Direct Anterior Approach: Risk Factor for Early Femoral Failure of Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Multicenter Study

Cemented Femoral Fixation Using a Direct Anterior Approach: Background, Indications, and Surgical Technique

The use of the direct anterior approach (DAA) in total hip arthroplasty has increased dramatically over the past decade. Potential benefits of the DAA include earlier functional recovery and lower risk of periprosthetic dislocation, but issues with periprosthetic fracture and femoral loosening have been reported, particularly in elderly patients. Cemented femoral fixation may offer a means to decrease early femoral failure in elderly patients undergoing the DAA. Here, we will present a step-by-step technique for cementing the femoral implant through the DAA.

Evaluation of Dislocation Risk Factors With Total Hip Arthroplasty in Developmental Hip Dysplasia Patients: A Multivariate Analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for dislocation in patients diagnosed with developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) who underwent total hip arthroplasty.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 40 patients who developed dislocation and compared them with 400 patients in the control group without hip instability. Patients-, surgery-, and implant-related factors were investigated. Risk factors were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression.

RESULTS

The mean follow-up period was 32.3 months. The mean time to dislocation was 4.4 months. There were 7 men (17.5%) and 33 women (82.5%) in the dislocation group and 83 men (20.7%) and 317 women (79.3%) in the control group (P = .627). Diabetes mellitus (DM; P = .032) and history of previous hip surgery for DDH were associated with dislocation (P < .001). The subtrochanteric shortening osteotomy (P = .001), acetabular inclination (P = .037), acetabular anteversion (P < .001), femoral head size (P < .001), and postoperative infection (P = .003) were associated with dislocation. Major predictors of hip dislocation after total hip arthroplasty in patients with DDH were previous hip surgery (odds ratio [OR], 6.76; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.86-24.6; P = .004), high hip center (OR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.31-6.38; P = .008), DM (OR, 2.68; 95% CI, 1.06-6.80; P = .037), and acetabular inclination (OR, 2.62; 95% CI, 1.09-6.26; P = .03).

CONCLUSION

Patients with DM and previous hip surgery should be informed about increased dislocation rates. Using a larger head diameter and restoration of the true hip rotation center are essential to prevent hip dislocation in these patients. Furthermore, accurate positioning of the acetabular inclination and anteversion are also important.

The bikini incision anterior cemented total hip arthroplasty: Assessment of radiological and clinical outcomes - A mid-term review

INTRODUCTION

There has been an increased interest in minimally invasive direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (THA) to provide greater patient satisfaction, improve pain relief, and reduce the duration of hospitalisation. A direct anterior approach hybrid cemented THA, utilising a bikini line incision, can be technically challenging. We aimed to undertake radiological analysis of femoral stem cementation, clinical outcomes, and component survivorship.

METHODS

Over a 5-year period, 215 primary elective bikini anterior THA conducted by a single surgeon were included. All procedures were performed using a cemented collarless polished stem. The operation was performed on a standard operating table. Patients undergoing posterior approach, revision procedures, and fractured neck of femurs were excluded. Post-operative radiographs were analysed for femoral cementation quality using the Barrack grading system. Harris hip scores (HHS) were determined at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, annually thereafter and the difference in HHS was noted.

RESULTS

In total, 215 anterior bikini THA (R = 101, L = 114) were performed in 199 patients (M = 89, F = 110) with a mean age of 77 and mean follow up of 2.9 years (range = 0.5-5). Radiographic analysis of femoral cementation showed 189 femoral stems (88%) were either Barrack A or B cementation grade, suggesting optimal cementation. Lucency in the cement-bone interface occurred mainly in Gruen Zone 1 (43%) and Zone 13(46.9%). At the most recent follow-up (mean 2.9 years), component survivorship was at 99.54% (stem). Significant improvement was noted in Harris hip scores at final follow-up (from 54 preoperatively to 92.7 at 2.9 years postoperatively).

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that a bikini incision direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty can be safely employed to perform cemented femoral stems on a standard operating table.

Does Structured Postgraduate Training Affect the Learning Curve in Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty? A Single Surgeon's First 200 Cases

Background

The direct anterior approach (DAA) used for primary total hip arthroplasty has been shown to improve early postoperative outcomes, but prior studies have identified a marked learning curve for surgeons transitioning to this approach. However, these studies do not capture surgeons with postgraduate fellowship training in DAA. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the learning curve by comparing perioperative outcomes for the first 100 to latter 100 cases and first 50 to final 50 cases.

Methods

The first 200 consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties performed by a single surgeon were prospectively followed up for up to 2 years postoperatively. Data on demographic and perioperative factors, 90-day readmissions, and short- and long-term complications were collected. Radiographic outcomes included acetabular cup anteversion and abduction measurements. Logistic regressions were used to calculate odds ratios and confidence intervals for surgical time greater than 2 hours.

Results

The first 100 and second 100 cases had significant differences in operative times (118.1 vs 110.4 minutes, P = .009), acetabular abduction (38.3 vs 35.5 degrees, P = .001) and anteversion (13.5 vs 15.1 degrees, P = .009), and incidence of neuropraxia (41 vs 9%, P < .001). Estimated blood loss, transfusions, discharge disposition, length of stay, readmission, and other complications had no statistical significance between the first and second 100 cases. The first 50 cases had higher odds of surgical time greater than 2 hours (odds ratio = 5.2, 95% confidence interval = 1.84-14.75, P = .002) than the final 50 cases.

Conclusions

When compared with the existing literature, incorporation of DAA into fellowship training can lead to reduction in fractures and reoperation rates.

Minimizing complications in bikini incision direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty: A single surgeon series of 865 cases

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to report all complications during the first consecutive 865 cases of bikini incision direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed by a single surgeon. The secondary aims of the study are to report our clinical outcomes and implant survivorship. We discuss our surgical technique to minimize complication rates during the procedure.

METHODS

We undertook a retrospective analysis of our complications, clinical outcomes and implant survivorship of 865 DAA THA's over a period of 6 years (mean = 3.9yrs from 0.9 to 6.8 years).

RESULTS

The complication rates identified in this study were low. Medium term survival at minimum 2-year survival and revision as the end point, was 99.53% and 99.84% for the stem and acetabular components respectively. Womac score improved from 49 (range 40-58) preoperatively to 3.5(range 0-8.8) and similarly, HHS scores improved from 53(range 40-56) to 92.5(range 63-100) at final follow-up (mean = 3.9 yrs) when compared to preoperative scores.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that bikini incision DAA technique can be safely utilised to perform THA.

Characterization of Acetabular Cup Insertion Forces in Cancellous Bone Proxy for Validation of an Invasive Sensing Model and Development of Automatic Prosthesis Installation Device: A Preliminary Study

Total hip replacement is a widespread medical procedure, with over 300,000 surgeries performed each year in the United States alone. The vast majority of total hip replacements utilize press fit fixation. Successful seating of the implant requires a delicate balance between inserting the implant deep enough to obtain sufficient primary stability, while avoiding fracture of bone. To improve patient outcomes, surgeons need assistive technologies that can guide them as to how much force to apply and when to stop impacting. The development of such technology, however, requires a greater understanding of the forces experienced in bone and the resulting cup insertion and implant stability. Here, we present a preliminary study of acetabular cup insertion into bone proxy samples. We find that as the magnitude of force on the acetabular cup increases, cup insertion and axial extraction force increase linearly, then nonlinearly, and finally plateau with full insertion. Within the small nonlinear zone, approximately 90% of both cup insertion and extraction force are achieved with only 50% total energy required for full seating, posing the question as to whether full seating is an appropriate goal in press-fit arthroplasty. For repeated impacts of a given energy, cup displacement and force experienced in bone (measured force profile—MFP) increase correspondingly and reach a plateau over a certain number of impacts (number of impacts to seating—NOITS), which represents the rate of insertion. The relationship between MFP and NOITS can be exploited to develop a force feedback mechanism to quantitatively infer optimal primary implant stability.

The effect of femoral stem collar on implant migration and clinical outcomes following direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty

AIMS

The direct anterior (DA) approach has been associated with rapid patient recovery after total hip arthroplasty (THA) but may be associated with more frequent femoral complications including implant loosening. The objective of this study was to determine whether the addition of a collar to the femoral stem affects implant migration, patient activity, and patient function following primary THA using the DA approach.

METHODS

Patients were randomized to either a collared (n = 23) or collarless (n = 26) cementless femoral stem implanted using the DA approach. Canal fill ratio (CFR) was measured on the first postoperative radiographs. Patients underwent a supine radiostereometric analysis (RSA) exam postoperatively on the day of surgery and at two, four, six, 12, 26, and 52 weeks postoperatively. Patient-reported outcome measures (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) Index, the 12-item Short Form Health Survey Mental and Physical Score, and University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Activity Score) were measured preoperatively and at each post-surgery clinic visit. Activity and function were also measured as the weekly average step count recorded by an activity tracker, and an instrumented timed up-and-go (TUG) test in clinic, respectively.

RESULTS

Comparing the RSA between the day of surgery baseline exam to two weeks postoperatively, subsidence was significantly lower (mean difference 2.23 mm (SD 0.71), p = 0.023) with collared stems, though these patients had a greater CFR (p = 0.048). There was no difference (p = 0.426) in subsidence between stems from a two-week baseline through to one year postoperatively. There were no clinically relevant differences in PROMs; and there was no difference in the change in activity (p = 0.078) or the change in functional capacity (p = 0.664) between the collared stem group and the collarless stem group at any timepoint.

CONCLUSION

Presence of a collar on the femoral stem resulted in reduced subsidence during the first two postoperative weeks following primary THA using the DA approach. However, the clinical implications are unclear, and larger studies examining patient activity and outcomes are required. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(12):1654-1661.

A Crossover Cohort of Direct Anterior vs Posterolateral Approach in Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: What Does the Patient Prefer?

BACKGROUND

The utilization of the direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues to markedly increase. Despite proposed advantages, there are limited data regarding outcomes of staged bilateral THA via 2 different approaches in the same patient. The purpose of this study was to elucidate patient perspective on the THA approach in a crossover cohort of patients who underwent consecutive THAs via the posterolateral approach (PLA) followed by a contralateral DAA.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review and telephone interview were performed on 37 patients who underwent both THA approaches by a single surgeon from 2009 to 2019. Perioperative outcomes, complications/reoperations, and the patient-preferred approach were collected. The mean clinical follow-up was 105 and 44 months after PLA and DAA, respectively.

RESULTS

After DAA THA, patients demonstrated lower postoperative day 1 visual analog scale pain scores (1.8 vs 2.9, P = .016) and ambulation (239 feet vs 31 feet, P < .001). The length of stay was significantly less (P < .001) for the DAA (1.9 days) compared with the PLA (3.1 days). There were no major complications or reoperations in either cohort. Most patients (26/37, 70%) preferred the DAA and stated that it was easier to recover from (30/37, 81%).

CONCLUSION

In the same patient direct comparison, the DAA for THA may lead to less pain and improved ambulation in the early postoperative period. Furthermore, most patients prefer the DAA and believe it is easier to recover from than the PLA.

Early Rate of Revision of Total Hip Arthroplasty Related to Surgical Approach: An Analysis of 122,345 Primary Total Hip Arthroplasties

BACKGROUND

A number of surgical approaches are available for total hip arthroplasty (THA), but there are limited large-volume, multi-surgeon data comparing the rates of early revisions following these approaches. The aim of this study was to compare the rate of revision of primary conventional THA related to surgical approach.

METHODS

Data from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry were analyzed for all patients who had undergone a primary THA for osteoarthritis from January 2015 to December 2018. The primary outcome measure was the cumulative percent revision (CPR) for all causes. Secondary outcome measures were major revision (a revision procedure requiring change of the acetabular and/or femoral component) and revision for specific diagnoses: fracture, component loosening, infection, and dislocation. Age, sex, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, femoral head size, and femoral fixation were assessed as potential confounders.

RESULTS

There was a total of 122,345 primary conventional THAs for which the surgical approach was recorded in the registry; 65,791 were posterior, 24,468 were lateral, and 32,086 were anterior. There was no difference in the overall CPR among approaches, but the anterior approach was associated with a higher rate of major revisions. There were differences among the approaches with regard to the types of revision. When adjusted for age, sex, ASA score, BMI, femoral head size, and femoral fixation, the anterior approach was associated with a higher rate of femoral complications-i.e., revision for periprosthetic fracture and femoral loosening. There was a lower rate of revision for infection after the anterior approach compared with the posterior approach in the entire period, and compared with the lateral approach in the first 3 months. The posterior approach was associated with a higher rate of revision for dislocation compared with both the anterior and the lateral approach in all time periods. The anterior approach was associated with a lower rate of revision compared with the lateral approach in the first 6 months only.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no difference in the overall early CPR among the surgical approaches, but the anterior approach was associated with a higher rate of early major revisions and femoral complications (revisions for periprosthetic fracture and femoral loosening) compared with the posterior and lateral approaches and with a lower rate of dislocation and infection.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

What Factors Increase Revision Surgery Risk When Treating Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures With Arthroplasty: A Secondary Analysis of the HEALTH Trial

OBJECTIVES

HEALTH was a randomized controlled trial comparing total hip arthroplasty with hemiarthroplasty in low-energy displaced femoral neck fracture patients aged ≥50 years with unplanned revision surgery within 24 months of the initial procedure being the primary outcome. No significant short-term differences between treatment arms were observed. The primary objective of this secondary HEALTH trial analysis was to determine if any patient and surgical factors were associated with increased risk of revision surgery within 24 months after hip fracture.

METHODS

We analyzed 9 potential factors chosen a priori that could be associated with revision surgery. The factors included age, body mass index, major comorbidities, independent ambulation, type of surgical approach, length of operation, use of femoral cement, femoral head size, and degree of femoral stem offset. Our statistical analysis was a multivariable Cox regression using reoperation within 24 months of index surgery as the dependent variable.

RESULTS

Of the 1441 patients included in this analysis, 8.1% (117/1441) experienced reoperation within 24 months. None of the studied factors were found to be predictors of revision surgery (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Both total and partial hip replacements are successful procedures in low-energy displaced femoral neck fracture patients. We were unable to identify any patient or surgeon-controlled factors that significantly increased the need for revision surgery in our elderly and predominately female patient population. One should not generalize our findings to an active physiologically younger femoral neck fracture population.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Surgical Approach to Total Hip Arthroplasty Affects the Organism Profile of Early Periprosthetic Joint Infections

The optimal approach for total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains hotly debated. While wound complications following the direct anterior approach are higher than with other approaches, the organism profile of periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) by approach remains unknown. Our goal was to compare the organism profiles of PJIs following direct anterior and non-anterior THA.

METHODS

We retrospectively reviewed 12,549 primary THAs (4,515 direct anterior and 8,034 non-anterior) that had been performed between January 2012 and September 2019 at a university-affiliated single-specialty orthopaedic hospital to identify patients with an early postoperative PJI. Criteria used for the diagnosis of a PJI were the National Healthcare Safety Network, which screens for PJI that occurs within 90 days of index arthroplasty, and the Musculoskeletal Infection Society guidelines. Patient demographic information and organism characteristics were recorded for analysis.

RESULTS

We identified 84 patients (38 who underwent the direct anterior approach and 46 who underwent the non-anterior approach) with an early postoperative PJI following primary THA (0.67% total THA PJI rate, 0.84% direct anterior THA PJI rate, and 0.57% non-anterior THA PJI rate). The direct anterior THA cohort had a significantly lower body mass index and American Society of Anesthesiologists score than the non-anterior THA cohort (29.5 versus 35.2 kg/m2, p < 0.0001; 2.29 versus 2.63, p = 0.016, respectively). Regarding organism profile, patients in the direct anterior THA cohort had significantly more monomicrobial gram-negative infections than the non-anterior THA cohort (4 versus 0, p = 0.038). We did not identify any demographic risk factors other than approach for gram-negative PJI. There were no significant differences in methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, obligate anaerobes, polymicrobial, or PJIs due to other organisms by approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Direct anterior THA approaches have a greater risk of monomicrobial gram-negative PJI, likely due to the unique microbiome of the inguinal region. While targeted infection prophylaxis may reduce these infections, it is not entirely effective on its own. Future studies with larger sample sizes are required to help us develop more targeted perioperative infection prophylaxis.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Early low complication rate of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasty by direct anterior approach

Introduction: Ceramic-on-ceramic couplings are an alternative bearing surface to reduce the problems related to polyethylene wear and debris. However, ceramic articulations have their own risk of unique complications: fracture, squeaking, or dislocation. Few studies have assessed the outcomes of ceramic-on-ceramic total hip arthroplasties (THA) by direct anterior approach (DAA). The aim was to evaluate the early complications and revision rate of ceramic-on-ceramic THA by DAA. Material: A retrospective single-center study of 116 consecutive THAs was performed by DAA (106 patients) with ceramic-on-ceramic bearing from January 2015 to February 2018 with a minimum 24 months of follow-up. No patients were lost to follow-up. The mean age was of 55.3 years ± 11.3. The same cementless acetabular shell with a Biolox Delta ceramic insert and head were used. The complication and revision rates were collected at the last follow-up. The positioning of the acetabular implant was assessed on standard radiographs. Postoperative clinical outcomes were assessed by the Harris Hip Score. Results: At a mean follow-up of 31.9 months ± 5.5, no THA was revised. Five patients had late complications: 3 squeaking (2.6%) and 2 psoas impingements (1.7%) and were managed conservatively. All patients had satisfactory bony ingrowth of acetabular component, with no radiolucent lines and no osteolysis. Eight patients (6.9%) had an anterior overhang of the cup. The mean overhang for these patients was 4.1 mm. 111 hips (96%) were perceived as forgotten or having no limitations. Conclusion: This ceramic-on-ceramic coupling and shell by DAA produced excellent clinical outcomes and implant survival rate at a minimum two-year follow-up study. No serious complication was observed during the follow-up.

Hemiarthroplasty Through a Direct Anterior Approach for Femoral Neck Fractures

This video demonstrates the direct anterior approach (DAA) for placement of an uncemented hemiarthroplasty for a displaced femoral neck fracture. The DAA is an intranervous and intramuscular approach that is believed to allow patients a quicker recovery and decrease the rate of dislocation. Femoral exposure is the most challenging component of the approach. In this video, the approach is performed with the assistance of the fracture table to facilitate exposure of the femur. This step-by-step description demonstrates how to expose the femur, measure for the femoral head size, and place an uncemented femoral stem in for a unipolar hemiarthroplasty. A full capsular closure is performed by reapproximating the iliofemoral ligament after reduction. This DAA video is taken from the surgeon's point of view to facilitate visualization of the anatomy and orientation of implant placement.

Reasons for Failure of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed Through a Direct Anterior Approach

The direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a technique popular among some arthroplasty surgeons. There is currently a paucity of data regarding reasons for failure of THA using the DAA. The authors conducted a retrospective review of prospectively collected data on 56 patients who underwent revision THA at their institution after failing primary THA that was performed through a DAA either at their institution (n=8) or elsewhere (n=48) from January 1, 2010, to June 1, 2017. Patients were grouped by modes of failure and compared using patient characteristics, surgical factors, and radiographic outcomes. Total hip arthroplasties performed through the DAA failed due to infection in 21 (38%) patients, aseptic/mechanical loosening in 14 (25%) patients, intraoperative fracture in 6 (11%) patients, postoperative fracture in 6 (11%) patients, tendinitis or pain of unknown etiology in 3 (5%) patients, metallosis in 3 (5%) patients, instability/dislocation in 2 (4%) patients, and leg length discrepancy in 1 (2%) patient. Patients who underwent revision due to unrecognized intraoperative fracture had a lower body mass index (BMI) and weight than patients who had failure due to postoperative fracture, aseptic loosening, or infection. The 4 most common modes of failure included infection, aseptic loosening, unrecognized intraoperative fracture, and postoperative fracture. Together, these made up 84% of failed DAA THAs. Patients with a lower BMI are more likely to have failure due to intraoperative fractures. Patients with a higher BMI are more likely to have failure due to postoperative fracture, aseptic loosening, or infection. [Orthopedics. 2020;43(4);239-244.].

A survey of Hip Society surgeons concerning the direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty

Aims

To establish whether there was a consensus among the members of the Hip Society (HS) on the role of direct anterior approach (DAA) contemporary primary total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

An online survey was sent to all 112 active and senior members of the HS, to which 71 members responded. The survey was constructed to determine whether they believed that evidence-based medicine proves, in modern clinical practice, that the DAA has significant benefits compared to risks when contrasted with other approaches. In addition, they were asked if they currently used the DAA.

Results

While only 16.9% (12/71) of respondents had been trained in a generic anterior approach during residency, 49.3% (35/71) had used the DAA in their clinical practice in the past or were using it at the present time. Unexpectedly, 42.9% (15/35) of respondents who had used the DAA in the past had abandoned it by the time of this survey. Only 22.5% (16/71) of all respondents believed that evidence-based medicine proves that the DAA has significant benefits compared to risks in contrast to other approaches.

Conclusion

A comprehensive literature review found only three prospective randomized clinical trials (RCT) comparing the DAA with another approach with greater than one-year follow-up. Two showed minor benefits within the early postoperative period only, and one of those showed poorer mid-term results. Most of the published comparison studies with short follow-up show longer surgical times and greater blood loss for the DAA, and many three-month comparison studies show higher complication rates for the DAA using a proprietary traction table. The complications included problems with wound healing, lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury, femoral component loosening, and femoral fractures. Because of the lack of evidence from RCTs showing superiority of the DAA over other approaches and reports of higher complications, the opinion of a large majority (77.5%; 55/71) of HS surgeons was that the DAA lacks sufficient evidence to warrant its use. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2020;102-B(7 Supple B):57–61.

Length of Stay, Discharge Disposition, and 90-Day Complications and Revisions Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Comparison of the Direct Anterior, Posterolateral, and Direct Superior Approaches

BACKGROUND

The direct anterior (DA) approach is becoming increasingly popular for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study is to evaluate early postoperative complication and revision rates based on surgical approach, comparing DA, posterolateral (PL), and direct superior (DS) approaches.

METHODS

After institutional review board approval, a total joint arthroplasty database from a single institution was used to identify all patients who underwent elective primary THA between July 2013 and November 2017 with a DA, PL, or DS hip approach. Patients were followed for complications out to 90 days postsurgery. Patients were divided into groups based on surgical approach and compared on length of stay, discharge disposition, and 90-day complication and revision rates.

RESULTS

There were 5341 THA procedures performed, with 3162 PL, 1846 DA, and 333 DS approaches. Length of stay was shorter for DS (1.7 ± 0.9 days) and DA (1.8 ± 0.9 days) than for PL approaches (2.3 ± 1.4 days, P < .001) The DS approach had the highest rate of home discharges (93.1%), but the highest short-term revision rate (1.5%, P = .011). The DA approach had the lowest intraoperative fracture rate (0.1%, P = .019) but the highest incidence of postoperative fractures (1.3%, P = .021). There were no differences in readmission (P = .056), 90-day events (P = .062), emergency department visits (P = .210), dislocations (P = .090), combined perioperative fractures (P = .289), venous thromboembolic events (P = .059), or acute infection rates (P = .287).

CONCLUSION

In the era of bundled payments, the DA, PL, and DS approaches can all be effectively used.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III; retrospective comparative study.

Natural outcome of hemoglobin and functional recovery after the direct anterior versus the posterolateral approach for total hip arthroplasty: a randomized study

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is one of the most successful orthopedic surgeries. There are many common surgical approaches for THA. The direct anterior approach (DAA) and posterolateral approach (PLA) were compared, leading to controversial results.

METHODS

We report on a prospective randomized study which compared the changes of perioperative hemoglobin (Hb), the Harris hip score (HHS) and a visual analog scale (VAS) pain score following THA using DAA or PLA. A total of 130 participants were randomly divided into two groups (65 DAA versus 65 PLA). Perioperative ΔHb and other clinical outcomes were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 130 participants completed follow-up, while 14 patients were not recorded in blood outcomes due to blood transfusions and complications. The average Hb decrease immediately after surgery in the DAA group was greater than that in the PLA group (21.1 versus 15.8 g/L, P < .001). However, post-operative Hb descent velocity was slower in the DAA group, and the lowest point was reached earlier. No significant differences in ΔHb levels could be observed after 1 month in the two groups. When compared with the PLA group, the DAA group had a shorter incision (9.1 versus 13.5 cm, P < .001) and shorter hospital stay (4.2 versus 4.7 days, P = .004). However, the operation time of the DAA group was longer (88.0 versus 66.8 min, P < .001). The DAA group had a better HHS and VAS pain score at 6 weeks post-surgery. However, no significant differences were observed at later time points.

CONCLUSION

We concluded that DAA performed better on enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) than PLA in THA, while both DAA and PLA could result in a positive, similar result after 3 months.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The study was registered by the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR1900020770, 19 January 2019).

A Comparison of Risk of Dislocation and Cause-Specific Revision Between Direct Anterior and Posterior Approach Following Elective Cementless Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Use of the direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) has increased over the last decade. We sought to investigate whether (1) a difference exists in dislocation risk for DAA compared with posterior THA, (2) a difference exists in risk for specific revision reasons, and (3) the likelihood of adverse 90-day postoperative events differs.

METHODS

We conducted a cohort study using data from Kaiser Permanente's Total Joint Replacement Registry. Patients aged ≥18 years who underwent primary cementless THA for osteoarthritis with a highly cross-linked polyethylene liner were included (2009-2017). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate dislocation and cause-specific revision risks, and multivariable logistic regression was used to evaluate 90-day emergency department visits, 90-day unplanned readmissions, and 90-day complications (including deep infection, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism).

RESULTS

Of 38,399 primary THA, 6428 (16.7%) were DAA. All-cause revision at 2-years follow-up was 1.78% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.46-2.17) for DAA and 2.28% (95% CI = 2.11-2.45) for posterior. After adjusting for covariates, DAA had a lower risk of dislocation (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.39, 95% CI = 0.29-0.53), revision for instability (HR = 0.33, 95% CI = 0.18-0.58), revision for periprosthetic fracture (HR = 0.57, 95% CI = 0.34-0.96), and readmission (odds ratio = 0.82, 95% CI = 0.67-0.99) compared with posterior approach but a higher risk of revision for aseptic loosening (HR = 2.26, 95% CI = 1.35-3.79).

CONCLUSION

While the DAA associated with lower risks of dislocation and revision for instability and periprosthetic fracture, it is associated with a higher revision risk for aseptic loosening. Surgeons should discuss these risks with their patients.

Facing complications of direct anterior approach in total hip arthroplasty during the learning curve

BACKGROUND

This study aims to evaluate complications and early postoperative clinical outcomes of direct anterior approach (DAA) in total hip arthroplasty (THA).

METHODS

Ninety-one consecutive patients who underwent primary elective unilateral THA between January 2013 and December 2019 were identified. Collected data included age of patient, BMI, ASA score, EBL (estimated blood loss), LOS (length of stay), operating time, and intra/postoperative complications. The recorded complications included prolonged wound drainage without infection, superficial and deep infection, dislocation, periprosthetic fracture, aseptic loosening or failure of osteointegration and nervous damage. Any reoperation, with or without prosthetic component revision, was recorded.

RESULTS

Fourteen complications (15,4%) and 12 (13,18%) postoperative anemizations were observed in this series. No deep infection was reported. Most common complications were nerve damage (3/91;3,29%), greater trochanter fracture (3/91; 3,29%), and wound trouble (3/91; 3,29%). Two (2,19%) dislocations were reported. One (1,09%) intraoperative periprosthetic fracture was treated with cerclage wiring. One (1,09%) revision was needed for an acetabular mobilization. One patient (1,09%) had severe periprosthetic ectopic ossifications (Brooker 4), needing reintervention because of severe limitations of the range of motion (ROM).

CONCLUSIONS

Complications rate in this study with THA by DAA is comparable to those reported in literature. DAA is a safe, efficient procedure but it needs a steep learning curve. (www.actabiomedica.it).

Predictors of Perioperative Vancouver B Periprosthetic Femoral Fractures Associated With the Direct Anterior Approach to Total Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

There is an association between intraoperative and postoperative femoral fractures and the direct anterior approach (DAA) to total hip arthroplasty (THA). The purpose of our study is to identify risk factors for Vancouver B fractures and to establish a predictable timeline for when these occur.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified patients with Vancouver B periprosthetic femoral fractures (n = 49) after 11,509 elective primary cementless THA procedures through the DAA between 2012 and 2018 at a single institution. Fracture patients were matched to nonfracture patients (n = 267) by date of surgery and surgeon. Clinical and radiographic factors were collected for multivariable analysis to identify predictors of fracture.

RESULTS

Periprosthetic Vancouver B femoral fracture incidence was 0.4%. 48 (98%) fractures were postoperative. Fractures occurred at an average of 44 days after surgery (range: 1 to 653 days) with >85% of fractures occurring in the first 6 weeks postoperatively. Significant variables predictive of fracture included >3 degrees valgus and >5 degrees varus coronal stem malalignment, Dorr B and C femoral geometry, lower canal flare index (2.75 vs 3.20), advanced age, increased comorbidities, greater stem canal fill, and right-sided procedures.

CONCLUSION

Despite an overall low rate of Vancouver B perioperative periprosthetic femoral fractures, it is a devastating complication that typically presents within the first 6 weeks after DAA THA surgery. The risk is increased in patients with unfavorable proximal femoral geometry, coronal stem malalignment, advanced age, increased comorbidities, and right-sided procedures.

The Effect of Size for a Hydroxyapatite-Coated Cementless Implant on Component Revision in Total Hip Arthroplasty: An Analysis of 41,265 Stems

BACKGROUND

The cementless Corail is one of the most commonly used stems in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The aim of this study was to investigate whether there was a difference in revision rate for smaller stems.

METHODS

All primary THA procedures recorded by the Australian Joint Replacement Registry from September 1999 to December 2017 performed for osteoarthritis using the Corail stem, a cementless acetabular cup, modern bearing surfaces (ceramic/ceramic, ceramic/cross-linked polyethylene, and metal/cross-linked polyethylene), and 28 mm, 32 mm, and 36 mm head sizes were included. The primary outcome measure was femoral component revision. Data were analyzed and adjusted for age, gender, and head size. Further analysis investigated the effects of surgical approach.

RESULTS

There was 41,265 primary THAs recorded. The cumulative percent revision (CPR) at 13 years was 7.7% (5.5, 10.7) for stem sizes 8 and 9 and 3.0% (2.4, 3.8) for sizes 10-20 (P < .001). When adjusted for age and gender, the sizes 8 and 9 collared (hazard ratio [HR]: 6.22 [3.84-10.06], P < .001) and collarless (HR: 3.28 [2.41-4.45], P < .001) had a higher CPR than the collared and collarless size 10-20. The size 8 and 9 stems performed with an anterior approach had the highest CPR (HR: 14.44 [6.21-33.56], P < .001). The main reason for revision of size 8 and 9 femoral stems was loosening (65.2%, compared to 31.5% for 10-20 femoral stems).

CONCLUSIONS

Smaller Corail stems have 4 times the rate of revision compared with the larger femoral sizes with loosening being the most common diagnosis. This is most evident when using an anterior approach.

Direct anterior versus mini-anterolateral approach for primary total hip arthroplasty: early postoperative outcomes and complications

Background

Anterior-based approaches to primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) are being used more frequently, and several variations have been described. The supine direct anterior (DA) approach has been widely studied, but few studies have compared it with the mini-anterolateral (mini-AL) approach (abductor-sparing, Watson-Jones approach) in the lateral decubitus position. This study aims to compare early perioperative complications and outcomes between these 2 approaches.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed 340 consecutive THAs (n = 170 DA, n = 170 mini-AL) performed by 3 arthroplasty surgeons at a single institution between January 2017 and May 2018. The primary outcome was reoperation for any reason within 1 year. Secondary outcomes included wound-healing complications and several perioperative factors. A Student's t-test was used for continuous variables, and a chi-squared test was used for categorical variables.

Results

In this cohort, 6 patients (4%) from the mini-AL group required reoperation within 1 year, compared with 2 patients (1%) from the DA group (P = .024). However, the DA group had 13 patients (8%) with wound-healing complications compared with 6 patients (4%) in the mini-AL group 4% (P = .036). Perioperative outcomes were similar for operative time, distance walked with physical therapy, morphine milligram equivalent consumed, length of stay, and discharge disposition. Pain scores during index hospitalization were also similar.

Conclusions

Patients who underwent THA using the supine DA approach had fewer reoperations within 1 year, but more wound-healing complications compared with the mini-AL approach in the lateral decubitus position. For surgeons performing primary THA using an anterior-based approach, relative risks and benefits of these approaches must be understood.

Level of Evidence

Level III.

Safety of Single-Stage Bilateral Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty Performed in All Eligible Patients at a Honolulu Hospital

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a commonly performed surgery, with candidates often requiring bilateral replacement. Simultaneous, single-stage bilateral THA offers several advantages and the direct anterior approach (DAA) for THA is well-suited for this procedure. In Hawai'i, single-stage bilateral DAA THA has yet to be adopted as a primary practice, and currently, there is limited research on patient outcomes following single-stage bilateral DAA THA in heterogeneous patient populations. In this study, we present our experience regarding intraoperative and 90-day complication rates encountered in a consecutive, all-inclusive cohort of single-stage bilateral DAA THA performed at the Straub Medical Center in Honolulu, Hawai'i, from January 2016 to May 2018. A total of 99 patients were included with a mean age of 64.7 ± 10.1 (mean ± standard deviation) years. The sample consisted of 43 (43.4%) males. Mean BMI was 27.0 ± 5.3 kg/m². The racial composition consisted of 50 (50.5%) Asian, 37 (37.4%) Caucasian, 8 (8.1%) Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, 1 (1.0%) African-American, 3 (3.0%) undisclosed. Mean operating time was 180 ± 23 minutes. Mean intraoperative blood loss was 386 ± 75 mL, and 11 (11.1%) patients received a postoperative allogenic blood transfusion. There were no major intraoperative complications. The only major local complication observed was one patient who developed high-grade heterotopic ossification requiring surgery. No major systemic complications occurred. The overall complication rate was 0.5%. In conclusion, we demonstrate that single-stage bilateral DAA THA is a safe option for the treatment of bilateral hip pathology in a wide spectrum of patients.

Early femoral component migration: comparing the anterior and posterior approach to the hip

PURPOSE

Early femoral component migration is a useful indicator for identifying implants at risk of failure due to aseptic loosening. The goal of this retrospective study was to identify if anterior approach (AA) treated hips are at a higher risk of failure due to aseptic loosening caused by early migration compared to hips operated on using the traditional posterior approach (PA).

METHODS

A total of 388 hips were included in this study, 139 AA and 249 PA treated hips. Femoral component migration was evaluated using EBRA-FCA and radiographs were assessed for radiolucency at latest follow-up. Preoperative and 2-year clinical outcomes were reported.

RESULTS

The 1- and 2-year migration rates (mm/year), and total migration (mm) at 2-year follow-up were comparable between AA and PA hips, respectively: 0.52 versus 0.41, 0.18 versus 0.19, and 0.64 versus 0.63 (all p > 0.05). Though not statistically significant, a higher percentage of AA hips passed 2-year total migration thresholds that have been associated with aseptic loosening compared to PA hips: 25.4% versus 16.5% for 1.5 mm threshold, and 11.3% versus 4.1% for the 2.7 mm threshold. Migration was not associated with the presence of radiolucent lines. All clinical outcomes improved significantly between preoperative and 2-year follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

There was no association between the AA and any significant increase in femoral component migration. A higher percentage of AA hips exceeded the migration thresholds associated aseptic loosening; however, these stems had no other indications of instability and therefore suggests that this may be a difference in migration pattern.

Assessment of Early Gait Recovery After Anterior Approach Compared to Posterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Smartphone Accelerometer-Based Study

BACKGROUND

The influence of total hip arthroplasty surgical approach on postoperative recovery is not well understood and often debated. This study compares anterior and posterior approach (PA) gait and patient-reported Hip Osteoarthritis Outcome scores (HOOS) in the early phases of recovery.

METHODS

A prospective study evaluated 20 control subjects, 35 direct anterior approach (DAA), and 34 PA total hip arthroplasty patients. Subjects were assessed preoperatively and at 1 and 4 months postoperatively with HOOS and smartphone gait assessments of gait speed, step length, cadence, step symmetry, and horizontal and vertical center of mass displacements.

RESULTS

The DAA and PA groups were not different in baseline HOOS or gait characteristics except for less horizontal center of mass displacement in the DAA group. At 1 month postoperatively, the DAA group had significantly faster gait speed at self-selected (P = .02) and fastest possible gait (P = .01) and longer step length at self-selected (P = .047) and fastest gait (P = .003) compared to the PA. At 4 months, there were no differences in DAA and PA gait measures. At 1 month postoperatively there were no significant differences in HOOS, but after 4 months HOOS were significantly higher in the DAA group.

CONCLUSION

There were minimal differences between the two approaches in the recovery of gait mechanics with some gait parameters particularly gait speed and step length recovery favoring the DAA at 1 month postsurgery in this nonrandomized study.

Aspirin Thromboprophylaxis Confers No Increased Risk for Aseptic Loosening Following Cementless Primary Hip Arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Aspirin has been shown to be a safe and cost-effective thromboprophylaxis agent with equivalent preventive efficacy to warfarin and fewer side-effects. However, animal studies have suggested delayed bone healing with aspirin and other inhibitors of prostaglandin synthesis. The impact of aspirin on aseptic loosening following cementless total hip arthroplasty (THA) has yet to be explored. Our aim was to determine if patients receiving aspirin for thromboprophylaxis had higher rates of aseptic loosening vs patients receiving warfarin after THA.

METHODS

We identified 11,262 consecutive primary uncemented THA performed between 2006 and 2017. Postoperatively, either warfarin (target international normalized ratio 1.5-2.0) or aspirin chemoprophylaxis were prescribed for 4 weeks. We recorded demographics, length of stay, body mass index, preoperative nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug use, and Elixhauser comorbidity index. All revisions because of aseptic loosening within 1 year of the index procedure were identified radiographically, confirmed intraoperatively, and did not fulfill Musculoskeletal Infection Society criteria for periprosthetic infection. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed.

RESULTS

There was no difference (P = .14) in the rates of revision for aseptic loosening between patients in the aspirin cohort (14/4530; 0.31%; P = .14) and the warfarin cohort (36/6682; 0.54%). After accounting for confounding variables, no significant difference was noted in aseptic loosening rates between patients treated with aspirin vs those treated with warfarin (adjusted odds ratio 0.51; P = .11). Perioperative nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drug was not significantly associated with aseptic loosening (adjusted odds ratio 1.20; P = .67).

CONCLUSION

While multiple agents are available for venous thromboprophylaxis, there is increasing evidence in favor of the use of aspirin. This study allays the notion that aspirin increases the rates of aseptic loosening following uncemented hip arthroplasty.

Advantages of an Anterior-Based Muscle-Sparing Approach in Transitioning From a Posterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Minimizing the Learning Curve

BACKGROUND

Enthusiasm for anterior-based approaches for total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues to increase but there is concern for increased complications during the learning curve period associated. This study aimed to investigate if there was a difference in perioperative variables, intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications, or patient-reported outcomes when transitioning from a mini-posterior approach (mPA) to an anterior-based muscle-sparing (ABMS) approach for THA.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study on the first 100 primary THA cases (n = 96 patients) of the senior author (August 2016 to August 2017) using the ABMS approach. These cases were compared to primary THA cases done the year prior (July 2015 to July 2016, n = 91 cases in 89 patients) using an mPA. Data were extracted and analyzed via gamma regression with robust standard errors and using generalized estimating equation regression.

RESULTS

We found no difference in the estimated blood loss (P = .452) and surgical time (P = .564) between the cohorts. The ABMS cases had a slightly shorter length of stay (P = .001) with an adjusted mean length of stay of 1.53 days (95% confidence interval 1.4-1.6) compared to 1.85 days (95% confidence interval 1.8-1.9) in the mPA cases. There was no difference in the frequency of immediate postoperative complications (all, P > .05). There was no difference in the adjusted mean change in patient-reported outcomes (all P > .05). In the ABMS group, there was no difference in surgical time or physical function computerized adaptive test between the first 20 cases (reference) and each subsequent group of 20 cases (all P > .05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates no associated learning curve for an experienced senior surgeon when switching routine THA approach from mPA to ABMS. We advise careful interpretation of our results, as they may not apply to all surgeons and practices.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III Therapeutic Study: retrospective comparative study.

Algorithmic soft tissue femoral release in anterior approach total hip arthroplasty

Although the anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty has gained increasing utilization, some studies have suggested a higher risk of femoral complications, as well as difficulty with femoral exposure. Techniques of soft tissue releases have been described to offer better femoral exposure, and to help mitigate complications. The purpose of the study is to describe an algorithmic soft tissue femoral release in direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty and to assess the clinical outcomes of patients upon which this algorithm of femoral soft tissue releases was utilized. Clinical outcomes with the Harris Hip Score, reoperation rates, component survivorship, and complications were analyzed.

Total Hip Arthroplasty for Crowe Type IV Hip Dysplasia: Surgical Techniques and Postoperative Complications

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) of Crowe type IV developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is challenging. Although traditional (lateral, posterolateral, and posterior) THA approaches have been used with great anatomic success, they damage periarticular muscles, which are already quite weak in type IV DDH. The recently developed direct anterior approach (DAA) can provide an inter‐nerve and inter‐muscle approach for THA of type IV dysplasia hips. However, femur exposure with the DAA could be difficult during surgery and it is hard to apply femoral shortening osteotomy. THA techniques used for type IV DDH include anatomic hip center techniques (true acetabular reconstruction) and high hip center techniques, wherein an acetabulum is reconstructed above the original one. Although anatomic construction of the hip center is considered “the gold standard” treatment, it is impossible if the anatomical acetabular is too small and shallow. Procedures used to support type IV DDH reduction with anatomic hip center techniques include greater trochanter osteotomy, lesser trochanter osteotomy, and subtrochanteric osteotomy. However, these techniques have yet to be standardized, and it is unclear which is best for type IV DDH. One‐state and two‐state non‐osteotomy reduction techniques have also been introduced to treat type IV DDH. Potential complications of THA performed in patients with type IV DDH include leg length discrepancy (LLD), peri‐operative femur fracture, nonunion of the osteotomy site, and nerve injury. It is worth noting that nowadays an increasing number of Crowe type IV DDH patients are more sensitive to postoperative LLD.

Triflange acetabular reconstruction for pelvic discontinuity through a direct anterior approach

A 74-year-old female patient presented to our clinic with pelvic discontinuity after multiple revision total hip surgeries requiring custom triflange acetabular reconstruction, which we accomplished through a direct anterior approach to the hip. The direct anterior approach to the hip has grown in popularity but still has the reputation of being a minimally invasive approach without the capacity for extensile exposure in the revision setting. We describe the extensile technique and demonstrate through our case the ability to perform the most challenging cases through this approach and discuss the potential benefits of its utilization.

The effect of surgical approach on early complications of total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is traditionally associated with a low complication rate, with complications such as infection, fracture and dislocation requiring readmission or reoperation. We seek to identify the complication rate among the anterior, direct lateral and posterior surgical approaches.

METHODS

We reviewed all THAs performed at the Epworth Healthcare from 1 July 2014 to 30 June 2016. There were 2437 THAs performed by a variety of approaches. No hips were excluded from this study. We surveyed the hospital database and the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry (AOANJRR) to identify those patients who had been readmitted and/or reoperated on. Details collected included age, gender, laterality of the surgery (left/right/bilateral), surgical approach utilised, complications which occurred.

RESULTS

There were 29 peri-prosthetic fractures detected (13 anterior, 9 lateral, 7 posterior) and 10 underwent revision of implant, 19 were fixed. The increased rate of revision in the anterior group was statistically significant. There were 14 dislocations (5 anterior, 1 lateral, 8 posterior) of which 8 prostheses were revised. Three cases operated via the anterior approach and 1 by the lateral had early subsidence without fracture, necessitating revision of the femoral prostheses. Operative site infection occurred in 12 cases (2 anterior, 4 lateral, 6 posterior) with 6 requiring revision of implants.

CONCLUSION

The complication rates between the 3 main approaches are similar, but individual surgeons should be vigilant for complications unique to their surgical approaches, such as femoral fractures in the anterior approach and dislocations in the posterior approach.

ASA class is associated with early revision and reoperation after total hip arthroplasty: an analysis of the Geneva and Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Registries

Background and purpose - Data from several joint replacement registries suggest that the rate of early revision surgery after primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) is increasing. The ASA class, now widely recorded in arthroplasty registries, may predict early revision. We investigated the influence of ASA class on the risk of revision and other reoperation within 3 months and within 5 years of primary THA. Patients and methods - We used data from the Geneva and Swedish Hip Arthroplasty Registries, on primary elective THAs performed in 1996-2016 and 2008-2016, respectively. 5,319 and 122,241 THAs were included, respectively. Outcomes were all-cause revision and other reoperations evaluated using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox regression analyses. Results - Within 3 months after surgery, higher ASA class was associated with greater risk of revision and other reoperation. 3-month cumulative incidences of revision by ASA class I, II, and III-IV respectively, were 0.6%, 0.7%, and 2.3% in Geneva and 0.5%, 0.8%, and 1.6% in Sweden. 3-month cumulative incidences of other reoperation were 0.4%, 0.7%, and 0.9% in Geneva and 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.7% in Sweden. Adjusted hazard ratios (ASA III-IV vs. I) for revision within 3 months were 2.7 (95% CI 1.2-5.9) in Geneva and 3.3 (CI 2.6-4.0) in Sweden. Interpretation - Assessment of ASA class of patients prior to THA will facilitate risk stratification. Targeted risk-reduction strategies may be appropriate during the very early postoperative period for patients identified as at higher risk. Systematically recording ASA class in arthroplasty registries will permit risk adjustment and facilitate comparison of revision rates internationally.

Comparative outcomes between collared versus collarless and short versus long stem of direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and indirect meta-analysis

INTRODUCTION

Early research shows several advantages of the direct anterior approach (DAA) in THA that claimed to be as effective but less invasive than the posterior approach. However, due to the difficult femoral exposure and possible complications related to femoral preparation, this approach may result in a higher rate of undersized stems when compared to other approaches. The present authors believe that the femoral implant design (collar or collarless stem, short or long stem) in a collared femoral stem may relate to lower rates of stem subsidence and limb length discrepancy (LLD) in mid-term to long-term follow-up when compared to collarless femoral stems. However, currently, there is no consensus as to which femoral implant design is the most suitable for DAA in THA.

METHODS

This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to assess and compare postoperative complications (neurapraxia, wound infection, LFCN, hematoma, artery injury, cup malposition, embolism, fracture and implant loosening) and revision rates due to dislocation, periprosthetic fracture and implant migration after DAA using collared compared to collarless femoral stem and short femoral stem compared to long femoral stem in THA. These clinical outcomes consist of the postoperative complications and revision femoral stem due to neurapraxia, wound, LFCN and LLD. This systematic review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.

RESULTS

Relevant studies that reported postoperative complications and revision of either implant were identified from Medline and Scopus from inception to June 6, 2018. Thirty-four studies were included for the analysis of DAA in THA; 23 studies were retrospective cohorts, four studies were prospective cohorts, and seven studies were RCTs. Thirty-one studies and three studies were included for analysis of collarless and collared femoral stems. Twenty-six studies were long femoral stems and eight studies were short femoral stems. Overall, there were 6825 patients (6457 in the collarless group and 368 in the collared group, 4280 in long stem and 2545 in short stem). A total of 469 and 66 patients had complications and revisions in the collarless group, and no patient had complications and revisions in the collared stem group. The total complication and revision rate per patient were 5% (95%CI 3.3%, 7%) and 0.9% (95%CI 0.6%, 1.2%) in all patients. The complication rate and revision rate were 5.7% (95%CI 3.8%, 7.7%) and 0.9% (95%CI 0.6, 1.2) in the collarless group. There was no prevalence of complications and revisions in the collared stem group. The complication rate and revision rate were 10.2% (95%CI 9%, 11.4%), 0.7% (95%CI 0.3%, 1%) and 5.2% (95%CI 3.1, 7.2), 1.5% (95%CI 1%, 2%) in short and long femoral stems, respectively. Indirect meta-analysis shows that collared femoral stem provided a lower risk of complications of 0.02 (95%CI 0.001, 0.30) when compared to collarless femoral stem. Long femoral stems had a lower risk of having complications of 0.57 (95%CI 0.48, 0.68) when compared to short femoral stems. In terms of revision, there is no statistically significant difference in collared femoral stem compared to collarless femoral stem and long femoral stem compared to short femoral stem.

CONCLUSION

In DAA THA, collared femoral stem and long femoral stem had decreased complication rates when compared to collarless femoral stem and short femoral stem by both direct and indirect meta-analysis methods. However, in terms of revision rates, there were no differences between all femoral stems (short versus long and collared versus collarless). Prospective randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm these findings as the current literature is still insufficient.

2019 Frank Stinchfield Award: A comparison of prosthetic joint infection rates between direct anterior and non-anterior approach total hip arthroplasty

AIMS

We studied the impact of direct anterior (DA) versus non-anterior (NA) surgical approaches on prosthetic joint infection (PJI), and examined the impact of new perioperative protocols on PJI rates following all surgical approaches at a single institution.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 6086 consecutive patients undergoing primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) at a single institution between 2013 and 2016 were retrospectively evaluated. Data obtained from electronic patient medical records included age, sex, body mass index (BMI), medical comorbidities, surgical approach, and presence of deep PJI. There were 3053 male patients (50.1%) and 3033 female patients (49.9%). The mean age and BMI of the entire cohort was 62.7 years (18 to 102, sd 12.3) and 28.8 kg/m² (13.3 to 57.6, sd 6.1), respectively. Infection rates were calculated yearly for the DA and NA approach groups. Covariates were assessed and used in multivariate analysis to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for risk of development of PJI with DA compared with NA approaches. In order to determine the effect of adopting a set of infection prevention protocols on PJI, we calculated ORs for PJI comparing patients undergoing THA for two distinct time periods: 2013 to 2014 and 2015 to 2016. These periods corresponded to before and after we implemented a set of perioperative infection protocols.

RESULTS

There were 1985 patients in the DA group and 4101 patients in the NA group. The overall rate of PJI at our institution during the study period was 0.82% (50/6086) and decreased from 0.96% (12/1245) in 2013 to 0.53% (10/1870) in 2016. There were 24 deep PJIs in the DA group (1.22%) and 26 deep PJIs in the NA group (0.63%; p = 0.023). After multivariate analysis, the DA approach was 2.2 times more likely to result in PJI than the NA approach (OR 2.2 (95% confidence interval 1.1 to 3.9); p = 0.006) for the overall study period.

CONCLUSION

We found a higher rate of PJI in DA versus NA approaches. Infection prevention protocols such as use of aspirin, dilute povidone-iodine lavage, vancomycin powder, and Gram-negative coverage may have been positively associated with diminished PJI rates observed for all approaches over time. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):2-8.

Surgical approach significantly affects the complication rates associated with total hip arthroplasty

AIMS

A variety of surgical approaches are used for total hip arthroplasty (THA), all with reported advantages and disadvantages. A number of common complications can occur following THA regardless of the approach used. The purpose of this study was to compare five commonly used surgical approaches with respect to the incidence of surgery-related complications.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The electronic medical records of all patients who underwent primary elective THA at a single large-volume arthroplasty centre, between 2011 and 2016, with at least two years of follow-up, were reviewed. After exclusion, 3574 consecutive patients were included in the study. There were 1571 men (44.0%) and 2003 women (56.0%). Their mean age and body mass index (BMI) was 63.0 years (sd 11.8) and 29.1 kg/m² (sd 6.1), respectively. Data gathered included the age of the patient, BMI, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score, estimated blood loss (EBL), length of stay (LOS), operating time, the presence of intra- or postoperative complications, type of complication, and the surgical approach. The approaches used during the study were posterior, anterior, direct lateral, anterolateral, and the northern approach. The complications that were recorded included prolonged wound drainage without infection, superficial infection, deep infection, dislocation, aseptic loosening, and periprosthetic fracture. Finally, the need for re-operation was recorded. Means were compared using analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t-tests where appropriate and proportions were compared using the chi-squared test.

RESULTS

A total of 248 patients had 263 complications related to the surgery, with an incidence of 6.94%. The anterior approach had the highest incidence of complications (8.5% (113/1329)) and the posterior approach had the lowest, at 5.85% (97/1657; p = 0.006). Most complications were due to deep infection (22.8%), periprosthetic fracture (22.4%), and prolonged wound drainage (21.3%). The rate of dislocation was 0.84% (14/1657) with the posterior approach and 1.28% (17/1329) with the anterior approach (p = 0.32).

CONCLUSION

Overall, THA has a relatively low complication rate. However, the surgical approach plays a role in the incidence of complications. We found that the posterior approach had a significantly lower overall complication rate compared with the anterior approach, with an equal dislocation rate. Periprosthetic fracture and surgical site infection contributed most to the early complication rates. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B:646-651.

Does patient-reported perception of pain differ based on surgical approach in total hip arthroplasty?

Aims

Whether patient-reported pain differs among surgical approaches in total hip arthroplasty (THA) remains unclear. This study’s purposes were to determine differences in pain based on surgical approach (direct anterior (DA) vs posterolateral (PL)) and PL approach incision length.

Patients and Methods

This was a retrospective investigation from two centres and seven surgeons (three DA, three PL, one both) of primary THAs. PL patients were categorized for incision length (6 cm to 8 cm, 8 cm to 12 cm, 12 cm to 15 cm). All patients had cementless femoral and acetabular fixation, at least one year’s follow-up, and well-fixed components. Patients completed a pain-drawing questionnaire identifying the location and intensity of pain on an anatomical diagram. Power analysis indicated 800 patients in each cohort for adequate power to detect a 4% difference in pain (alpha = 0.05, beta = 0.80).

Results

A total of 1848 patients (982 DA, 866 PL) were included. PL patients were younger (59.4 years, sd 12.9 vs 62.7 years, sd 9.7; p < 0.001) and had shorter follow-up (3.3 years, sd 1.3 vs 3.7 years, sd 1.3; p < 0.001). DA patients reported decreased moderate to severe trochanteric (14% vs 21%; p < 0.001) and groin pain (19% vs 24%; p = 0.004) than PL patients. There were no differences in anterior, lateral, or posterior thigh, back, or buttock pain between cohorts (p = 0.05 to 0.7). PL approach incision length did not impact the incidence or severity of pain (p = 0.3 to 0.7).

Conclusion

A significant proportion of patients perceive persistent pain following THA regardless of approach. DA patients reported less trochanteric and groin pain versus PL patients. PL incision length did not influence the incidence or severity of patient-reported pain. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2019;101-B(6 Supple B):31–36.

Mechanical Complications Following Total Hip Arthroplasty Based on Surgical Approach: A Large, Single-Institution Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

The influence of surgical approach on risk of early postoperative mechanical complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues to be a focus of debate. We performed the first single-institution study on risk of early operative and nonoperative mechanical complications after THA based on approach, with the hypothesis that there would be no clinically significant difference with modern surgical methods.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on 16,186 consecutive THA performed from 2010 to 2016. Revision or conversion THA and cases performed for hip fracture, with recalled prostheses, or during a surgeon's learning period were excluded. THAs were performed using direct anterior (DA; n = 5465), direct lateral (DL; n = 8561), or posterolateral approach with soft tissue repair (PL; n = 2160). All mechanical complications within the first 2 years were identified. The primary analysis was a time to event Cox regression, accounting for both patient and surgeon characteristics.

RESULTS

Compared with the DL approach, risk of mechanical complications was higher for both DA and PL. Adjusted risk of instability within 2 years was 0.17%, 0.74%, and 1.74% for DL, DA, and PL, respectively. While occurring at similar rates with the PL and DL approaches, the risk of periprosthetic fracture and loosening increased with DA. Consequently, femoral failure, including fracture or loosening, occurred more frequently for DA, with an adjusted incidence of 1.20% vs 0.58% and 0.47%, with DL and PL.

CONCLUSION

Even with soft tissue repair, instability continues to occur with increased frequency with the PL approach. While reducing dislocation, a higher risk of femoral failure with DA must also be considered. Nevertheless, the DL approach appears to confer the lowest overall risk of mechanical complications.

Influence of surgical approach on final outcome in total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis in patients older than 80 years

Purpose

We compared the outcome of total hip arthroplasty (THA) in this age group using direct anterior or posterior approach.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis following consecutive primary THA in patients over 80 years.

Results

The DAA group demonstrated significantly shorter length of stay, better functional improvement, no dislocation or revision while PA group required two revisions due to dislocation.

Conclusions

The use of DAA for THA in the elderly was associated with shorter hospitalization and superior functional outcomes in the early post-operative period, and had a lower rate of dislocation without increasing risk of early revision.

Total hip arthroplasty for the management of hip fracture: A review of the literature

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is indicated for completely displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF) in elderly community ambulators. Compared to open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) and hemiarthroplasty (HA), THA has favorable outcomes in this population. Cementless fixation with prophylactic cabling is the technique of choice. THA is costlier for hip fractures than for osteoarthritis, but is cost effective for FNF given its lower rate of revision than HA or ORIF. Postoperative home discharge with a home exercise program in appropriate patients may effectively control costs while optimizing outcome.

Poor outcomes for osteoporotic patients undergoing conversion total hip arthroplasty following prior failed dynamic hip screw fixation: a nationwide retrospective cohort study

Objectives

This study was performed to compare the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of conversion total hip arthroplasty (CTHA) following prior failed InterTan nail (IT) fixation or dynamic hip screw (DHS) fixation in Asian patients with osteoporotic intertrochanteric hip fractures (IHFs) and to clarify which implant tends to be more favourable for CTHA.

Methods

Records of consecutive Asian patients with osteoporosis who underwent conversion of failed primary unilateral IT or DHS fixation to THA from 2010 to 2013 were extracted from the comprehensive database of the China Pacific Insurance Company Ltd. All consecutive procedures were managed by high-volume surgeons. The primary endpoint was the clinical outcome. The secondary endpoint was the radiological outcome.

Results

In total, 447 Asian patients with osteoporotic IHFs (DHS, n = 223; IT, n = 224) were assessed during a median follow-up of 46 months (range, 39–53 months). The two groups showed a significant difference in the Harris hip score at final follow-up and in the orthopaedic complication rate (DHS, 20.2%; IT, 9.8%).

Conclusion

Conversion to THA following prior failed DHS fixation tends to be associated with poorer clinical and radiological outcomes in Asian patients with osteoporotic IHFs than that following prior failed IT fixation.

Do Postoperative Results Differ in a Randomized Trial Between a Direct Anterior and a Direct Lateral Approach in THA?

BACKGROUND

The direct lateral approach to THA provides good exposure and is associated with a low risk of dislocations, but can result in damage to the abductor muscles. The direct anterior approach does not incise muscle, and so recovery after surgery may be faster, but it has been associated with complications (including fractures and nerve injuries), and it involves a learning curve for surgeons who are unfamiliar with it. Few randomized trials have compared these approaches with respect to objective endpoints as well as validated outcome scores.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to compare the direct anterior approach with the direct lateral approach to THA with respect to (1) patient-reported and validated outcomes scores; (2) frequency and persistence of abductor weakness, as demonstrated by the Trendelenburg test; and (3) major complications such as infection, dislocation, reoperation, or neurovascular injury.

METHODS

We performed a randomized controlled trial recruiting patients from January 2012 to June 2013. One hundred sixty-four patients with end-stage osteoarthritis were included and randomized to either the direct anterior or direct lateral approach. Before surgery and at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months, a physiotherapist recorded the Harris hip score (HHS), 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), and performed the Trendelenburg test directly after the 6MWD. The patients completed the Oxford Hip Score (OHS) and the EQ-5D. The groups were not different at baseline with respect to demographic data and preoperative scores. Both groups received the same pre- and postoperative regimes. Assessors were blinded to the approach used. One hundred fifty-four patients (94%) completed the 2-year followup; five patients from each group were lost to followup.

RESULTS

There were few statistical differences and no clinically important differences in terms of validated or patient-reported outcomes scores (including the HHS, 6MWD, OHS, or EQ-5D) between the direct anterior and the lateral approach at any time point. A higher proportion of patients had a persistently positive Trendelenburg test 24 months after surgery in the lateral approach than the direct anterior approach (16% [12 of 75] versus 1% [one of 79]; odds ratio, 15; p = 0.001). Irrespective of approach, those with a positive Trendelenburg test had statistically and clinically important worse HHS, OHS, and EQ-5D scores than those with a negative Trendelenburg test. There were four major nerve injuries in the direct anterior group (three transient femoral nerve injuries, resolved by 3 months after surgery, and one tibial nerve injury with symptoms that persist 24 months after surgery) and none in the lateral approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our findings, no case for superiority of one approach over the other can be made, except for the reduction in postoperative Trendelenburg test-positive patients using the direct anterior approach compared with when using the direct lateral approach. Irrespective of approach, patients with a positive Trendelenburg test had clinically worse scores than those with a negative test, indicating the importance of ensuring good abductor function when performing THA. The direct anterior approach was associated with nerve injuries that were not seen in the group treated with the lateral approach.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

Early Failure of Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty: Is Surgical Approach a Risk Factor?

BACKGROUND

In an era of innovation in surgical approaches for total hip arthroplasty (THA), there is concern for increasing trends of early failure. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of early failure of primary THA stratified by surgical approach.

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on consecutive primary THAs completed from 2007 to 2014 at a high-volume center. THAs were stratified by surgical approach. Only the direct anterior (DAA) and posterior approaches (PA) were included. The primary outcome measure was early revision (<5 years). Descriptive statistics were performed using SAS software.

RESULTS

In total, 6894 primary THAs performed between 2007 and 2014 were included. Across 2431 DAA THAs and 4463 PA THAs, there were 103 revisions overall. There was no difference in the overall revision rate for DAA THAs (1.69%) compared to PA THAs (1.39%) (P = .33). The DAA had a higher rate of early revisions for femoral component loosening compared to the PA (P = .0003). About 35.7% of DAA THAs were revised for femoral loosening compared to 8% for the PA (P = .0003). Early failure by femoral loosening occurred more often via the DAA in Dorr A bone (P = .03). The PA had a higher incidence of revision for instability (P = .04). There was no difference in modes of failure with regards to time to failure, acetabular loosening, early periprosthetic fracture, or infection.

CONCLUSION

The DAA had a higher incidence of femoral loosening while PA had a higher mode of failure due to instability. Overall revision rates were not statistically different between approaches.

Do Stem Design and Surgical Approach Influence Early Aseptic Loosening in Cementless THA?

BACKGROUND

Some studies have revealed an increased risk of early aseptic loosening of cementless stems in THA when inserted through an anterior or anterolateral approach compared with a posterior approach, whereas approach does not appear to be a risk factor in others. Stem design, whether "anatomic" (that is, stems with a curved lateral profile or an obtuse angle at the proximal-lateral portion of the stem) or "shoulder" (that is, straight with a proximal shoulder), may also be associated with a differential risk of aseptic loosening in cementless THA depending on the surgical approach used, but if so, this risk is not well characterized.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

In this national registry study, we investigated the association between surgical approach and early aseptic loosening of (1) cementless femoral stems with a proximal angular shape (shoulder); and (2) anatomically shaped femoral stems.

METHODS

The Dutch Arthroplasty Registry is a nationwide population-based register recording data on primary and revision hip arthroplasty. We selected all primary THAs (n = 63,354) with a cementless femoral stem inserted through an anterior, anterolateral, or posterior approach from 2007 to 2013 with a minimal followup of 2 years. Femoral stems were classified as "anatomic," "shoulder," or "other" (that is, not classifiable as anatomic or shoulder). From the 47,372 THAs with an anatomic or shoulder stem (mean followup, 3.5 years; SD, 1.8 years), 340 (0.7%) underwent revision surgery as a result of aseptic loosening of the femoral stem, 1195 (2.5%) were revised for other reasons, and 1558 patients (3.3%) died. We used Cox proportional hazard models to determine hazard ratios for aseptic loosening of anatomic and shoulder stems for the anterolateral and anterior approaches compared with the posterior approach.

RESULTS

After controlling for relevant confounding variables such as sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, previous surgery, and coating and material of the femoral stem, we found that there was a stem-approach interaction. Separate analysis showed that shoulder stems had a greater likelihood of early aseptic loosening when the anterolateral approach (hazard ratio [HR], 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.43-3.63; p < 0.001) or anterior approach (HR, 10.47; 95% CI, 2.55-43.10; p = 0.001) was used compared with the posterior approach. Separate analysis of the anatomic stems yielded no association with approach (anterolateral: HR, 1.07, 95% CI, 0.70-1.63, p = 0.77; anterior: HR, 1.31, 95% CI, 0.91-1.89, p = 0.15).

CONCLUSIONS

In THA, cementless femoral stems with a proximal shoulder are associated with early aseptic loosening when inserted through an anterior or anterolateral approach compared with a posterior approach. An anatomically shaped stem may be preferred with these approaches, although further analysis with larger registry volumes should confirm our results, in particular for shouldered stems when implanted through an anterior approach.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III, therapeutic study.