Comparison of direct anterior approach and posterolateral approach in supine position for total hip arthroplasty / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The posterolateral approach is the most commonly used surgical approach for total hip arthroplasty. In recent years, total hip replacement by direct anterior approach has been applied in clinic gradually, and has achieved good treatment outcomes. OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of the direct anterior approach in supine position and the posterolateral approach in supine position for total hip arthroplasty. METHODS: Ninety patients undergoing unilateral primary total hip arthroplasty at Baoding Municipal First Center Hospital from April 2015 to April 2019 were included, including 35 males and 55 females, aged 35-70 years. The patients were divided into direct anterior approach group (n=45) and posterolateral approach group (n=45) by the random number table method. Postoperative follow-up was used to evaluate the Harris hip scores, Visual Analogue Scale scores, initial fixation mass of prosthesis and safe range of the cup. The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Baoding Municipal First Center Hospital. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: (1) Ninety patients were followed up for 3-51 months, with an average 14 months. There were 2 cases of intraoperative great trochanteric fracture, 1 case of femoral lateral cutaneous nerve injury, 4 cases of femoral nerve injury, and 20 cases of tensor fascia lata injury. No such complications occurred in the posterolateral approach group. (2) The direct anterior approach group showed significant superior outcomes compared with the posterolateral approach group in the Harris hip scores and Visual Analogue Scale scores at 1 month after surgery (P 0.05). (3) In the direct anterior approach group, the femoral prosthesis of 44 hips was in neutral position, and 1 hip was in varus position. The initial fixation quality of all prosthesis was excellent. In the posterolateral approach group, the femoral prosthesis of 43 hips was in neutral position, 2 hips were in varus position and all prosthesis initial fixation quality was excellent. No significant difference was found between two groups (P > 0.05). (4) The ratio of acetabular cups in the safety range of Lewinnek in the direct anterior approach group was higher than that in the posterolateral approach group (100%, 82%, P < 0.05). (5) These results imply that compared with the posterolateral approach, direct anterior approach in supine position for total hip arthroplasty can significantly reduce postoperative pain, promote postoperative early rapid recovery, obtain more accurate angle of the acetabular prosthesis, and be more conducive to the equalization of both lower limbs. It is a safe and reliable approach. However, direct anterior approach has certain technical difficulty and needs a learning curve. And there are some complications different from other approaches.