Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty Research Articles

Efficacy and risk factors for anxiety and depression after mini-incision hip arthroplasty for femoral head osteonecrosis.

Osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is a prevalent orthopedic issue, leading to the collapse and fragmentation of the femoral head in its advanced stages, which can severely impair patients' quality of life. Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a clinical intervention frequently used to alleviate ONFH symptoms and reinstate hip functionality. The conventional surgical technique is invasive and comes with an extended recuperation period, posing significant challenges for patients. With the progression of medical technology, the use of the mini-incision technique in minimally invasive THA (MITHA) has become more prevalent. However, comparative studies examining the effectiveness of these two surgical procedures in treating ONFH remain scarce. Furthermore, understanding patients' psychological well-being is crucial given its profound influence on postoperative recuperation. To evaluate the impact of mini-incision MITHA on ONFH treatment and to identify the risk factors associated with postoperative anxiety and depression. A retrospective study was conducted on 125 patients treated for ONFH at Xi'an Hong Hui Hospital between February 2020 and January 2022, with the term "consecutive" indicating that these patients were treated in an unbroken sequence without any selection. Among these, 60 patients (control group) underwent traditional THA, while 65 patients (observation group) were treated with mini-incision MITHA. Variations in the visual analog scale (VAS) score and the Harris hip score were monitored. Additionally, shifts in pre- and posttreatment Hamilton anxiety (HAMA) and Hamilton depression (HAMD) scale scores were recorded. Patients with both postoperative HAMA and HAMD scores of ≥ 8 were identified as those experiencing negative emotions. Logistic regression was utilized to analyze the determinants influencing these negative emotional outcomes. Comparative analyses of surgical and postoperative metrics between the two groups were also conducted. Posttreatment results indicated a significantly higher VAS score in the control group than in the observation group, while the Harris score was considerably lower (P < 0.0001). The observation group benefited from a notably shorter operation duration, reduced blood loss, diminished incision size, and a decreased postoperative drainage time (P < 0.0001), accompanied by a reduced hospital stay and lower treatment costs (P < 0.0001). The control group had elevated posttreatment HAMA and HAMD scores in comparison to the observation group (P < 0.0001). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that being female [odds ratio (OR): 4.394, 95%CI: 1.689-11.433, P = 0.002], having a higher postoperative VAS score (OR: 5.533, 95%CI: 2.210-13.848, P < 0.0001), and having higher treatment costs (OR: 7.306, 95%CI: 2.801-19.057, P < 0.0001) were significant independent determinants influencing postoperative mood disturbances. Compared to conventional THA, mini-incision MITHA offers advantages such as reduced operation time, minimal bleeding, and a shorter incision in ONFH patients. Moreover, factors such as sex, postoperative pain (reflected in the VAS score), and treatment costs significantly impact postoperative anxiety and depression.

Minimally Invasive versus Conventional Approaches in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of 47 Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: Recent meta-analyses have shown indifferent results between minimally invasive (MI) and conventional approach (CA) total hip arthroplasty (THA), not including the superior MI approach SuperPATH. The aim was to compare the surgical, functional and radiological outcomes and postoperative complications of MI THA, including SuperPATH, with CA THA in patients with hip disease or femoral neck fracture. Methods: PubMed, CNKI, The Cochrane Library, clinical trials, CINAHL and Embase were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MI THA and CA THA up to 31 July 2023. Mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated for continuous outcomes and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were calculated for dichotomous outcomes using a common effect/random effects model. The random effects model was used to present the results. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Cochrane Q test and the Higgins I2 test. Results: A total of 47 RCTs with 4086 THAs in 4063 patients were included in our meta-analysis. MI THA showed better results than CA THA in 8 of 18 outcome parameters studied. MI THA showed a higher Harris Hip Score (HHS) than CA THA at 0–1.5, 3, 6 and ≥12 months postoperatively (p &lt; 0.01; p = 0.02; p = 0.01; p = 0.01). MI THA showed an indifferent overall postoperative complication risk compared to CA THA (p = 0.61). Acetabular positioning angles were within the safe zone in all approaches. Conclusions: The results of the meta-analysis suggest that MI THA has several advantages over CA THA in terms of short-term surgical and functional outcomes, with equal postoperative complication rates. We cannot recommend a change in surgical approach based on our results, as the differences between the investigated approaches did not reach minimal clinically important differences. Level of evidence I: a systematic review of all relevant randomized controlled trials.

Comparison of Postoperative Serum Biomarkers after Total Hip Arthroplasty through Minimally Invasive versus Conventional Approaches: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background: An effective way to objectively assess intraoperative tissue damage in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is to determine and compare postoperative serum biomarkers (laboratory parameters) such as creatine kinase (CK), C-reactive protein (CRP), and hemoglobin (Hb). This meta-analysis aims to compare the intraoperative tissue damage in THA through minimally invasive (MI) and conventional approaches (CAs) using postoperative serum biomarkers. Methods: We searched databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing MI THA and CA THA. We calculated mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for continuous outcomes, using the Hartung–Knapp–Sidik–Jonkman method and a common effect/random effects model. Results: A total of 13 RCTs, involving 1186 THA patients, were included in our meta-analysis. In two out of eleven examined outcome parameters, MI THA showed better results than CA THA. In nine out of eleven examined outcome parameters, MI THA showed no significant difference compared to CA THA. MI THA had a 16 mg/L lower CRP value 3 days postoperatively than CA THA (I2 = 66%, p = 0.03, MD = −15.65, 95% CI −30.10 to −1.21). MI THA had a 3 mg/L lower CRP value 4 days postoperatively than CA THA (I2 = 0%, p = 0.98, MD = −3.00, 95% CI −3.27 to −2.74). Conclusions: Overall, there was no significant difference between MI THA and CA THA in terms of postoperative serum biomarkers, with a slight advantage of MI THA in CRP values. These results do not provide sufficient evidence to recommend changing the surgical approach from CA THA to MI THA. Level of evidence I: a systematic review of all relevant randomized controlled trials.

Image-guided navigation system for minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (MITHA) using an improved position-sensing marker.

Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (MITHA) is a treatment for hip arthritis, and it causes less tissue trauma, blood loss, and recovery time. However, the limited incision makes it difficult for surgeons to perceive the instruments' location and orientation. Computer-assisted navigation systems can help improve the medical outcome of MITHA. Directly applying existing navigation systems for MITHA, however, suffers from problems of bulky fiducial marker, severe feature-loss, multiple instruments tracking confusion, and radiation exposure. To tackle these problems, we propose an image-guided navigation system for MITHA using a novel position-sensing marker. A position-sensing marker is proposed to serve as the fiducial marker with high-density and multi-fold ID tags. It results in less feature span and enables the use of ID for each feature, overcoming the problem of bulky fiducial markers and multiple instruments tracking confusion. And the marker can be recognized even when a large part of locating features is obscured. As for the elimination of intraoperative radiation exposure, we propose a point-based method to achieve patient-image registration based on anatomical landmarks. Quantitative experiments are conducted to evaluate the feasibility of our system. The accuracy of instrument positioning is achieved at 0.33 ± 0.18mm, and that of patient-image registration is achieved at 0.79 ± 0.15mm. And qualitative experiments are also performed, verifying that our system can be used in compact surgical spatial volume and can address severe feature-loss and tracking confusion problems. In addition, our system does not require any intraoperative medical scans. Experimental results indicate that our proposed system can assist surgeons without larger space occupations, radiation exposure, and extra incision, showing its potential application value in MITHA.

Minimally Invasive Intermuscular Approaches Versus Conventional Approaches in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BackgroundTo date, the literature has not yet revealed superiority of Minimally Invasive (MI) approaches over conventional techniques. We performed a systematic review to determine whether minimally invasive approaches are superior to conventional approaches in total hip arthroplasty for clinical and functional outcomes. We performed a meta-analysis of level 1 evidence to determine whether minimally invasive approaches are superior to conventional approaches for clinical outcomes. MethodsAll studies comparing MI approaches to conventional approaches were eligible for analysis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were adhered to throughout this study. Registries were searched using the following MeSH terms: ‘minimally invasive’, ‘muscle-sparing’, ‘THA’, ‘THR’, ‘hip arthroplasty’ and ‘hip replacement’. Locations searched included PubMed, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, the European Union (EU) clinical trials register and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (World Health Organisation). ResultsTwenty studies were identified. There were 1,282 MI total hip arthroplasty (THAs) and 1,351 conventional THAs performed. There was no difference between MI and conventional approaches for all clinical outcomes of relevance including all-cause revision (P = .959), aseptic revision (P = .894), instability (P = .894), infection (P = .669) and periprosthetic fracture (P = .940). There was also no difference in functional outcome at early or intermediate follow-up between the two groups (P = .38). In level I studies exclusively, random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated no difference in aseptic revision (P = .461) and all other outcomes between both groups. ConclusionIntermuscular MI approaches are equivalent to conventional THA approaches when considering all-cause revision, aseptic revision, infection, dislocation, fracture rates and functional outcomes. Meta-analysis of level 1 evidence supports this claim.

Restoration of leg length and offset correlates with trochanteric pain syndrome in total hip arthroplasty

Persistent pain around the greater trochanter is a common complication after total hip arthroplasty. Restoration of biomechanics such as leg length, femoral und acetabular offset is crucial in THA. The purpose of this study was to evaluate postoperative differences of these parameters after THA and to analyze their association to greater trochanteric pain syndrome. Furthermore, we aimed to evaluate the clinical relevance of trochanteric pain syndrome compared to patient reported outcome measures. 3D-CT scans of 90 patients were analyzed after minimalinvasive total hip arthroplasty and leg length, femoral and acetabular offset differences were measured. Clinical evaluation was performed three years after THA regarding the presence of trochanteric pain syndrome and using outcome measures. Furthermore, the patients’ expectation were evaluated. Patients with trochanteric pain syndrome showed a higher absolute discrepancy of combined leg length, femoral and acetabular offset restoration compared to the non-operated contralateral side with 11.8 ± 6.0 mm than patients without symptoms in the trochanteric region with 7.8 ± 5.3 mm (p = 0.01). Patients with an absolute deviation of the combined parameters of more than 5 mm complained more frequently about trochanteric symptoms (29.2%, 19/65) than patients with a biomechanical restoration within 5 mm compared to the non-affected contralateral side (8.0%, 2/25, p = 0.03). Clinical outcome measured three years after THA was significantly lower in patients with trochanteric symptoms than without trochanteric pain (p < 0.03). Similarly, fulfillment of patient expectations as measured by THR-Survey was lower in the patients with trochanteric pain (p < 0.005). An exact combined restoration of leg length, acetabular and femoral offset reduces significantly postoperative trochanteric pain syndrome and improves the clinical outcome of the patients.

Effectiveness of Fast-track Clinical Pathway on Minimally-invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty Surgery in NTUH

Effectiveness of Fast-track Clinical Pathway on Minimally-invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty Surgery in NTUH

Simultaneous bilateral minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty: A comprehensive review of the literature.

Several studies have reported that minimally- invasive total hip arthroplasty (MISTHA) may significantly reduce postoperative pain and results in faster postoperative rehabilitation when compared with the traditional lateral or posterior approach. Regarding bilateral hip osteoarthritis, there is still no consensus whether simultaneous bilateral MIS-THA can be established as the treatment of choice. Therefore, we searched the international databases of Pubmed, Medline, and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews using the key words minimally invasive bilateral total hip arthroplasty. From the initial 23 articles we found five clinical studies which met our inclusion criteria. From the perspective of possible intra- and postoperative complications, one-stage bilateral MIS THA was equally safe or safer than two-stage interventions. In addition, from a clinical outcome perspective, the one-stage procedure can be considered to be preferable. Higher blood transfusion requirements, which were expected following the standard bilateral simultaneous THA, seemed to be minimized with the simultaneous bilateral MIS THA. The supine position of the patient minimized the mean operation time. Approaches using the lateral decubitus position of the patient should be avoided in simultaneous bilateral THA due to the increased operation time. There is a lack of randomized, controlled clinical trials, comparing simultaneous bilateral MIS THA with staged bilateral MIS THA. Although simultaneous bilateral MIS THA seems to be efficacious, cost-effective and safe, more clinical trials are required to establish its superiority over the sequential MIS THA.

Trainee Surgeons Affect Operative Time but not Outcome in Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty

Training of young surgeons in total hip arthroplasty (THA) is crucial, but might affect operative time and outcome especially in minimally invasive (MIS) THA. We asked whether the learning curve of orthopaedic residents trained on MIS THA has an impact on (1) operative time (2) complication rates and (3) early postoperative outcome. In a retrospective analysis of over 1000 MIS THAs from our institutional joint registry, operative time, complication rates, patient reported outcome measures (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index [WOMAC] and Euro-Qol 5D-5L [EQ-5D]) within the first year and responder rates for positive outcome as defined by the Outcome Measures in Rheumatology and Osteoarthritis Research Society International consensus responder (OMERACT-OARSI) criteria were compared between trainee and senior surgeons. Mean operative time was nine minutes longer for trainees compared to senior surgeons (78.1 ± 25.4 min versus 69.3 ± 23.8 min, p < 0.001). Dislocation (p = 0.21), intraoperative fracture (p = 0.84) and infection rates (p = 0.58) were comparably low in both groups. Both trainee and senior THAs showed excellent improvement of EQ-5D (0.34 ± 0.26 versus 0.32 ± 0.23, p = 0.40) and WOMAC (45.9 ± 22.1 versus 44.9 ± 20.0, p = 0.51) within the first year after surgery without clinical relevant differences. Similarly, responder rates for positive outcome were comparable between trainees with 92.9% and senior surgeons with 95.2% (p = 0.17). MIS THA seems to be a safe procedure during the learning curve of young orthopaedic specialists, but requires higher operative time.

A Case of Bilateral Idiopathic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Treated by Bilateral Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty (MIS-THA) in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis Performed in a One-day Session

A Case of Bilateral Idiopathic Osteonecrosis of the Femoral Head Treated by Bilateral Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty (MIS-THA) in a Patient with Liver Cirrhosis Performed in a One-day Session

Anterolateral intermuscular approach for type A2 intertrochanteric fractures: a cadaveric study.

This cadaveric study was designed to clarify the anatomic basis of using an anterolateral intermuscular approach to repair type A2 intertrochanteric fractures (ITF). The conventional lateral approach to surgery that is used for ITF has several disadvantages that can result in both intraoperative and postoperative complications, especially for type A2 ITF. Previous studies have suggested using minimally-invasive total hip arthroplasty (THA) with an anterolateral approach. The legs of 10 formalin-fixed Asian cadavers were dissected, simulating an anterolateral surgical approach. The distances from the superior gluteal nerve and the lateral femoral circumflex artery branches to the lateral protrusive point of the greater trochanter were measured. The anterolateral intermuscular approach provided excellent exposure of the GT, the lesser trochanter and the femoral neck. The gluteus medius branch of the ascending branch of the lateral femoral circumflex artery (GMB-LFCA) and the most inferior branch of the superior gluteal nerve (MIB-SGN) were found to cross the spatium intermusculare between the gluteus medius and the tensor fasciae latae. The distance from the GMB-LFCA, in the intermuscular plane, to the lateral protrusive point of the GT was (4.04 ± 1.00 cm, range 2.96-6.62 cm); and the distance from the MIB-SGN to the lateral protrusive point of the GT was (5.47 ± 1.61 cm, range 3.68-9.56 cm). The anterolateral intermuscular approach is relatively safe, provides excellent exposure, and causes less soft-tissue damage than the traditional approach, and it represents a promising new method to surgically treat type A2 ITF.

Recovery of Posture Stability at Different Foot Placements in Patients Who Underwent Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty: A One-Year Follow-Up Study

To understand the progression of recovery in postural stability and physical functioning after patients received the minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (MTHA), we monitor the pain level, functional capacity, and postural stability before and after operation within one year. In total of 23 subjects in our study, we found out that MTHA was effective in relieving pain in first 2 weeks and restoring the hip joint integrity, but the postural stability was influenced especially in tandem stand in both anterior-posterior and medial-lateral directions. The recovery of postural stability and functional capacity in one year duration fluctuated and no consistent improvement tendency was found. We suggested clinicians designing postsurgery rehabilitation program for consistent and progressive long-term recovery of postural stability and fall prevention to optimize surgical results and prevent undesired postoperative consequences.

Quantitative Analysis of Tissue Injury after Minimally Invasive Total Hip Arthroplasty

BackgroundWe intended to clarify the hypothesis that minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (MI-THA) leads to less tissue damage and inflammatory response than does conventional total hip arthroplasty (C-THA).MethodsWe performed 30 cases of THA between September 2005 and May 2006 and evaluated these cases prospectively. We chose 15 MI-THA cases for the study group and another 15 C-THA cases for the control group. We checked skeletal muscle marker enzymes, such as serum creatinine kinase and aldolase, the pro-inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)-6 and 8, and the anti-inflammatory cytokines, IL-10 and IL-1 receptor antagonist (ra) the day before surgery and at postoperative days 1, 7, and 14.ResultsOn postoperative days 1 and 3, the study group showed significantly lower serum creatinine kinase, IL-6, IL-10, and IL-1ra values than those in the control group. Additionally, IL-8 was significantly lower on day 7 after surgery.ConclusionsThese data show that MI-THA decreased the release of muscle marker enzymes due to tissue damage immediately after surgery and minimized the inflammatory response related to the surgery during the early postoperative period.

Minimally Invasive Surgical Approaches and Traditional Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Meta-Analysis of Radiological and Complications Outcomes

BackgroundMinimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (MITHA) remains considerably controversial. Limited visibility and prosthesis malposition increase the risk of post-surgical complications compared to those of the traditional method.MethodsA meta-analysis was undertaken of all published databases up to May 2011. The studies were divided into four subgroups according to the surgical approach taken. The radiological outcomes and complications of minimally invasive surgery were compared to traditional total hip arthroplasty (TTHA) using risk ratio, mean difference, and standardized mean difference statistics.ResultsIn five studies involving the posterolateral approach, no significant differences were found between the MITHA groups and the TTHA groups in the acetabular cup abduction angle (p = 0.41), acetabular anteversion (p = 0.96), and femoral prosthesis position (p = 0.83). However, the femoral offset was significantly increased (WMD = 3.00; 95% CI, 0.40–5.60; p = 0.02). Additionally, there were no significant differences among the complications in both the groups (dislocations, nerve injury, infection, deep vein thrombosis, proximal femoral fracture) and revision rate (p>0.05). In three studies involving the posterior approach, there were no significant differences in radiological outcomes or all other complications between MITHA or TTHA groups (p>0.05). Three studies involved anterolateral approach, while 2 studies used the lateral approach. However, the information from imaging and complications was not adequate for statistical analysis.ConclusionsPosterior MITHA seems to be a safe surgical procedure, without the increased risk of post-operative complication rates and component malposition rates. The posterolateral approach THA may lead to increased femoral offset. The current data are not enough to reach a positive conclusion that lateral and anterolateral approaches will result in increased risks of adverse effects and complications at the prosthesis site.

Early failure of a non-cemented femoral stem after minimal-invasive total hip arthroplasty: cause analysis and classification

In this paper, we present a 77-year-old female patient with an early failure of a non-cemented femoral stem 6 months after implantation. We evaluate possible reasons for the implant failure in our case against the literature. Risk factors for stem failure include a BMI >30, varus implantation, a high femoral canal cortex ratio, and a small implant. It should be distinguished between modular and non-modular stems as well as cemented and non-cemented. Early failure would be <1 year postoperatively, late failure >1 year postoperatively. A classification of stem failure differentiating time and cause is suggested as this seems to be missing in the literature.

Klinische Ergebnisse nach minimal-invasiver Hüftendoprothetik

This article presents an analysis and review of recent literature with a focus on clinical results after minimally invasive (MIS) total hip arthroplasty (THA) and with special attention to the different approaches currently used. An online database (Medline) search for clinical trials after THA between 2007 and 2011 was performed with a special focus on prospective controlled randomized trials focusing on THA with a MIS approach. The data were analyzed for pain, blood loss, complications, gait analysis, Harris hip and other scores. A total of 24 studies (19 comparative studies) were included in this study with a total of 801 MIS THA cases and 695 conventionally operated hips. Almost every study showed superior results for the MIS group with respect to postoperative pain, blood loss and rehabilitation but these advantages almost totally disappeared after 3-6months. The complication rate was comparable in both groups. After 3-6months the clinical scores, such as the Harris hip score did not show any differences between conventional and MIS groups. In this present study all MIS approaches showed advantages over the conventional surgical approach but these benefits disappeared after 3-6months. With comparable risks for complications, MIS surgical approaches are superior in the early postoperative phase and rehabilitation.

Clinical appfication and key points of OCM minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty

Objective To describe detailed key points of minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty （MIS-THA） via Watson-Jones （OCM） approach and explore its clinical outcome. Methods From January 2005 to December 2006, MIS-THA via OCM approach was performed in 35 patients including 16 males and 19 females, at age of （65.9 ± 6.8 ） years. The average body mass index was （24.4 ± 3.2 ）. The length of incision, operation duration, transfusion, complications, postoperative hospital stay, prosthesis position and Harris score after operation were observed. Results The patients were followed up for 6-24 months （ average 17.3 months）, which showed that the length of incision was （8.3 ± 0.9） cm, the operation duration of （92.1± 13.5 ） minutes and the blood transfusion of （300 ± 218.2） ml. All prosthesis had a good position with an abduction angle of （46.3± 2.9） °. The postoperative hospital stay was （7.9 ±1.7 ） days. Of the early 20 patients, 11 patients complained hip pains at 3 months and decreased to nine patients at 6 months and to five at 12 months. However, the later 15 patients showed no pain, infection, dislocation, deep vein thrombosis, vessel or nerve injury. During the follow-up period, all of the patients had good prosthesis position and rang of hip motion. Harris score was （91.3 ±5.7） at final follow-up. Conclusion OCM approach for MIS-THA, through the spatium intermusculare between the gluteus medius and musculus tensor fasciae latae, has the advantages of minor tissue trauma and fast functional recovery. Key words: Arthroplasty, replacement, hip ; Femoral neck fractures ; Surgical procedure, minimally invasive

Minimally-invasive total hip arthroplasty will improve early postoperative outcomes: a prospective, randomized, controlled trial

The rehabilitation of patients for total hip arthroplasty is unsatisfactory, especially the prolonged rehabilitation. To explore indications and key points of anterolateral minimally-invasive total hip arthroplasty. 110 patients admitted for unilateral total hip arthroplasty were randomly selected for surgery with either anterolateral minimally-invasive incision or standard posterolateral incision. Demographic data, perioperative index and postoperative function index were recorded and statistically analyzed. No significant difference was detected in operation time, abduction angle, anteversion angle, stem alignment and stem fixation. The incision length, blood loss, perioperative transfusion and 100-mm VAS score at the first 24 h in minimally-invasive group were significantly lower. The Harris hip score and Barthel index were significantly higher in minimally-invasive group at 3 months' follow-up, but not significantly different 3 years after operation. There are fewer traumas, fewer blood losses and more rapid recovery in this approach.

Anterolateral minimally-invasive total hip arthroplasty: a clinical comparative study of 110 cases

To explore the indications and key points of anterolateral minimally-invasive total hip arthroplasty. 110 baseline indexes matched patients admitted for unilateral total hip arthroplasty were randomly assigned to 2 equal groups to undergo surgery through a short anterolateral incision of < or = 10 cm or a standard posterolateral incision. All operations were done by the same surgeon. The demographic data, perioperative indexes, and postoperative function indexes were recorded and statistically analyzed. No significant differences were detected with respect to operation time, abduction angle, anteversion angle, stem alignment, and stem fixation between these 2 groups. The incision length, blood loss, perioperative transfusion, and 100 - mm visual analogue pain scale (VAS) score at the first 24 hours of the anterolateral approach group were (7.49 +/- 0.86) cm, (376.18 +/- 168.30) ml, (410.09 +/- 136.46) ml, and (30.76 +/- 21.77) respectively, all significantly shorter, less, or lower than those of the standard posterolateral approach group [(15.2 +/- 1.8) cm, (605.0 +/- 225.1) ml, (629.5 +/- 232.9) ml, and (50.3 +/- 13.7) respectively, all P < 0.01]. The Harris hip score and Barthel index 3 months after operation of the anterolateral approach group were (83.80 +/- 5.64) and (93.45 +/- 6.37) respectively, both significantly higher than those of the standard posterolateral approach group [(75.0 +/- 7.5) and (94.6 +/- 7.5) respectively, both P < 0.01)], however, there were not significant differences in the Harris hip score and Barthel index 3 years after operation between these 2 groups. Fewer traumas, less blood loss and rapid recovery can be obtained through this new total hip arthroplasty approach. But experienced doctors and special instruments are prerequisite.

A Clinical Comparative Study of the Direct Anterior With Mini-Posterior Approach: Two Consecutive Series

We classified 182 consecutive patients (195 hips) treated by primary cementless minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty (MIS-THA) into 2 groups via the surgical approaches: direct anterior approach (DAA, 99 hips) and a mini-posterior approach (MPA, 96 hips). Ninety-nine percent of the cups in the DAA group and 91% in the MPA group had been implanted within the safe zone ( P = .008). Patients in the DAA group could get single-leg stance of more than 5 seconds by 16.6 days ( P = .0004), had positive Tredelenburg's sign by 29%, got 50-m walking time of 52.3 seconds ( P = .017), and showed improvement in the use of assistive walking aids ( P = .031) at 3 weeks postoperatively. The results of this study suggest more rapid recovery for hip function and gait ability after MIS-THA via a DAA when compared to an MPA.