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Surgical Approaches for Total Hip Arthroplasty
Vincent M Moretti1, Zachary D Post1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Rothman Institute at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Indian Journal of Orthopaedics
|August 10, 2017
Summary
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) offers multiple surgical approaches, including posterior, direct lateral, and direct anterior. Each has unique benefits and risks, with no single approach proving superior in current research.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Surgical Techniques
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a highly successful and frequently requested orthopedic procedure.
- Multiple surgical approaches exist for THA, with posterior, direct lateral, and direct anterior being most prevalent globally.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the history, techniques, outcomes, and complications of common THA surgical approaches.
- To provide a comparative overview to aid surgeons in approach selection.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on posterior, direct lateral, and direct anterior THA approaches.
- Analysis of historical development, surgical techniques, patient outcomes, and complication rates for each approach.
Main Results:
- Each common THA approach (posterior, direct lateral, direct anterior) has distinct advantages and disadvantages.
- Current high-quality comparative studies are limited, preventing definitive conclusions on superiority.
Conclusions:
- All major THA approaches can be performed safely and effectively.
- Surgeons should select the THA approach based on their individual expertise and comfort level.
- Alternative approaches like anterolateral and direct superior are recognized but less common.
