Direct anterior total hip arthroplasty yields more rapid voluntary cessation of all walking aids: a prospective, randomized clinical trial.

This study sought to prospectively examine the clinical and radiographic differences between direct anterior (DA-THA) and mini-posterior approach total hip arthroplasty (MPA-THA). Fifty-four patients were prospectively randomized to either MPA or DA-THA. Patient recorded diaries were collected. Radiographs were reviewed. SF-36, WOMAC and HHS scores were tabulated. Time to ambulation without any assistive device favored DA-THA (22 vs. 28 days, P=0.04). Three week SF mental scores favored MPA-THA (60.66 vs. 58.43, P=0.01). In a randomized prospective trial, patients undergoing DA-THA voluntarily quit use of all walking aids on average 6 days earlier than patients with a MPA-THA. Little additional clinical or radiographic benefit was seen between the cohorts.