Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 26, 2026
The Transition to an Anterior-Based Muscle Sparing Approach Improves Early Postoperative Function but is Associated with a Learning Curve
Published on: September 7, 2022
A comparison of the omega and posterior approaches on patient reported function and radiological outcomes following
James R Berstock1,2, Ashley W Blom1,2, Michael R Whitehouse1,2
1Musculoskeletal Research Unit, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Bristol, Level 1 Learning and Research Building, Southmead Hospital, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK.
Background:
The omega approach represents a modification of the lateral approach to the hip for joint replacement. It was developed to reduce the potential for gluteus muscle dysfunction and thereby improve functional outcome following hip replacement.
Methods:
A cohort of 415 consecutive hip replacements receiving the same type of cemented femoral component were followed up at a mean of three years postoperatively and invited to complete functional outcome and satisfaction scores.
Results:
There were no differences between the omega and the posterior approach in terms of post-operative Oxford Hip Score, Short Form-12 score, patient satisfaction and a range of radiographic parameters.
Conclusions:
The omega approach appears to perform equally to the posterior approach in this cohort of patients.
