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Published on: September 7, 2022
A modified posterior approach preserves femoral head oxgenation during hip resurfacing
Robert-Tobias Steffen1, Koen A De Smet, David W Murray
1Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, University of Oxford, Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford, UK.
Abstract:
In 11 patients, the oxygenation was measured in the superolateral quadrant of the femoral head during resurfacing with a modified posterior approach, designed to preserve the blood supply, using a gas-sensitive electrode. These were compared with measures from 10 patients in whom the standard posterior approach was used. The modified approach patients maintained a significantly (P < .005) higher amount of relative oxygenation after the approach, 78% (standard deviation [SD], 45%) vs 38% (SD, 26%), and acetabular component implantation, 74% (SD, 56%) vs 20% (SD, 28%). The modified posterior approach, unlike the standard extended approach, does not significantly compromise the blood supply to the head; and we recommend this approach be considered for hip resurfacing.
