Anterior-Based Approaches to Total Hip Arthroplasty: Beyond the Learning Curve.

BACKGROUND

Anterior-based approaches for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have gained popularity over the last decade. At our institution, anterior-based approaches are preferentially utilized, including both anterior-based muscle-sparing (ABMS) and direct anterior (DA) for primary THA. As there are higher complication rates during the transition to an anterior approach, we compared the outcomes and complications between ABMS and DA approaches beyond the learning curve.

METHODS

A retrospective study of all ABMS and DA primary THA patients performed at a single institution was performed, excluding the first 100 anterior cases done by any surgeon. In total, 813 DA and 378 ABMS THA cases were included. Demographics, complications, and patient-reported outcomes (PROMIS and HOOS) were obtained for each patient.

RESULTS

There was a 4.5% overall complication rate (4.1% in DA and 5.6% in ABMS, P = .248), with the most common complication being infection at 1.7% (1.5% vs 2.1%, P = .423). A revision was performed in 3.4% of cases overall (1.8% aseptic, 1.6% septic). There was no difference in complication rates between approaches. Length of surgery was shorter for ABMS (94.5 vs 116.0 minutes, P < .001). Both DA and ABMS had significant improvements in PROMIS and HOOS Jr. scores, without any significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior-based approaches for primary THA demonstrated excellent clinical results and low complication rates overall. Beyond the learning curve, excellent results can be obtained with either ABMS or DA approach for primary THA.