Which approach of total hip arthroplasty is the best efficacy and least complication?

BACKGROUND Total hip arthroplasty is as an effective intervention to relieve pain and improve hip function.Approaches of the hip have been exhaustively explored about pros and cons.The efficacy and the complications of hip approaches remains inconclusive.This study conducted an umbrella review to systematically appraise previous meta-analysis(MAs)including conventional posterior approach(PA),and minimally invasive surgeries as the lateral approach(LA),direct anterior approach(DAA),2-incisions method,mini-lateral approach and the newest technique direct superior approach(DSA)or supercapsular percutaneouslyassisted total hip(SuperPath).AIM To compare the efficacy and complications of hip approaches that have been published in all MAs and randomized controlled trials(RCTs).METHODS MAs were identified from MEDLINE and Scopus from inception until 2023.RCTs were then updated from the latest MA to September 2023.This study included studies which compared hip approaches and reported at least one outcome such as Harris Hip Score(HHS),dislocation,intra-operative fracture,wound compliData were independently selected,extracted and assessed by two reviewers.Network MA and cluster rank and surface under the cumulative ranking curve(SUCRA)were estimated for treatment efficacy and safety.RESULTS Finally,twenty-eight MAs(40 RCTs),and 13 RCTs were retrieved.In total 47 RCTs were included for reanalysis.The results of corrected covered area showed high degree(13.80%).Among 47 RCTs,most of the studies were low risk of bias in part of random process and outcome reporting,while other domains were medium to high risk of bias.DAA significantly provided higher HHS at three months than PA[pooled unstandardized mean difference(USMD):3.49,95%confidence interval(CI):0.98,6.00 with SUCRA:85.9],followed by DSA/SuperPath(USMD:1.57,95%CI:-1.55,4.69 with SUCRA:57.6).All approaches had indifferent dislocation and intraoperative fracture rates.SUCRA comparing early functional outcome and composite complications(dislocation,intra-operative fracture,wound complication,and nerve injury)found DAA was the best approach followed by DSA/SuperPath.CONCLUSION DSA/SuperPath had better earlier functional outcome than PA,but still could not overcome the result of DAA.This technique might be the other preferred option with acceptable complications.

Mortality rate after total knee arthroplasty or total hip arthroplasty in patients with a history of liver transplant

In this editorial I comment on the article by Ahmed et al published in a recent issue of the World J Orthop 2023;14:784-790.It is well known that patients who have undergone a liver transplant(LT)may need to have a total hip arthroplasty(THA)or total knee arthroplasty(TKA)implanted.Ahmed et al stated that the mortality rate in these patients was similar to the one of the general population.However,there are three articles previously published that found higher mortality in LT patients who experienced THA/TKA than in the general population(individuals without LT).Therefore,in this Editorial I would like to point out that there is controversy in the literature regarding whether LT patients undergoing THA/TKA have higher mortality than the general population.Therefore,future research should attempt to resolve this controversy.

Dislocation of primary total hip arthroplasty:Analysis of risk factors and preventive options

Total hip arthroplasty(THA)is one of the most successful elective operations in orthopedic surgery for improving pain and functional disability in patients with end-stage joint disease.However,dislocation continues to be a troublesome complication after THA,as it is a leading cause of revision and is associated with substantial social,health,and economic costs.It is a relatively rare,usually early occurrence that depends on both the patients’characteristics and the surgical aspects.The most recent and important finding is the special attention to be given preoperatively to spinopelvic mobility,which is closely related to the incidence of dislocation.Consequently,clinical and radiographic assessment of the lumbar spine is mandatory to identify an altered pelvic tilt that could suggest a different positioning of the cup.Lumbar spinal fusion is currently considered a risk factor for dislocation and revision regardless of whether it is performed prior to or after THA.Surgical options for its treatment and prevention include the use of prostheses with large diameter of femoral head size,dual mobility constructs,constrained liners,and modular neck stems.

Effects of ulinastatin combined with dexmedetomidine on cognitive dysfunction and emergence agitation in elderly patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND With the continuous growth of the modern elderly population,the risk of fracture increases.Hip fracture is a common type of fracture in older people.Total hip arthroplasty(THA)has significant advantages in relieving chronic pain and promoting the recovery of hip joint function.AIM To investigate the effect of ulinastatin combined with dexmedetomidine(Dex)on the incidences of postoperative cognitive dysfunction(POCD)and emergence agitation in elderly patients who underwent THA.METHODS A total of 397 patients who underwent THA from February 2019 to August 2022.We conducted a three-year retrospective cohort study in Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital.Comprehensive demographic data were obtained from the electronic medical record system.We collected preoperative,intraoperative,and postoperative data.One hundred twenty-nine patients who were administered Dex during the operation were included in the Dex group.One hundred fifty patients who were intravenously injected with ulinastatin 15 min before anesthesia induction were included in the ulinastatin group.One hundred eighteen patients who were administered ulinastatin combined with Dex during the operation were included in the Dex+ulinastatin group.The patients’perioperative conditions,hemodynamic indexes,postoperative Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)scores,Ramsay score,incidence of POCD,and serum inflammatory cytokines were evaluated.RESULTS There was a significant difference in the 24 h visual analogue scale score among the three groups,and the score in the Dex+ulinastatin group was the lowest(P<0.05).Compared with the Dex and ulinastatin group,the MMSE scores of the Dex+ulinastatin group were significantly increased at 1 and 7 d after the operation(all P<0.05).Compared with those in the Dex and ulinastatin groups,incidence of POCD,levels of serum inflammatory cytokines in the Dex+ulinastatin group were significantly decreased at 1 and 7 d after the operation(all P<0.05).The observer’s assessment of the alertness/sedation score and Ramsay score of the Dex+ulinastatin group were significantly different from those of the Dex and ulinastatin groups on the first day after the operation(all P<0.05).CONCLUSION Ulinastatin combined with Dex can prevent the occurrence of POCD and emergence agitation in elderly patients undergoing THA.

Technical note for intraoperative determination of proper acetabular cup size in primary total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Selecting the optimal size of components is crucial when performing a primary total hip arthroplasty.Implanting the accurate size of the acetabular component can occasionally be exacting,chiefly for surgeons with little experience,whilst the complications of imprecise acetabular sizing or over-reaming can be potentially devastating.AIM To assist clinicians intraoperatively with a simple and repeatable tip in elucidating the ambivalence when determining the proper acetabular component size is not straightforwardly achieved,specifically when surgeons are inexperienced or preoperative templating is unavailable.METHODS This method was employed in 263 operations in our department from June 2021 to December 2022.All operations were performed by the same team of joint reconstruction surgeons,employing a typical posterior hip approach technique.The types of acetabular shells implanted were:The Dynasty®acetabular cup system(MicroPort Orthopedics,Shanghai,China)and the R3®acetabular system(Smith&Nephew,Watford,United Kingdom),which both feature cementless press-fit design.RESULTS The mean value of all cases was calculated and collated with each other.We distinguished as oversized an implanted acetabular shell when its size was>2 mm larger than the size of the acetabular size indicator reamer(ASIR)or when the implanted shell was larger than 4 mm compared to the preoperative planned cup.The median size of the implanted acetabular shell was 52(48–54)mm,while the median size of the preoperatively planned cup was 50(48–56)mm,and the median size of the ASIR was 52(50–54)mm.The correlation coefficient between ASIR size and implanted acetabular component size exhibited a high positive correlation with r=0.719(P<0.001).Contrariwise,intraoperative ASIR measurements precisely predicted the implanted cups’size or differed by only one size(2 mm)in 245 cases.CONCLUSION In our study,we demonstrated that the size of the first acetabular reamer not entering freely in the acetabular rim corroborates the final acetabular component size to implant.This was also corresponding in the majority of the cases with conventional preoperative templating.It can be featured as a valid tool for avoiding the potentially pernicious complications of acetabular cup over-reaming and over-sizing in primary total hip arthroplasty.It is a simple and reproducible technical note useful for confirming the predicted acetabular cup size preoperatively;thus,its application could be considered routinely,even in cases where preoperative templating is unavailable.

Examining the“revisability”benefit of hip resurfacing arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Hip resurfacing arthroplasty(HRA)is an alternative to total hip arthroplasty(THA)that is typically reserved for young active patients because it preserves bone.However,the benefits of HRA only hold true if conversion THA after failed HRA provides acceptable outcomes.AIM To compare patient reported outcomes for conversion THA after HRA failure to primary THA.METHODS A retrospective review of 36 patients(37 hips)that underwent conversion THA for failed HRA between October 2006 and May 2019 by a single surgeon was performed.Patient reported outcomes[modified Harris Hip Score(mHHS),University of California Los Angeles(UCLA)activity score]were obtained via an email-based responder-anonymous survey.Outcomes were compared to normative data of a primary THA cohort with similar demographics.Subgroup analysis was performed comparing outcomes of conversion THA for adverse local tissue reaction(ALTR)vs all other causes for failure.RESULTS The study group had a lower mHHS than the control group(81.7±13.8 vs 90.2±11.6,P<0.01);however,both groups had similar UCLA activity levels(7.5±2.3 vs 7.2±1.6,P=0.51).Patients that underwent conversion for non-ATLR causes had similar mHHS(85.2±11.5 vs 90.2±11.6,P=0.11)and higher UCLA activity levels(8.5±1.8 vs 7.2±1.6,P<0.01)compared to the control group.Patients that underwent conversion for ATLR had worse mHHS(77.1±14.5 vs 90.2±11.6,P<0.01)and UCLA activity levels(6.1±2.3 vs 7.2±1.6,P=0.05)when compared to the control group.CONCLUSION Patient outcomes equivalent to primary THA can be achieved following HRA conversion to THA.However,inferior outcomes were demonstrated for ALTR-related HRA failure.Patient selection and perhaps further studies examining alternative HRA bearing surfaces should be considered.

Effect of weight-adjusted antimicrobial antibiotic prophylaxis on postoperative dosage and surgical site infection incidence in total joint arthroplasty

Surgical site infections(SSI)following total joint arthroplasty pose a significant concern for both providers and patients across the globe.Currently,administration of antimicrobial antibiotic prophylaxis is used throughout the world to reduce the incidence of SSI.However,the correct dosage and frequency of administration remains debatable.In this editorial,we emphasized the determination of the effect of administration of weight-adjusted antimicrobial antibiotic prophylaxis regime on the incidence of SSI and postoperative dosage reduction compared to the conventionally used regime during total joint arthroplasty.The results demonstrated similar efficacy between both regimes with respect to the incidence of SSI.In addition,weight-adjustment led to reduced postoperative dosage and has the potential to reduce chances of achieving lower therapeutic concentration,drug resistance,drug toxicity,and costs.

Physiologic postoperative presepsin kinetics following primary cementless total hip arthroplasty:A prospective observational study

BACKGROUND Presepsin is an emerging biomarker in the diagnosis of sepsis.In the field of orthopaedics,it could be useful in diagnosing and managing periprosthetic joint infections.AIM To define the normal postoperative presepsin plasmatic curve,in patients undergoing primary cementless total hip arthroplasty(THA).METHODS Patients undergoing primary cementless THA at our Institute were recruited.Inclusion criteria were:Primary osteoarthritis of the hip;urinary catheter time of permanence<24 h;peripheral venous cannulation time of permanence<24 h;no postoperative homologous blood transfusion administration and hospital stay≤8 d.Exclusion criteria were:The presence of other articular prosthetic replacement or bone fixation devices;chronic inflammatory diseases;chronic kidney diseases;history of recurrent infections or malignant neoplasms;previous surgery in the preceding 12 mo;diabetes mellitus;immunosuppressive drug or corticosteroid assumption.All the patients received the same antibiotic prophylaxis.All the THA were performed by the same surgical and anaesthesia team;total operative time was defined as the time taken from skin incision to completion of skin closure.At enrollment,anthropometric data,smocking status,osteoarthritis stage according to Kellgren and Lawrence,Harris Hip Score,drugs assumption and comorbidities were recorded.All the patients underwent serial blood tests,including complete blood count,presepsin(PS)and C-reactive protein 24 h before arthroplasty and at 24,48,72 and 96 h postoperatively and at 3,6 and 12-mo follow-up.RESULTS A total of 96 patients(51 female;45 male;mean age=65.74±5.58)were recruited.The mean PS values were:137.54 pg/mL at baseline,192.08 pg/mL at 24 h post-op;254.85 pg/mL at 48 h post-op;259 pg/mL at 72 h post-op;248.6 pg/mL at 96-h post-op;140.52 pg/mL at 3-mo follow-up;135.55 pg/mL at 6-mo follow-up and 130.11 pg/mL at 12-mo follow-up.In two patients(2.08%)a soft-tissue infection was observed;in these patients,higher levels(>350 pg/mL)were recorded at 3-mo follow-up.CONCLUSION The dosage of plasmatic PS concentration is highly recommended in patients undergoing THA before surgery to exclude the presence of an unknown infection.The PS plasmatic concentration should be also assessed at 72 h postoperatively,evaluate the maximum postoperative PS value,and at 96 h post-operatively when a decrease of presepsin should be found.The lack of a presepsin decrease at 96 h post-operatively could be a predictive factor of infection.

Protective effect of sevoflurane on lung function of elderly chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)is a common respiratory disorder that affects the elderly population and increases the risk of postoperative pulmonary complications(PPCs)after major surgeries.Sevoflurane is a volatile anesthetic that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and attenuate lung injury in animal models.AIM To evaluate the protective effect of sevoflurane on the lung function of elderly COPD patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty(THA).METHODS In this randomized controlled trial,we randomly assigned 120 elderly patients with COPD,who were scheduled for THA,to receive either sevoflurane(sevoflurane group)or propofol(propofol group)as the maintenance anesthetic.The primary outcome was the incidence of PPCs within seven days after surgery.The secondary outcomes were changes in the lung function parameters,inflammatory markers,oxidative stress markers,and postoperative pain scores.RESULTS The results showed that the incidence of PPCs was significantly lower in the sevoflurane group than in the propofol group(10%vs 25%,P=0.02).Furthermore,the decline in the forced expiratory volume in 1 s,forced vital capacity,and peak expiratory flow was significantly lesser in the sevoflurane group than in the propofol group at 24 h and 48 h after surgery(P<0.05).The interleukin-6,tumor necrosis factor-alpha,malondialdehyde,and 8-hydroxy-2α-deoxyguanosine levels were significantly lower in the sevoflurane group than in the propofol group at 24 h after surgery(P<0.05).The sevoflurane group showed significantly lower postoperative pain scores than the propofol group at 6 h,12 h,and 24 h after surgery(P<0.05).CONCLUSION Sevoflurane protects the lung function of elderly COPD patients undergoing THA under general anesthesia by reducing the incidence of PPCs,attenuating inflammatory and oxidative stress responses,and alleviating postoperative pain.

Is There Any Relationship between Total Hip Arthroplasty and Urinary Incontinent?

Introduction: In my daily practice as a hip surgeon, I have observed some circumstances where urinary incontinence (UI) improves after total hip arthroplasty (THA). We investigated UI symptoms before and after THA at our facility and considered the factors that influence UI. Patients and Method: The subjects were 113 female patients who underwent primary THA in our facility. An anterior lateral approach was used in all cases. Using the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form (ICIQ-SF), we conducted an investigation into the presence of UI before and 2 weeks after THA. An improvement in UI was defined as a decrease of 1 point or more, a worsening is defined as an increase of 1 point or more. Results: The responses from the 113 subjects were analyzed. Of the 113 patients, prior to THA, UI was prevalent among 59 patients and was absent among 54 patients. In the group where UI was prevalent, it improved after THA in 50 patients (85%), remained unchanged in 5 (8%) and worsened in 4 (7%). In the group where UI was absent, 49 patients (91%) remained unchanged and UI appeared in 5 (9%). Compared with the non-prevalence group (62 patients), the prevalence group (50 patients) had a noticeable improvement rate of internal rotation of the surgical hip side (P Conclusion: UI greatly reduces the quality of life (QOL). In this study, there is a possibility that THA improves UI.

Clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted and manual total hip arthroplasty in the same patient:A case report

BACKGROUND Total hip arthroplasty(THA)is an effective treatment for advanced osteonecrosis of the femoral head,which can significantly relieve pain and improve patients'quality of life.Robotic-assisted THA enhances the accuracy and stability of THA surgery and achieves better clinical outcomes than manual THA.CASE SUMMARY We report the clinical outcomes of robotic-assisted THA and manual THA in the same patient with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.A 49-year-old male patient attended our hospital due to more than 3 years of pain in both hip joints.The left hip was treated with robotic-assisted THA.The patient underwent manual THA of the right hip 3 mo after robotic-assisted THA.We obtained postoperative radiograph parameters,Harris hip score and forgotten joint score of the patient 1 year after surgery.CONCLUSION Compared with manual THA,the patient’s left hip felt better 1 year after roboticassisted THA.Robotic-assisted THA resulted in a better Harris hip score and forgotten joint score than manual THA in the same patient with osteonecrosis of the femoral head.

Total hip arthroplasty following the failure of intertrochanteric nailing:First implant or salvage surgery?

BACKGROUND Proximal femur fractures,including both intracapsular(femoral neck fractures)and extracapsular fractures(intertrochanteric femoral fractures,IFFs),affect around 1.5 million people per year worldwide.Mechanical failures of intertrochanteric nailing in IFFs could be managed with revision total hip arthroplasty(THA).AIM To describe the surgical complexity and the procedure-related complication rates in patients with trochanteric nailing failure and treated with THA.METHODS Patients referred to our level I trauma center between April 2012 and July 2018 with failed cephalomedullary nailing following trochanteric fractures were retrospectively recruited.All patients underwent a salvage surgical procedure,i.e.,cephalomedullary nail removal and conversion to THA.The same surgical and anesthesiology team performed the surgical procedures under spinal anesthesia.All patients underwent clinical and radiographic follow-ups for at least 24 mo.Complications and re-operations were recorded.RESULTS Seventy-four patients met the inclusion criteria(male:29;female:45;mean age:73.8-years-old;range:65-89)and were included in the current study.The average operative time was 117 min(76-192 min).The average blood loss was 585 mL(430-1720 mL).Among the 74 patients,43(58.1%)required transfusion of three or more blood units.Two patients died within the 4th d after surgery because of pulmonary embolism,and 1 patient died 9 mo after surgery due to ischemic myocardial infarction.The complication rate in the 71 patients who completed the minimum 24-mo follow-up was 22.5%.In 3 cases out of 71(4.2%)periprosthetic acetabular fracture was observed during the followup.One of these periacetabular fractures occurred intraoperatively.An intraoperative periprosthetic femur fracture was observed in 5 patients out of 71(7.0%).Four of these patients needed a re-operation to fix the fracture with plates and cerclages;in one of these patients,femoral stem revision was also necessary.In 4 patients out of 71(5.6%),an early THA dislocation was observed,whereas in 1 case(1.4%)a late THA dislocation was observed.Three patients out of 71(4.2%)developed a periprosthetic joint infection during the study follow-up.CONCLUSION The present study demonstrated that salvage options for IFF fixation failure are complex procedures with a relevant intraoperative and postoperative complication rate.

Biodegradation of Polymethylmethacrylate Bone Cement May Not Be a Serious Issue in Total Hip Arthroplasty—Retrieval Study for Knoop Hardness and Young’s Modulus

Introduction: To investigate a long-term in vivo deterioration of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement over time, we evaluated retrieved PMMA cement in terms of chemical elements presenting in the cement using energy dispersive analysis of X-rays;Knoop hardness;and the Young’s modulus using scanning acoustic microscopy. Materials and Methods: For mechanical evaluation, we could neglect the influences of entrapped air bubbles or blood by the use of small specimens. The study was based on thirteen cement samples (six used in the acetabulum and seven in the femur) derived from eight patients (age at revision surgery: mean 72.5, range 68 to 79). All of these samples were Simplex-P?cement. They were functioning well at least ten years after the previous surgery. Duration until revision surgery was ranged 12 to 25 years (average, 17.4 years). The reason for revision was aseptic mechanical loosening. Twenty samples of Simplex-Preg;cement were served by manually mixing as a control. Results: The average of the hardness of the cement was 17.0 ± 1.2 (range, 13.4-20.6). In the control, the hardness was 17.8 ± 1.5 (range, 14.0-24.6). There was no significant difference between these values. The mean of Young’s modulus of the cement was 5.61 ± 0.19 GPa (range, 5.09-6.10). In the control, the modulus was 6.04 ± 0.13 GPa (range, 5.68-6.45). Although the modulus was significantly less than that of the control, there was only 7% decrease in average between twelve and twenty-five years in vivo. Conclusions: Our results suggest that long-term implantation and functional loading in vivo may not be the limiting factor in the mechanical integrity of the bone cement.

CEMENTLESS TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY IN PATIENTS OLDER THAN 70 YEARS

Objective To present 3-15 years follow-up of patients older than 70 years who underwent cementless total hip arthroplasty. Methods One hundred and two consecutive primary total hip arthroplasties utilizing a circumferential proximal porous coated femoral component and smooth surfaced threaded acetabular were performed in 92 patients. The patients were followed up clinically and radiographically every two years from their third year after surgery. Ten patients (10 hips) died and 14 patients (15 hips) were lost to follow up in three years after surgery. Sixty-seven patients (77 hips) were included in this study. Results The pre-operative Harris hip scores and pain scores were 45 and 15 points. They increased to 89 and 42 points by the third year. These scores decreased to 81 and 42 points in the ninth year and 77 and 37 points in the fifteenth year, respectively. More than 75% of the hips demonstrated good or excellent clinical results in the fifth year and 60% of the hips were rated good to excellent in the seventh to eleventh year. In the fifteenth year, only 50% of the hips had good or excellent results. All femoral components showed stable fixation by bone in-growth. Eight acetabular components were revised, with 5 due to mechanical loosening and 3 for recurrent instability. Thigh pain was documented in 4 hips. ConclusionThe smooth-surfaced threaded acetabular component has a high rate of failure. Circumferential proximal porous coated femoral components provided excellent radiographic results and acceptable clinical outcome with definite bone ingrowth. Patients older than 70 may be suitable candidates for cementless total hip arthroplasty.

自体股骨头结构植骨重建髋臼辅助THA在改良CROWE Type ⅣB型DDH中的临床疗效分析

目的:分析和总结自体股骨头结构植骨重建髋臼辅助全髋关节置换术(total hip arthroplasty,THA)治疗改良Crowe TypeⅣB型成人髋关节发育不良性脱位(developmental dysplasia of the hip,DDH)患者的临床疗效。方法:按照改良Crowe分型,选取山东大学齐鲁医院德州医院关节外科2015年8月至2023年3月收治的TypeⅣB型DDH患者26例,其中男25例,女1例,采用自体股骨头结构植骨重建髋臼辅助THA,记录患者手术时间、术中失血量、术中术后输血量、术后血红蛋白、手术相关并发症和骨愈合时间等,并行骨盆正位X线片了解假体位置、假体骨长入、假体松动以及骨愈合情况等,采用视觉模拟评分表(visual analogue scale,VAS)评价髋关节的疼痛不适,采用髋关节Harris评分和Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)来评价髋关节功能及临床疗效。结果:所有患者的平均随访时间(9.73±8.35)个月,术中出血平均为(715.38±143.37) mL,术中平均输血(415.38±282.41) mL,手术时间平均为(118.62±18.27) min,术后平均输血为(192.31±236.51) mL。所有患者转子下骨端、自体股骨头和假臼之间均骨愈合良好。髋关节VAS评分从术前6.73±0.45,至术后末次随访时VAS评分1.73±0.53,差异有统计学意义(P=0.000),髋关节活动度均较术前明显改善,髋关节Harris评分从术前24.27±1.66,至术后末次随访时Harris评分74.77±2.89,差异有统计学意义(P=0.000),WOMAC术前术后评分分别为130.08±5.72和67.85±3.23,差异均有统计学意义(P=0.000)。结论:自体股骨头结构植骨重建髋臼辅助THA治疗改良Crowe TypeⅣB型DDH,具有操作相对简单、固定牢固、手术相对安全和疗效确切的优点。

Anterior muscle sparing approach for total hip arthroplasty

The purpose of this review is to examine the validity of positive claims regarding the direct anterior approach(DAA) with a fracture table for total hip arthroplasty. Recent literature regarding the DAA was searched and specific claims investigated including improved early outcomes, speed of recovery, component placement, dislocation rates, and complication rates. Recent literature is positive regarding the effects of total hip arthroplasty with the anterior approach. While the data is not definitive at present, patients receiving the anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty tend to recover more quickly and have improved early outcomes. Component placement with the anterior approach is more often in the "safe zone" than with other approaches. Dislocation rates tend to be less than 1% with the anterior approach. Complication rates vary widely in the published literature. A possible explanation is that the varianceis due to surgeon and institutional experience with the anterior approach procedure. Concerns remain regarding the "learning curve" for both surgeons and institutions. In conclusion, it is not a matter of should this approach be used, but how should it be implemented.

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.

Total hip arthroplasty in developmental dysplasia of the hip: Review of anatomy, techniques and outcomes

Total hip arthroplasty(THA) in developmental dysplasia of the hip(DDH) presents many challenges to the reconstructive surgeon. The complex femoral and acetabular anatomy makes standard reconstruction technically challenging. Acetabular coverage can be improved by medialization of the component or augmentation of the deficient areas with bone graft. Femoral shortening osteotomies are considered in cases of severe dysplasia and frankly dislocated hips. Each patient's unique anatomy dictates what options of reconstruction are available. The functional outcomes of THA in DDH are generally excellent, though higher rates of mechanical failure have been reported in this group. This article reviews the anatomy, classification, technical considerations, and outcomes of THA in patients with DDH.

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.

Instability after total hip arthroplasty

Instability following total hip arthroplasty(THA) is an unfortunately frequent and serious problem that requires thorough evaluation and preoperative planning before surgical intervention. Prevention through optimal index surgery is of great importance, as the management of an unstable THA is challenging even for an experienced joints surgeon. However, even after well-planned surgery, a significant incidence of recurrent instability still exists. Non-operative management is often successful if the components are well-fixed and correctly positioned in the absence of neurocognitive disorders. If conservative management fails, surgical options include revision of malpositioned components; exchange of modular components such as the femoral head and acetabular liner; bipolar arthroplasty; tripolar arthroplasty; use of a larger femoral head; use of a constrained liner; soft tissue reinforcement and advancement of the greater trochanter.