Direct anterior total hip arthroplasty: Literature review of variations in surgical technique

The direct anterior approach to the hip has been suggested to have several advantages compared to previously popular approaches through its use of an intra-muscular and intra-nervous interval betweenthe tensor fasciae latae and sartorius muscles. Recent increased interest in tissue-sparing and minimallyinvasive arthroplasty has given rise to a sharp increase in the utilization of direct anterior total hip arthroplasty. A number of variations of the procedure have been described and several authors have published their experiences and feedback to successfully accomplishing this procedure. Additionally, improved understanding of relevant soft tissue constraints and anatomic variants has provided improved margin of safety for patients. The procedure may be performed using speciallydesigned instruments and a fracture table, however many authors have also described equally efficacious performance using a regular table and standard arthroplasty tools. The capacity to utilize fluoroscopy intraoperatively for component positioning is a valuable asset to the approach and can be of particular benefit for surgeons gaining familiarity. Proper management of patient and limb positioning are vital to reducing risk of intra-operative complications. An understanding of its limitations and challenges are also critical to safe employment. This review summarizes the key features of the direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty as an aid to improving the understanding of this important and effective method for modern hip replacement surgeons.

Direct anterior total hip arthroplasty:Comparative outcomes and contemporary results

Direct anterior total hip arthroplasty has become increasingly more popular among arthroplasty surgeons,in large part due to the use of an intramuscular interval and desire to reduce soft tissue damage.Several studies have now been published comparing the anterior intramuscular to other commonly used approaches,and many studies have published complication rates on large series of patients.Review of comparative studies indicates direct anterior hips tend towards shorter hospital stays and high rates of patients discharged to home.Although some studies show evidence of early benefit in functional outcomes,there is no strong evidence that the anterior approach provides any long term functional improvements compared to other approaches.Additionally,evidence to support reduced damage to soft tissue may not translate to certain clinical significance.Rates of intra-operative femur fracture,operative time and blood loss rates are notably higher for those developing familiarity with this approach.However,when surgeons have performed a modest number of procedures,the complication rates tend to markedly decrease in most studies to levels comparable to other approaches.Accuracy of component positioning also favors the anterior approach in some studies.This review summarizes the available literature comparing the direct anterior to other approaches for total hip arthroplasty and provides a comprehensive summary of common complications.