FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF LATERAL APPROACH FOR TOTAL HIP REPLACEMENT: A COHORT STUDY.

Abstract

Background 

The majority of the cases undergoing total hip replacements have favorable outcomes in a significant number of cases the outcomes are not as per the requirement. The outcome of the surgery depends on the approach taken to perform Total hip replacement (THR). This study aims to determine the effect of the lateral approach in performing total hip replacement on the outcome of the surgery.

Method

This study considered the retrospective data as well as the prospective data of the patients undergoing total hip replacement surgery. The patients underwent THR by lateral modified approach. Harris hip score was used for functional evaluation of the hip bone and the Trendelenburg test was performed for abductor muscle strength. 

Results 

Among the 100 patients included in the study, the mean age was 55.55 years (SD ± 7.2), with 45% being male and 55% female. THR was performed on the left side in 63% of patients and on the right side in 37%. The most common indication for surgery was a fracture of the neck of the femur (66%). Postoperatively, 39% of patients had excellent outcomes, 55% had good outcomes, and 6% had fair outcomes based on the Harris hip score. No patients were reported to have poor outcomes. Complications included heterotrophic ossification in 5% of patients and superficial infections in 4% of patients.

Conclusion 

The modified lateral approach provides a better visualization of the hip, the dissection of the muscles is not involved and the retention of the posterior capsule prevents it from dislocation and provides extra stability.

Recommendation 

A lateral modified approach should be considered for performing total hip replacement surgery irrespective of the indication as the complications reported in this study are comparatively lesser than the other approaches used.