Comparison of clinical effects between direct lateral and posterolateral approach for primary total hip arthroplasty

WANG Yefeng; ZOU Tianming; CHEN Guangxiang

doi:10.3969/j.issn.1674-666X.2016.02.004

Abstract：Objective To compare the clinical effects of primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) using direct lateral versus posterolateral approach. Methods From June 2009 to May 2014, a total of 102 patients performed primary unilateral THA in Suzhou Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, among them 46 patients operated through direct lateral approach, and 56 patients through posterior lateral approach. Their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively, and the operating time, intraoperative estimate blood loss, length of incision, postoperative complications, as well as Harris hip function score and lateral abduction time at 6 months postoperatively were recorded. Results There were no significant differences in operating time, intraoperative estimate blood loss, Harris hip function score and lateral abduction time percentage at 6 months postoperatively between two groups (P>0.05). However, the incision length in direct lateral approach group was shorter than that in posterolateral approach group (P <0.05). Two cases of dislocation and 1 case of sciatic nerve injury occurred in posterolateral group, while there was no postoperative complication in direct lateral approach group. Conclusions Satisfactory therapeutic effects could be obtained by THA procedure either through direct lateral or posterolateral approach; It seems that THA through direct lateral approach has advantages of shortening incision length and reducing postoperative complications compared with posterolateral approach.