteria. The average follow-up was 6.5 years (range, 2 to 8 years). ResultsThere was a trend toward more both-component revisions being performed through the PL approach. There were no differences in dislocation rates between the DA revision and PL revision cohorts, which were 8.1% (5 of 72) and 7.5% (9 of 120), respectively (P = .999). Dislocation trended lower when the revision approach was discordant from the primary approach compared to cases where primary and revision had a concordant approach (4.9 versus 8.5%), but this was not statistically significant (P = .740). No significant differences were found in return to operating room, 90-day emergency department visits, or 90-day readmissions. However, the length of stay was significantly shorter in patients who had DA revisions after a primary PL procedure (P = .021). ConclusionsDislocation rates following revision THA did not differ between the DA and PL approaches irrespective of the primary approach. Surgeons should choose their revision approach based on their experience and the specific needs of the patient.

Decreasing Hip Offset in Total Hip Arthroplasty Results in Decreased Physical Function Scores

BackgroundAcetabular and femoral offset play an important role in total hip arthroplasty (THA) for postoperative stability and biomechanical function. However, it is unknown whether offset impacts patient-reported outcomes (PROs). This study evaluated patients undergoing direct anterior (DA) THA with the hypothesis that patients who have a decrease in hip offset postoperatively would have lower physical function scores and higher pain interference. MethodsThere were 499 patients who underwent DA THA at a single tertiary academic institution who were retrospectively evaluated. Preoperative and postoperative hip offset was measured by 2 reviewers using the Sundsvall method on standing anteroposterior pelvis radiographs. Postoperative changes in hip offset were categorized as increased (> 5 mm), matched (within 5 mm of the preoperative offset measurement), or decreased ( >5 mm). Postoperative PROs with a minimum 1-year follow-up were recorded. A one-way analysis of variance was utilized to compare postoperative pain and PROs between groups. ResultsPatients who had decreased offset had the lowest mean postoperative physical function scores at 39.4 (8.0), followed by the increased offset group at 42.2 (10.4) and the matched offset group at 42.8 (9.8) (P < .01). There were significant differences in postoperative physical function scores between matched offset (42.8) and decreased offset (39.4) groups (P < .01), as well as between increased offset (42.2) and decreased offset (39.4) groups (P = .04). There was no difference between matched and increased offset cohorts. ConclusionsOur data suggests that reducing hip offset may result in worse physical function scores compared to those who have matched or increased hip offset. This should be considered intraoperatively, and efforts should be made to avoid reduced offset even in the presence of hip stability.

Traumatic Floating Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Case Report.

A 58-year-old woman with medical history of a left total hip arthroplasty performed by the direct anterior (DA) approach 2 years prior presented with left hip pain. She was found to have sustained a transverse Vancouver C periprosthetic femur fracture and an unstable periprosthetic pelvic fracture. This patient's case represents a previously not reported injury about a total hip arthroplasty-with disruption distal to the femoral implant and proximal to the acetabular implant, with the implant-to-bone interface unaffected. This case may guide future treatment of similar injuries.

A Cost Analysis of Surgical Approach in Total Hip Arthroplasty.

With pressures to decrease the financial burden of total hip arthroplasty (THA), it is imperative to understand the cost drivers of this procedure. This study evaluated operative and total encounter costs for two surgical approaches to THA-posterior (P) and direct anterior (DA). A total of 233 THAs (134 P and 99 DA) performed by two fellowship-trained arthroplasty surgeons from 2017 to 2022 were reviewed. Demographics, comorbidities, mobility status, operative time, length of stay, implants used, discharge location, and complications until final follow-up were recorded. Total encounter cost was collected and itemized. Multivariable regression analyses evaluated predictors of cost. There were differences in age (67 years for DA and 63 years for P; P=.03), body mass index (28.0 kg/m2 for DA and 33.8 kg/m2 for P; P<.01), Elixhauser Comorbidity Index score (4.6 for DA and 5.6 for P; P=.04), and operative time (2.1 hours for DA and 1.9 hours for P; P<.01) between the two cohorts. The DA cohort trended toward shorter length of stay, with the highest percentage of patients discharged home (86.9%; P=.02). The P cohort had the lowest encounter ($9601 for DA and $9100 for P; P=.20) and intraoperative (including implant used) ($7268 for DA and $6792 for P; P<.01) costs. The DA cohort had a significantly higher cost of radiology during the encounter ($244; P<.01). Regression analysis demonstrated that length of stay and DA approach were both predictors of increased encounter cost. The DA cohort had improved measures of health; however, this approach was associated with a higher operative cost and was predictive of increased encounter cost despite a shorter length of stay. [Orthopedics. 2024;47(3):e151-e156.].

Lower 90-day inpatient readmission and 1-year reoperation in patients undergoing robotic versus manual total hip arthroplasty through an anterior approach.

The value of robotic-assisted total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) has yet to be determined compared to conventional manual THA (mTHA). Evaluate 90-day inpatient readmission rates, rates of reoperation, and clinically significant improvement of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) at 1-year in a cohort of patients who underwent mTHA or rTHA through a direct anterior (DA) approach. A single-surgeon, prospective institutional cohort of 362 patients who underwent primary THA for osteoarthritis via the DA approach between February 2019 and November 2020 were included. Patient demographics, surgical time, discharge disposition, length of stay, acetabular cup size, 90-day inpatient readmission, 1-year reoperation, and 1-year PROMs were collected for 148 manual and 214 robotic THAs, respectively. Patients undergoing rTHA had lower 90-day readmission (3.74% vs 9.46%, p= 0.04) and lower 1-year reoperation (0.93% vs 4.73% mTHA, p= 0.04). rTHA acetabular cup sizes were smaller (rTHA median 52, interquartile range [IQR] 50; 54, mTHA median 54, IQR 52; 58, p< 0.001). Surgical time was longer for rTHA (114 minutes vs 101 minutes, p< 0.001). At 1-year post-operatively, there was no difference in any of the PROMs evaluated. Robotic THA demonstrated lower 90-day readmissions and 1-year reoperation rates than manual THA via the DA approach. PROMs were not significantly different between the two groups at one year.

Reverse Fragility Index: Comparing Revision Rates Between Direct Anterior and Other Approaches in Total Hip Arthroplasty. A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

BackgroundDespite increasing adoption of the direct anterior (DA) approach in total hip arthroplasty (THA), uncertainty persists regarding its outcomes beyond the 1-year mark in comparison to other approaches. We used the reverse fragility index (RFI) to evaluate the robustness of reported findings in the literature. MethodsWe conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing implant revision rates between DA and other approaches in THA, defined as all those different from DA. Our primary outcome was the RFI, which gauges the number of events needed for a nonsignificant result to become significant, in the revision rate between DA and other approaches. We also calculated the reverse fragility quotient by dividing the RFI by each study’s sample size. Median values and interquartile ranges (IQRs) were displayed. ResultsA total of 10 RCTs with a total of 971 patients were included. The median RFI was 5 (IQR, 4 to 5), indicating the study’s results would be statistically significant if the outcomes of 5 patients in 1 treatment arm were reversed. The median reverse fragility quotient was 0.049 (IQR, 0.04 to 0.057), indicating that a change of outcome in 4.9% of patients would render the revision rate significant. The median number of patients lost to follow-up was 4 (IQR, 0 to 7). Of the 10 RCTs, 6 had more patients lost to follow-up than their respective RFI values. ConclusionsNotable fragility was evidenced in most studies comparing DA to other approaches for THA. Surgeons should not solely rely on the P value to determine clinical significance and instead use multiple metrics. Level of evidenceII.

Femoral stem taper geometry and porous coating in cementless direct anterior primary total hip arthroplasty

ObjectiveThis study aims to compare the clinical outcomes and complications between a fully coated, dual-tapered hip stem versus a proximally coated, triple-tapered hip stem in patients undergoing cementless direct anterior (DA) primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent primary THA with either a fully coated, dual-tapered hip stem or a proximally coated, triple-tapered stem with at least a 1-year follow up. Exclusion criteria included any patients that did not receive either femoral stem, those undergoing bilateral THA, those with a surgical approach other than DA, those with an indication other than osteoarthritis, avascular necrosis (AVN), or femoral neck fracture, and those that had a cemented femoral component. Complications and clinical outcomes were assessed. Statistical analyses were conducted to identify significant differences between the groups. ResultsA total of 95 patients were included in the study. The average ages for the dual-tapered and triple-tapered stem cohorts were 63.6 and 59.5, respectively (p = 0.168). At 1-year follow-up, no significant differences were seen between the groups in terms of ambulatory status, ROM, and patient satisfaction (p = 0.414, p = 0.106, and p = 0.126). 6 (18 %) of the patients receiving the dual-tapered, fully coated hip stem had at least one complication while 8 (13 %) of the triple-tapered, proximally coated hip stem patients did (p = 0.550). ConclusionBoth hip stem cohorts demonstrated comparable clinical outcomes and complication rates in patients undergoing primary DA THA and we believe that either hip stem may be a reasonable choice for patients. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are warranted to validate these findings.

Dislocation Following Anterior and Posterior Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Setting of Spinal Deformity and Stiffness: Evolving Trends Using a High-Risk Protocol at a Single Tertiary Center

BackgroundPatients who have spinal stiffness and deformity are at the highest risk for dislocation after total hip arthroplasty (THA). Previous reports of this cohort are limited to antero-lateral and postero-lateral (PL) approaches. We investigated the dislocation rate after direct anterior (DA) and PL approach THA with a contemporary high-risk protocol to optimize stability. MethodsWe investigated patients undergoing THA who had preoperative biplanar imaging from January-December 2019. Patients were identified using radiographic criteria of spinal-stiffness (<10-degree change in sacral slope from standing to seated) and deformity (flatback deformity with >10-degree difference in pelvic incidence and lumbar lordosis). There were 367 patients identified (181 DA, 186 PL). The primary outcome was dislocation rate at 2-years postoperatively. Risk-factors for dislocation were evaluated using logistic regressions (significance level of 0.05). ResultsThere were 6 (1.6%) dislocations in the entire cohort, with low dislocation rates for both DA (0.6%) and PL-THA (2.7%). We observed increased utilization of dual mobility with larger outer head bearings (>38 mm) with PL-THA (34.4 versus 5.0%, P < .01) and conversely increased utilization of 32-mm femoral-heads with DA-THA (39.4 versus 7.0%, P < .001). Surgical approach (PL) was not a significant risk-factor for dislocation (odds ratio: 5.03, P = .15). Patients who had a history of lumbar-fusion had 8-times higher odds for dislocation (OR: 8.20, P = .020). ConclusionsTo the best of our knowledge, this is the largest series to date evaluating DA and PL-THA in the hip-spine 2B-group. Our results demonstrate lower dislocation rate than expected with either surgical approach using a high-risk protocol.

The direct anterior approach for conversion to total hip arthroplasty after acetabular fixation is safe and effective

IntroductionTotal Hip Arthroplasty (THA) after prior acetabular fracture repair is known to be demanding as studies have shown inferior implant survival rates and higher infection rates for these procedures. The direct anterior (DA) approach might help mitigate some of these risks by utilizing a new surgical tissue plane. However, potential criticisms of the DA approach for these surgeries include the inability to access previous acetabular implants or heterotopic ossification (HO) if they were to inhibit implant placement. The goals of this study are to analyze the efficacy of the DA approach for conversion to hip arthroplasty surgery after previous acetabular fixation. MethodsAfter reviewing all records at our institution using current procedural terminology codes, we isolated patients with previous acetabular repair who underwent conversion to THA through the DA approach. Patient records were reviewed, and patients were contacted to obtain Harris Hip Scores. Results23 patients (16 males and 7 females) were found with a mean follow-up time of 46 months (range 16–156 months). The mean age was 50 (range 28 – 83) and mean BMI was 28.5 (range 15.2 – 39.2). The average blood loss was 400 ml (range 200 – 900). The average operative time was 140 min (range 85–200 min). In 7 cases (32%) implants were encountered during acetabular reaming but the implants were either removed entirely or removed partially with a burr so that the acetabular cup could be positioned within acceptable parameters. In 2 cases pre-operative HO was encountered and was resected. The average Harris Hip Score at final follow-up was 92 (range 75 – 100). There were no deep infections and no neurovascular injuries encountered. 2 patients (9%) underwent revision surgery for aseptic femoral stem loosening. There was 1 anterior dislocation (4.5%) at 3 days post-operatively that was successfully treated with closed reduction and maintenance of hip precautions. Otherwise, the remaining 19 (86%) patients went on to uncomplicated recovery. ConclusionThis is the largest known cohort analyzing the DA approach for conversion to hip arthroplasty after previous acetabular fixation. Overall, we demonstrate that the DAA is safe for conversion THA after acetabular fixation.

Comparing the Anterior-Based Muscle-Sparing Approach with the Direct Anterior Approach in Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Pairwise Meta-Analysis.

Background and Objectives: The anterior-based muscle-sparing (ABMS) approach, which utilizes the interval between the tensor fasciae latae posteriorly, offers several advantages, such as the reduced risk of nerve injury and the freedom to choose various implants. Herein, we aimed to compare the outcome of ABMS to the direct anterior (DA) approach using pairwise meta-analysis techniques. Materials and Methods: A systematic search of the MEDLINE (PUBMED), Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed for studies published up to 7 June 2023, which compared the ABMS approach with the DA approach for hip arthroplasty. We compared (1) perioperative outcomes (operation time, visual analog scale (VAS) score, total opioid consumption, length of hospital stay (LOS), and the number of patients discharged to their homes); (2) postoperative complications (neuropraxia/nerve injury, dislocation, surgical site infection, intraoperative fracture, and reoperation rate); and (3) implant position (cup inclination, cup anteversion, and stem alignment). Results: Ten studies were eligible for meta-analysis, including 1737 patients who underwent hip arthroplasty with the ABMS approach and 1979 with the DA approach. The pooled analysis showed no differences in all outcome variables, including perioperative outcomes, postoperative complications, and the implant position between the two surgical approaches. Conclusions: In current meta-analysis, the ABMS approach demonstrated comparable results to the conventional DA approach in terms of both clinical and radiologic outcomes as well as postoperative complications. Furthermore, the ABMS approach has the advantage of a broader indication and fewer limitations in terms of the surgical position compared to the DA approach. Therefore, the ABMS approach can be even more beneficial as an option within MSA, surpassing the utility of the DA approach.

Does the Primary Surgical Approach Matter When Choosing the Approach for Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty?

BackgroundMultiple surgical approaches are used for primary total hip arthroplasty (pTHA) and revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA). This study sought to investigate prevalence of discordance of pTHA and rTHA surgical approaches and to evaluate how approach concordance impacts postoperative outcomes. MethodsA retrospective review of patients who underwent rTHA from 2000 to 2021 was conducted at 3 large urban academic centers. Patients who had minimum 1-year follow-up post-rTHA were included and grouped based on whether they received pTHA via a posterior (PA), direct anterior (DA), or laterally based (DL) approach, and by concordance of index rTHA approach with their pTHA approach. Of the 917 patients studied, 839 (91.5%) were included in the concordant cohort and 78 (8.5%) in the discordant cohort. Patient demographics, operative characteristics, and postoperative outcomes were compared. ResultsDiscordance was most prevalent in the DA-pTHA subset (29.5%), compared to the DL-pTHA subset (14.7%) or PA-pTHA subset (3.7%). Discordance varied significantly between primary approaches among all revisions, with DA-pTHA patients having the highest discordance rate for patients revised for aseptic loosening (46.3%, P < .001), fracture (22.2%, P < .001), and dislocation (33.3%, P < .001). There were no differences between groups in dislocation rate, re-revision for infection, or re-revision for fracture. ConclusionThe results of this multicenter study showed patients who received pTHA via the DA were more likely to receive rTHA via a discordant approach compared to other primary approaches. Since approach concordance did not impact dislocation, infection, or fracture rates after rTHA, surgeons can feel reassured using a separate approach for rTHA. Level III EvidenceRetrospective Cohort Study.

Which patient benefit most from minimally invasive direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty in terms of perioperative blood loss? A retrospective comparative study from a cohort of patients with primary degenerative hips

IntroductionTotal hip arthroplasty (THA) is a successful surgery, but despite the advancements in anesthesiology and orthopedics, sometimes blood transfusions are required to manage the anemia due to the blood loss, involving a substantial number of patients. The aim of this retrospective comparative study is to define how the choice of the surgical approach, either direct anterior (DA) or posterolateral (PL), may influence the postoperative blood loss and the need for transfusion in THA.Materials and methodsData collection was carried out retrospectively of THAs performed between 2016 and 2021 on primary hip osteoarthritis treated by DA or with PL approach. Clinical and perioperative anesthetic data were collected. Preoperative hemoglobin levels were compared with the lowest detected level by calculating ΔHb (hemoglobin decrease). Then, data from the two groups were cross-checked: duration of surgery, whether premedication with tranexamic acid, duration of the hospitalization, rate of need for hemotransfusions, and amount of blood transfused. The two samples were subdivided into subgroups according to age, BMI, tranexamic acid prophylaxis, and chronic treatment with drugs that alter coagulative properties.ResultsTime of surgery was longer for patients treated with DA access (mean DA: 78.8 min; mean PL: 74.8 min; p: 0.05; 95% CI), but the length of hospitalization was shorter for patients treated with DA group with a mean time of 6.23 days versus 7.12 days for the PL group (p < 0.01). DA THA resulted advantageous mainly in patients between 66 and 75 years, showing a reduced postoperative transfusion requirement in the postoperative period (DA: 13.43%—mean: 1.33 units; PL: 26.82%—mean: 1.18 units; p: 0.044, 95% CI). Patients that assume blood-altering drugs showed a higher transfusion rate (p < 0.01), but comparison of the two subgroups showed that the choice of the surgical approach did not significantly affect the transfusion rate in these patients (p: 0.512). Prophylaxis with tranexamic acid reduced the transfusion rate (p < 0.01).ConclusionPatients treated by minimally invasive direct anterior approach undergo a significantly shorter hospitalization. From the analysis of patient’s subgroups those aged between 66- and 75-years benefit from the DA approach mainly for the minor blood loss with less frequent transfusion requirement.

Motor Nerve Palsy After Direct Anterior Versus Posterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: Incidence, Risk Factors, and Recovery

BackgroundThere is limited literature on motor nerve palsy in modern total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of this study was to establish the incidence of nerve palsy following THA using the direct anterior (DA) and postero-lateral (PL) approaches, identify risk factors, and describe the extent of recovery. MethodsUsing our institutional database, we examined 10,047 primary THAs performed between 2009 and 2021 using the DA (6,592; 65.6%) or PL (3,455; 34.4%) approach. Postoperative femoral (FNP) and sciatic/peroneal nerve palsies (PNP) were identified. Incidence and time to recovery was calculated, and association between surgical and patient risk factors and nerve palsy were evaluated using Chi-square tests. ResultsThe overall rate of nerve palsy was 0.34% (34/10,047) and was lower with the DA approach (0.24%) than the PL approach (0.52%), P = .02. The rate of FNPs in the DA group (0.20%) was 4.3 times more than the rate of PNPs (0.05%), while in the PL group the rate of PNPs (0.46%) was 8 times more than that of FNPs (0.06%). Higher rates of nerve palsy were observed with women, shorter patients, and nonosteoarthritis preoperative diagnoses. Full recovery of motor strength occurred in 60% of cases with FNP and 58% of cases with PNP. ConclusionNerve palsy is rare after contemporary THA through the PL and DA approaches. The PL approach was associated with a higher rate of PNP, whereas the DA approach was associated with a higher rate of FNP. Femoral and sciatic/peroneal palsies had similar rates of complete recovery.

Direct anterior versus direct lateral hip approach in total hip arthroplasty with the same perioperative protocols one year post fellowship training

BackgroundVariable results have been reported regarding the clinical outcomes in Total hip arthroplasty (THA) based on the surgical approach. The aim of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes between Direct anterior (DA) and direct lateral (DL) approaches in THA when performed immediately after fellowship training.MethodsDuring the 1st year of practice, all consecutive patients who underwent THA via DA and DL hip approaches were retrospectively investigated. Patients’demographics, diagnosis, American society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score, route of anesthesia, length of hospital stay (LOS), leg length discrepancy (LLD), radiographic parameters, operative time, number of opioids refills postoperatively, and complications were collected and compared between the two groups. The short form of Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome score, Joint Replacement (HOOS, JR) was prospectively collected pre and postoperatively. The minimum follow-up period was 2 years.ResultsForty patients in DA group and 38 patients in DL group were included. No statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of demographics, diagnosis, ASA scores, route of anesthesia at the time of THA, postoperative radiographic parameters, LOS, LLD, opioid refills and HOOS scores (p > 0.05). Patients in the DA group had shorter operative time (83 ± 17 min) when compared to the DL group (93 ± 24 min) (p = 0.03). No major complications were found except for one early deep infection patient in DL group.ConclusionBoth DA and DL approaches resulted in satisfactory outcomes in THA when performed by a fellowship trained surgeon.

Prosthetic Hip Dislocations in Direct Anterior Versus Posterior Approach in Patients With Instrumented Lumbar Fusion

BackgroundInstrumented posterior lumbar spinal fusion (IPLSF) has been demonstrated to contribute to instability following total hip arthroplasty (THA). It is unclear whether a supine direct anterior (DA) approach reduces the risk of instability. MethodsA retrospective review of 1,773 patients who underwent THA through either a DA approach or a posterior approach at our institution over a 7-year period was performed. Radiographic and chart reviews were then used to identify our primary group of interest comprised of 111 patients with previous IPLSF. Radiographic review, chart review, and phone survey was performed. Dislocation rates in each approach group were then compared within this cohort of patients with IPLSF. ResultsWithin the group of patients with IPLSF, 33.3% (n = 37) received a DA approach while 66.6% (n = 74) received a posterior approach. None of the 9 total dislocations in the DA group had IPLSF, whereas 4 of the 16 total dislocations in the posterior approach group had IPLSF (P = .78). When examining the larger group of patients, including those without IPLSF, patients undergoing a DA approach had a lower BMI and were likely have a smaller head size implanted (P < .001 for both). Using Fischer’s exact test, fusion was associated with dislocation in the posterior approach group (P < .01), whereas fusion was not associated with dislocation in the anterior approach group (P = 1.0). ConclusionsWhile there was no significant difference in dislocation rates between posterior and anterior approach groups, in patients with IPLSF, the anterior approach had a lower percentage of dislocation events compared to the posterior approach.

Direct anterior approach associated with lower dislocation risk after primary total hip arthroplasty in patients with prior lumbar spine fusion.

While there has been much interest in the increased dislocation rate in total hip arthroplasty (THA) patients with a lumbar spine fusion (LSF), there is minimal literature comparing the risk based on surgical approach. The purpose of this study was to determine if a direct anterior (DA) approach was protective against dislocation when compared to the anterolateral and posterior approaches in this high-risk patient population. A retrospective review was performed of 6554 THAs performed at our institution from January 2011 to May 2021. 294 (4.5%) patients had a prior LSF and were included in the analysis. The surgical approach, timing of LSF in relation to THA, vertebral levels fused, timing of THA dislocation, and the need for revision surgery were recorded for statistical analysis. In total, 39.7.3% of patients underwent a DA approach (n = 117), 25.9% underwent an anterolateral approach (n = 76), and 34.3% underwent a posterior approach (n = 101). There was no difference in number of vertebral levels fused between groups (mean 2.5, all p > 0.05). There was a total of 13 (4.4%) THA dislocation events, with an average time from surgery to dislocation of 5.6 months (0.3-30.5 months). There were fewer dislocations in the DA cohort (0.9%) in comparison to both the anterolateral (6.6%, p = 0.036) and posterior groups (6.9%, p = 0.026). The DA approach demonstrated a significantly lower THA dislocation rate compared to both the anterolateral and posterior approaches in patients with a concomitant LSF.

Anterior total hip arthroplasty outcomes in the treatment of femoral neck fractures: a retrospective cohort study

Background: A prior study reported a 22% complication rate using the direct anterior (DA) approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) in the displaced femoral neck fracture population. This seemed contrary to institutional experience; this study investigated outcomes and complication rates for DA THA used in the displaced femoral neck fracture population. Methods: This retrospective cohort study identified and analyzed patients undergoing DA THA for a femoral neck fracture over a 4-year period at a level 1 academic trauma center who were treated by an experienced senior surgeon. Results: Thirty-seven patients (21 women, 16 men) were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 70.9 (SD 11.30) years. All patients received cementless components. One (2.7%) intraoperative greater trochanteric fracture and one (2.7%) in-hospital mortality were recorded. Average follow-up was 10.46 mo (range 0 to 53 mo). There were no reported postoperative periprosthetic fractures, dislocations, or revision arthroplasties. No deep venous thromboses or pulmonary embolisms occurred within 90 days of surgery. There were two (5%) deep infections. The overall complication rate was 8.1%. Patient-reported outcomes were available for 32 patients. Visual Analog Scale pain was 2.59 at 6 wk average compared with 1.83 at 12 mo. Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score Quality of Life at 6 wk averaged 46.69 compared with 59.24 at 12 mo. Conclusions: The direct anterior approach for THA can be a safe option for experienced surgeons. Level of Evidence: Level III.

Computer Navigation vs. Conventional Overlay Methods in Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Single Surgeon Experience.

The use of computer navigation (CN) is expanding in direct anterior (DA) total hip arthroplasty (THA). In this study, we investigated the use of a noninvasive, fluoroscopic-based, CN technology suite on operative outcomes in a single surgeon DA THA practice. Computer-navigated DA THA decreases leg length discrepancy(LLD) variationand fluoroscopic radiation dose without adding operative time compared to the traditional overlay (OL) technique. A retrospective review was performed on a total of 109 primary DA THA patients, with 58 in the CN and 51 in the OL group.Outcome metrics were postoperative LLD, radiation dose per case, and operative time.Statistical analysis was completed with Mann-Whitney U tests for differences between the means for LLD, radiation dose, and operative time. No difference was observed in postoperative LLD between the CN (average: 1.8 mm)and OL (average: 1.9 mm) groups (p = 0.458).A significant reduction in average radiation dose (mGy) per case within the CN group (8.17 ±6.09 mGy) compared to the OL group (13.17 ± 7.75 mGy) (p < 0.02) was observed. The average operative time in the CN group was 80 ± 18 minutes compared to 120 ± 32 minutes in the OL group (p < 0.01). There was no difference in LLD between the two groups.The addition of CN into a DA THA practice decreased both average radiation dose and operative time when compared to the standard OL technique.