The ABLE Anterior-Based Muscle-Sparing Approach: A Safe and Effective Option for Total Hip Arthroplasty

The direct anterior and posterior approaches are well-researched options in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The less-studied anterior-based muscle-sparing approach, also known as the ABLE advanced anterior approach, centers on minimizing surgical trauma and medical costs while maintaining or improving patient outcomes.

THAs performed using the ABLE approach by 3 surgeons at a single institution between January 2013 and August 2020 were retrospectively assessed for outcomes pertaining to safety and performance intraoperatively, perioperatively, and postoperatively. Additionally, intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated, and patient-reported outcome measures and radiographic outcomes out to 1-year follow-up.

There were 6251 THAs (5433 patients) eligible for inclusion. The mean surgical time was 65 minutes, mean intraoperative blood loss was 204 mL, and the transfusion rate was 0.5%. Patients had a mean length of stay of 1.4 days. Overall, 93.4% of patients were discharged home, 1.9% visited the emergency department within 30 days, and 2.9% had an unplanned readmission to the hospital within 90 days. The overall major surgical complication rate was 1.18%, with a dislocation rate of 0.13%, a deep infection rate of 0.19%, and a postoperative periprosthetic fracture rate of 0.37%.

The minimally invasive ABLE approach is a safe and effective surgical approach for patients undergoing THA. It can be performed efficiently and with limited complications, making it an appealing option for surgeons to utilize during this era of value-based care.