Patient-Reported Outcomes and Perioperative Complications of Total Hip Arthroplasty Following Joint Preservation Surgery for Hip Dysplasia.

BACKGROUND: There is growing recognition of the importance of patient-reported outcome measures and assessment of patient satisfaction in the evaluation of outcomes following surgical interventions. This study aimed to evaluate patient-reported outcomes and complication rates after total hip arthroplasty following joint preservation surgery for hip dysplasia. METHODS: Patient-reported outcomes and complication rates of 85 hips with previous joint preservation surgery (salvage group) were compared with those of 1279 hips without joint preservation surgery (primary arthroplasty group). As a patient-reported outcome measure, the Japanese Orthopedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire was used to evaluate the hip condition both preoperatively and 12 months postoperatively. Operative data and postoperative (within 12 months) complications were investigated. RESULTS: The salvage group had a longer operative time (56.8 vs 44.9 minutes, P < .001) and a higher total complication rate (5.9% vs 1.1%, P < .001). Additionally, the salvage group exhibited a lower degree of improvement in the visual analog scale value for satisfaction (75.1 vs 83.1 mm, P = .011), the pain and movement category scores, and the total score of the Japanese Orthopedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (14.2 vs 16.2, P = .031; 13.7 vs 16.0, P = .005; and 42.3 vs 47.9, P = .007, respectively) compared with the primary arthroplasty group. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a lower rate of improvement in patient satisfaction and worse self-reported outcomes in the salvage group. Furthermore, these patients had a longer operative time and a higher risk of operative complications.

Cementless Tapered-Wedge Stem Length Affects the Risk of Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures in Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty.

BACKGROUND: Although the popularity of the direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty has increased, the femoral procedure in this approach is considered technically challenging, and one of the most frequent complications reported was periprosthetic femoral fractures. The present study aimed to identify factors for predicting the risk of periprosthetic femoral fractures after using stems with a cementless tapered-wedge design through the direct anterior approach. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed the medical records of 686 patients (851 hips) who underwent primary total hip arthroplasty using a single stem with a cementless tapered-wedge design having a short or standard length option. The direct anterior approach on a standard operating table was used for all hips. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the independent predictors of intraoperative and early postoperative periprosthetic fractures. RESULTS: Seventeen periprosthetic femoral fractures (2.0%) were observed, including 10 intraoperative (1.2%) and 7 postoperative (0.8%) fractures. The occurrence rate of fractures using short stems was significantly higher compared with that using standard stems. The multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that only stem length was significantly associated with periprosthetic fractures. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the stem design affects the risk of periprosthetic femoral fractures.

Total Hip Arthroplasty after Previous Acetabular Osteotomy: Comparison of Three Types of Acetabular Osteotomy.

To compare surgical results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) following acetabular osteotomy, operative records of 13 hips following Chiari osteotomy (Chiari group), 22 hips following rotational periacetabular osteotomy (RAO; RAO group), 16 hips following shelf acetabuloplasty (Shelf group), and 2475 hips without previous osteotomy (Control group) were retrospectively reviewed. The operative time was significantly longer in the RAO group than in the Control group. Bulk bone augmentation was required more often in the Chiari and RAO groups than in the Control group. An early migration of the acetabular cup occurred in 2 hips in the RAO group. RAO made conversion to THA more complicated than did the Chiari osteotomy or the shelf acetabuloplasty.

Epidemiology of Dislocation Following Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Minimum 5-Year Follow-Up Study.

BACKGROUND: The cumulative mid- to long-term risk of dislocation following total hip arthroplasty is considerably greater than has been reported in short-term studies. We retrospectively investigated the epidemiology of first-time dislocation following total hip arthroplasty using 28-mm heads through the direct anterior approach in patients with hip dysplasia who were followed up for more than 5 years. METHODS: The operative records of 871 hips in 790 consecutive patients were reviewed to determine the incidence of postoperative first-time dislocation. RESULTS: The mean follow-up duration was 7.8 (range, 5.6-11.7) years. The direct anterior approach was used for all hips. Postoperative dislocation was observed in 8 hips (0.92%) in 8 patients. First-time dislocation occurred during the first 3 weeks in 6 hips (75%). The cumulative risk of postoperative dislocation was 0.69% at 1 month, 0.80% at 1 year, and 0.93% at 5 years. One patient underwent revision surgery for recurrent dislocation within the first month due to malalignment of the cup. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that the direct anterior approach limits the time of dislocation to the very early postoperative period; that is, the risk of a first-time dislocation after the first month is considerably low. Preserving muscular structures may contribute to continuous dynamic stability of the hip, which could explain the slight increase in the cumulative risk of first-time dislocation.

Perioperative complication rate of one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty using the direct anterior approach.

BACKGROUND: To date, details of the surgical and clinical outcomes of one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty using the direct anterior approach have not been widely available. The purpose of this study was to report the perioperative blood management and investigate the perioperative complication rate of one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty using the direct anterior approach. METHODS: We retrospectively assessed 325 consecutive patients (650 hips) who underwent one-stage bilateral total hip arthroplasty through the direct anterior approach. RESULTS: The mean intraoperative blood loss and operating time were 412 g and 87.2 min, respectively. One patient (0.3%) required postoperative transfusions of allogeneic blood. Post-operative local major complications occurred in 6 hips (0.9%) in 6 patients, including 2 (0.3%) dislocations, 2 (0.3%) early cup migrations, and 2 (0.3%) peri-prosthetic femoral fractures. No systemic major complication was detected. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the low rate of systemic complications in this study was due to supine positioning and the minimally invasive aspect of the direct anterior approach, and that the approach is therefore a reasonable choice for one-stage bilateral THA.

Comparison of patient satisfaction after unilateral or simultaneous bilateral total hip arthroplasty through a direct anterior approach: Evaluation using the Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare patients' perception of treatment outcome after unilateral or simultaneous total hip arthroplasty (THA) using the newly developed Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ). METHODS: This study included 429 patients treated with primary THA using a direct anterior approach, namely 304 cases of in the unilateral THA (58 males and 246 females; mean age, 62.3 years) and 125 cases of in the simultaneous bilateral THA (24 males and 101 females; mean age, 58.3 years). Items for evaluation included clinical outcomes and all four aspects of the JHEQ score, namely visual analog scale (VAS), pain, movement, and mental status. RESULTS: The mean operative time per hip was 51.3 ± 19.4 min (range, 22-180 min) in unilateral group and 46.2 ± 15.1 min (range, 26-106 min) in simultaneous bilateral group. The mean operative blood loss per hip was 421.2 ml ± 232.1 ml (range, 70-1300 ml) in unilateral group and 200.8 ± 149.8 ml (range, 30-1040 ml) in simultaneous bilateral group. The total JHEQ score (pain/motion/mental status) improved from 26.5 ± 13.6 (preoperative, 10.1/6.8/9.6) to 69.4 ± 14.8 (1 year postoperatively, 25.1/20.5/23.8) in unilateral group and from 21.0 ± 8.2 (preoperative, 11.9/2.3/6.9) to 74.9 ± 9.5 (1 year postoperatively, 27.2/22.6/25.0) in simultaneous bilateral group. These results demonstrated a significant improvement before and after surgery for patients in both groups. There were not major complications such as dislocation, bone fracture, nerve palsy or symptomatic pulmonary embolism were observed. CONCLUSION: In this study, we observed greater improvement in JHEQ in patients treated with bilateral simultaneous THA than in those treated with unilateral THA. These findings demonstrated that bilateral simultaneous THA was related to high patient satisfaction as well as high safety.

Hip dysfunction-related urinary incontinence: a prospective analysis of 189 female patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty.

Patients reporting that their symptoms of urinary incontinence have decreased after total hip arthroplasty can be encountered in orthopedic practice. In this questionnaire-based study, we prospectively evaluated the symptoms of urinary incontinence before and after total hip arthroplasty. The International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form was used to prospectively evaluate these symptoms in 189 consecutive female patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty. The patients were asked to fill in a questionnaire before and 3 months after surgery. A decrease in the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form score of ≥1 point was defined as an improvement, whereas an increase of ≥1 point was defined as worsening. A total of 81 (43%) patients reported urinary incontinence before total hip arthroplasty. At 3 months after surgery, symptoms of urinary incontinence were improved in 64% of these patients, remained unchanged in 32% and worsened in 4%. Mean International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form score in patients with urinary incontinence before surgery significantly improved from 6.0 to 3.5 (P = 0.0002). These findings suggest a relationship between hip joint function and pelvic floor function, and consequently a hip dysfunction-related urinary incontinence.

An anatomic study of the impressions on the greater trochanter: bony geometry indicates the alignment of the short external rotator muscles.

In this study, 44 hip regions from 25 embalmed cadavers were dissected to identify the bony landmarks on the greater trochanter, which indicate the individual short external rotator muscle insertions. Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) images were obtained to identify the bony impressions on the greater trochanter. Then, the soft tissues were removed and their insertions were identified to assess correlation with micro-CT images. Bony landmarks indicating the insertions and the running course of the piriformis muscle, the obturator internus muscle, and the obturator externus muscle were identified on the greater trochanter in all specimens. These findings could be helpful for preserving muscles during capsular release in the anterior approach because the alignment of the short external rotator muscles can be estimated preoperatively using CT images.

Total hip arthroplasty with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy for Crowe grade 4 dysplasia using the direct anterior approach.

Between September 2006 and June 2011, 1521 primary total hip arthroplasties were performed using the direct anterior approach on a standard surgical table. In 12 hips, subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy was required. Full weight bearing was allowed 1 week after surgery. The mean follow-up period was 3.7 years. All patients limped preoperatively, but no patient had a positive Trendelenburg or Duchenne limp at the last follow-up. On the basis of our findings, we believe that the direct anterior approach is a safe and reproducible technique for total hip arthroplasty with subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy in the case of Crowe grade 4 dysplasia. It allows the steady recovery of the abductor muscles, a shorter period to postoperative partial weight bearing, and elimination of limping.

Abnormal Wrist Sagittal Kinematics in Gymnasts With Dorsal Wrist Pain: A New Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: The pathology of dorsal wrist pain in gymnasts without abnormal radiographic findings remains unclear. PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to identify abnormal wrist sagittal kinematics in gymnasts with dorsal wrist pain. It was hypothesized that gymnasts with dorsal wrist pain would show abnormal sagittal kinematics with reversible hypermobility of the intercarpal joint. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study. METHODS: Participants included 19 wrists in male gymnasts with dorsal wrist pain, 18 wrist in male gymnasts without wrist pain, and 20 adult men without a history of wrist pain. Magnetic resonance imaging (T2-weighted sagittal images) findings at 0°, 30°, 60°, and 90° of wrist extension were used in kinematic analysis. The angles and translations of the radiolunate, capitolunate, and third carpometacarpal joint were measured and compared between the 3 groups. RESULTS: At 90° of wrist extension, gymnasts with dorsal wrist pain had a significantly lower radiolunate joint angle (28.70°± 6.28° vs 36.19°± 7.81°; P = .020) and a significantly higher capitolunate joint angle (57.99°± 6.15° vs 50.50°± 6.98°; P = .004) and distal translation (1.17 ± 0.50 mm vs 0.46 ± 0.62 mm; P = .002) than gymnasts without dorsal wrist pain. CONCLUSION: Gymnasts with dorsal wrist pain showed abnormal wrist sagittal kinematics. These novel findings may facilitate understanding of dorsal wrist pain, which can be recognized as a new syndrome termed "gymnast's lunate dyskinesia."

Radiographic factors to predict operation time of direct anterior total hip arthroplasty for dysplastic hips.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to identify radiographic factors that could predict surgical difficulty in direct anterior total hip arthroplasty (THA) for dysplastic hips. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The clinical records of 160 patients (204 hips) who underwent primary THA for the treatment of developmental dysplasia of the hip were retrospectively investigated. All THAs were performed through a direct anterior approach by a single surgeon. A multiple regression analysis was developed to identify the independent predictor of operation time, including variables such as age, sex, height, body mass index (BMI), the use of bone cement, previous hip surgery, and radiographic references, including the pelvic horizontal to vertical ratio, the extent of proximal and horizontal migration of the femoral head, flatness of the femoral head, and the vertical distance between the tips of the greater trochanter and the femoral head. RESULTS: A multiple regression analysis revealed that as radiographic factors, proximal migration of the femoral head, and lower position of the femoral head related to the greater trochanter were significantly associated with longer operation time. In addition, our results revealed that younger age, male sex, height, high BMI, cement use, and previous hip surgery were also significantly associated with longer operation time. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that proximal migration of the femoral head and high-riding greater trochanter are isolated radiographic predictors of the longer operation time of direct anterior THA for dysplastic hips.

Standard table direct anterior approach within an early discharge protocol for cementless total hip arthroplasty: experience from a Japanese hospital.

AIMS: Clinical and economic outcomes associated with an early discharge protocol for cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) via a direct anterior approach (DAA) on a standard table without a dedicated traction table) were assessed. These outcomes were compared against a benchmark of THA care approximated from a national database. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective, observational, comparative cohort study evaluated 250 patients receiving THA with a standard table DAA approach under an early discharge protocol at a medical center in Japan between 2016 and 2017 (intervention). Patients were propensity score-matched to a standard care control group comprised of THA patients within the Japan Medical Data Center database. A generalized linear model (GLM) using gamma distribution with log-link compared hospital length of stay (LOS) and total cost. Post-operative function and pain (Japanese Orthopaedic Association hip score [JOA] and Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire [JHEQ]) were assessed for DAA patients. RESULTS: After propensity score matching, 239 patients were included in each cohort. The patients in the intervention and control group were comparable in regard to age, gender, comorbidities, and procedure year. Adjusted hospital LOS for DAA as part of an early discharge protocol was significantly shorter than for control patients (4.76 vs. 25.36 days). Adjusted total costs were significantly lower (29%) for the intervention group (¥1,613,800 vs. ¥2,254,757; US$14,390 vs. US$20,105). The 3-month follow-up complication rate was 0.42% (superficial infection) for intervention vs. 3.35%. The intervention group had no readmissions and post-operative function and pain scores significantly improved (JHEQ pain score 7.2 ± 5.0 to 24.2 ± 4.6, JOA 48.4 ± 12.8 to 94.3 ± 7.0; p-value < .001). LIMITATIONS: The study is not randomized and EMR and administrative claims data may lack information (i.e. some clinical variables) required for inference. Also, the data may not represent the whole Japanese population. CONCLUSIONS: An early discharge protocol demonstrated compatibility with standard table DAA in a Japanese hospital, providing cost savings, while maintaining reliable clinical outcomes.

A new anterior total hip arthroplasty reduction technique for patients who require leg lengthening.

BACKGROUND: When performing anterior total hip arthroplasty (THA) for patients who require leg lengthening, surgeons often encounter difficulties during reduction due to soft tissue tightness. The purpose of this study was to introduce a new THA reduction technique for these patients. METHODS: Between October 2018 and September 2019, 545 THAs were performed. In 15 hips (2.8%), reduction was not achieved with a traditional technique. The preoperative diagnosis was Crowe grade II in 4 hips, Crowe grade III in 4 hips, Crowe grade IV in 1 hip, and sequelae of Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease in 6 hips. All procedures were performed using a direct anterior approach. The new reduction technique was to use a lever hooked on the acetabular teardrop as a counter force against the preserved muscles. The lever was connected to the impactor with a wire and the counterforce was transmitted to the impactor. RESULTS: Reduction was achieved in all cases without shortening osteotomy or muscle release. The mean lengthening of the operated limb was 30 mm (range 13-59 mm). Neither sciatic nor femoral nerve palsy were observed. CONCLUSION: We developed a new anterior THA reduction technique for patients who require leg lengthening. When the centre of the femoral head was reduced to the superior edge of the cup with the traditional technique, reduction was safely achieved with this technique.

Long-term assessment of morphological, functional, and quantitative parameters of skeletal muscle in older patients after unilateral total hip arthroplasty.

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is performed for pain relief in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip joint. After THA, patients may recover muscle mass and physical function. Muscle quality is the main parameter used to indicate intramuscular fat content, and it is related with muscle function in older individuals. However, how THA affects muscle quality, as determined by echo intensity (EI), is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to determine the long-term characteristics of EI, muscle quantity, muscle function, and physical functions in the patients with THA surgery. In order to achieve the purpose, we performed two comparison. First, we compared muscle EI, quantity and function in operated leg with unoperated legs in the same patients and with the legs of healthy adults (i.e., both unoperated legs). Second, we compared physical functional tests between THA patient and age and body composition matched controls. Twenty-two older individuals (age: 67.1 ± 5.3 years, height: 160.9 ± 7.1 cm, body mass: 62.6 ± 16.1 kg) who underwent unilateral THA several (5.2 ± 3.1) years ago (THA group) and 22 healthy controls with matching age and body composition (age: 68.3 ± 4.4 years, height: 160.3 ± 7.9 cm, body mass: 61.7 ± 7.8 kg) (CON group) participated in this case-control study. EI, an index of muscle quality, and muscle thickness (MT), an index of muscle quantity, were measured from B-mode transverse images of the rectus femoris obtained through ultrasound. The maximal isometric knee extension torque was measured in both the operated and unoperated legs in the THA group and in the right leg in the CON group (control leg); physical function tests, such as sit-to-stand, walking speed, hip adduction, and abduction torque assessments, were performed in both groups. MT and maximal isometric knee extension torque in operated leg were not different with unoperated, and control legs; the EI in the operated leg was significantly higher than that in the control leg (106.9 ± 16.9 vs. 92.4 ± 21.0 a.u., P < 0.05). The THA group demonstrated slower walking speed and lower hip abduction torque than the CON group (walking speed: 1.3 ± 0.2 vs. 1.5 ± 0.2 m/s; hip abduction torque 1.2 ± 0.3 vs. 1.5 ± 0.5 Nm/kg, P < 0.05). Several years after THA, the operated legs completely recovered the same level of muscle quantity as that in healthy participants but with lower muscle quality and hip joint function. These defects may be associated with locomotive dysfunction in older THA patients.

Improvement of the Gap Adjustment in Total Knee Arthroplasty Using the Posterior Condylar Pre-cut Technique.

To provide adequate gaps for knee extension and flexion during total knee arthroplasty, a femoral component placement decreases the extension gap because the posterior capsule tension increases against the protrusion of the posterior part of the femoral component. We thought that the influence of this component on the extension gap depends on the amount of posterior femoral bone resection and the thickness of the posterior femoral components. We hypothesized that less bone resection and a thinner posterior part of the femoral component might avoid these problems. To verify our hypothesis, a 4-mm posterior condylar pre-cut technique and temporary femoral components that were 8 and 4 mm thick in the distal and posterior parts, respectively, were made using the FINE Total Knee System (Teijin-Nakashima Medical Co., Okayama, Japan). After bone resection, the pre-cut trial component was set to the femur, and the bone and component setting gaps were estimated. Seventy-one patients (98 knees) were investigated. The average bone gaps were 17.2/15.0 mm (extension/flexion, after pre-cut), 18.3/16.3 mm (after soft tissue release), and 8.7/12.2 mm (after pre-cut trial setting). After pre-cut trial setting, the extension gap decreased significantly; the amount was 1.6 mm (0-4 mm) on average (p < 0.0001), whereas a change of 3 mm or more occurred in 15 knees (15.3%), which could be problematic. The degree of these changes after component setting could be reduced by using the posterior femoral condylar pre-cut technique. However, the problem of component setting on the extension gap was not completely resolved. To precisely project the intraoperative gap to the ultimate postoperative gap, a posterior small protrusion device such as a pre-cut trial with the pre-cut technique would be necessary.

Acetabular revision using a Kerboull-type reinforcement device through direct anterior approach.

BACKGROUND: The direct anterior approach has gained popularity in total hip arthroplasty (THA) over the past decade. However, there are few reports that describe the use of this approach for cases of complex revision. The purpose of this study was to report the surgical procedure and early clinical results of acetabular revision in the presence of bone defects using a Kerboull-type reinforcement device through the direct anterior approach. METHODS: Eleven patients who had undergone acetabular reconstruction using a Kerboull-type reinforcement device for aseptic or septic loosening bone defects were enrolled. All procedures were performed using the direct anterior approach on a standard operating table. The mean age was 71.8 years, the mean period from initial surgery to revision THA was 14.5 years, and the mean follow-up period was 19.8 months. RESULTS: The Kerboull-type acetabular reinforcement device with cemented cup combined with allogenic femoral head bone grafts was used in all hips. The mean operative time and intraoperative blood loss were 148 min and 743 g, respectively. None of the patients required allogeneic blood transfusion. One patient required revision surgery 11 months postoperatively because of device displacement. No other major or minor orthopedic complications were observed. CONCLUSION: The direct anterior approach allows for less invasive acetabular reconstruction using a Kerboull-type reinforcement device.

Total hip arthroplasty through a direct anterior approach for fused hips.

INTRODUCTION: Conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) from a fused hip is a challenging procedure because of the technical difficulties involved. Here we report the surgical procedure and the early clinical outcome of conversion THA from a fused hip through a direct anterior approach. METHODS: 9 consecutive THAs following hip fusion were performed in 9 patients. Of these, 6 patients had undergone surgical hip fusion and 3 patients had nonsurgical fusion. RESULTS: The mean time interval between fusion and THA was 29.7 years. The mean follow-up period was 5.2 years. All THAs were performed using a direct anterior approach on a standard surgical table. The mean operative time was 68.7 minutes. The mean intraoperative blood loss was 377 g. All acetabular components were placed within Lewinnek's safe zone. The mean Japanese Orthopaedic Hip Score significantly improved from 54.0 to 73.2. One early anterior dislocation occurred and was treated conservatively. No revision surgery was required. CONCLUSIONS: The direct anterior approach allows for an accurate and less invasive implantation of the total hip components.

Comparison between component designs with different femoral head size in metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty; multicenter randomized prospective study.

BACKGROUNDS/AIMS: We prospectively studied 78 prostheses with conventional femoral head and 86 prostheses with large head (Magnum) of metal-on-metal total hip arthroplasty (MoM THA) with two years follow-up. METHODS: Clinical outcomes and blood metal ion were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no significant differences of clinical outcomes between groups. 1.17 ± 1.01 µg/L of blood cobalt ion in Magnum was significantly lower than 1.99 ± 2.34 µg/L in conventional group. No dislocation was observed in Magnum while one dislocation in conventional group. MoM THA with large head is useful if the implants are positioned in appropriate alignment, however longer follow-up will be necessary. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT01010763 (registered on ClinicalTrials.gov).

Total hip arthroplasty by a minimally invasive, direct anterior approach.

OBJECTIVE: Implantation of a total hip replacement device through a direct anterior approach to the hip joint with minimal trauma to adjacent tissue. INDICATIONS: All conventional total hip replacements, irrespective of age and bone quality. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Destruction of the proximal femur (tumor, fracture). Severe dysplasia and hip dislocation. Morbid obesity (body mass index [BMI] > 30 kg/m(2)) can be a relative contraindication during the learning curve. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Supine position of the patient on the operating table with the possibility of hyperextension in the mid-table in order to facilitate femoral exposure. Anterior incision, 6-9 cm long, starting approximately 2 cm lateral and 5 cm distal of the anterior iliac spine. Incision of the fascia, blunt preparation in the intermuscular space between tensor fasciae latae muscle and sartorius muscle. Excision of the anterior parts of the capsule. Osteotomy of the femoral neck, removal of the head. Reaming of the acetabulum and implantation of the acetabular component. Exposure of the femur by hyperextension, adduction and external rotation of the leg, incision of the posterior capsule for easy anteriorization of the femur. Reaming and implantation of the femoral component. RESULTS: 116 consecutive hips in 111 patients were operated on between August 2004 and December 2005. 17 patients were excluded due to fracture or severe dysplasia (Crowe 3 and 4). Mean age was 62.5 years (range, 46-84 years), mean BMI amounted to 23.1 kg/m(2) (range, 18.1-37.7 kg/m(2)). The implantation of a total hip replacement device could be accomplished safely in all patients. No severe intraoperative complication requiring a change of the planned procedure or any additional surgical measures was noted. Mean surgical time was 79 min (45-150 min). The operative time was decreasing gradually during the study period. The mean preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score of 47.2 points (range, 18-63 points) improved to 92.3 points (range, 67-100 points) at 3 months postoperatively (p < 0.001) and 94.2 (range, 72-100 months) at the latest follow-up at an average of 17 months (range, 9-26 months).