Objectives: We evaluated the clinical and radiographic results of total hip arthroplasties (THA) performed with the minimally invasive anterolateral (MIA) and standard anterolateral (SA) approaches.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 25 patients (17 women, 8 men; mean age 57.7+/-12.5 years) and 15 patients (11 women, 4 men; mean age 68.9+/-5.5 years) who underwent THA with the SA and MIA approaches, respectively. The mean body mass index was 32.5+/-5.8 kg/m2 in the SA group and 28.7+/-2.7 kg/m2 in the MIA group. The two groups were compared with respect to blood loss, operation time, blood transfusions, and length of hospital stay. Pain was assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS), and functional results were assessed with the Harris hip score (HHS). The SF-36 questionnaire was administered pre- and postoperatively. Radiographic evaluations included femoral and acetabular components and signs of loosening. The mean follow-up was 25.2+/-8.7 months in the SA group and 26.1+/-7.2 months in the MIA group.
Results: The amount of blood loss and blood transfusions were significantly reduced and length of hospital stay was significantly shorter in the MIA group (p<0.001). The mean operation time did not differ between the two groups (p>0.05). Improvements in the VAS and HHS scores were significantly better in the MIA group (p<0.001). Similarly, improvements in all the SF-36 subscales other than general health, mental health, and role-physical subscales were significantly greater in the MIA group. Radiographically, no signs of loosening and osteolysis were seen. Superficial or deep wound infections did not occur.
Conclusion: Compared to the SA approach, the MIA approach in THA operations is associated with shorter hospital stay, reduced blood loss and blood transfusions, better postoperative pain control, and higher levels of improvements in HHS and SF-36 scores.