Trochanteric osteotomy in total hip arthroplasty: comparison of 2 techniques

A study of 100 cemented total hip arthroplasties was performed in 2 different hospitals. Group 1 hips (50 hips in 42 patients; mean follow-up period, 5.4 years) had been operated on with the modified Liverpool technique involving an anterior osteotomy of the greater trochanter. These were compared with group 2 (50 hips in 41 patients; mean follow-up period, 6.2 years), in whom a Charnley transtrochanteric osteotomy approach was used. The 2 groups showed no significant difference with respect to hip abductor muscle power (MRC grading), trochanteric union, Trendelenberg gait, heterotopic ossification (Brooker grading), and patient satisfaction assessed with the help of a questionnaire. Group 2 had a larger number of trochanteric problems, whereas group 1 had a greater increase in mobility scores after surgery.