Total hip arthroplasty through a minimally invasive lateral approach--our experience and early results.

BACKGROUND AIMS Evaluation of: 1. early clinical and radiographic results of total hip arthroplasty (THA) through a standard lateral direct approach, 2. early clinical and radiographic results of THA through a minimal lateral approach, 3. comparison of the results of THA in these two groups. MATERIAL AND METHODS 120 THAs (60 cementless and 60 cemented) done in 120 patients due to degenerative changes were evaluated prospectively. 60 THAs were done through a minimal lateral approach and constituted a study group. 60 THAs were done through a direct lateral approach and constituted a control group. The mean age of the 120 patients (98 women and 22 men) was 45 y.o. (range: 32-67 y.o.). The duration of follow-up in the study group was from 6 to 12 months (mean: 8.5 months). The duration of follow-up in the control group was from 10 to 16 months (mean: 10.5 months). Mean preoperative functional status of the study group was 44.5 points according to the Harris hip score. Radiographic evaluation of the results was done according to the criteria of the Joint Committee of the Hip Society, AAOS and SICOT. RESULTS 6 months after THA, clinical results were 92 pts in the study group and 88 pts in the control group. Radiographic outcomes were very good in all 120 patients from both arms: there were no differences between the control and study group. The incidence of complications was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Minimally invasive THA demonstrated its value in the treatment of degenerative changes of the hip joint with regard to short-term outcomes. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were comparable between the standard and minimally invasive approaches. Success with THA using a minimally invasive approach depends on excellent operative technique and experience with standard hip approaches rather than on the use of special instruments.