Greater inadvertent muscle damage in direct anterior approach when compared with the direct superior approach for total hip arthroplasty

D. F. Amanatullah, M. A. Masini, D. J. Roger, M. W. Pagnano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

19 Scopus citations

Abstract

Aims We wished to quantify the extent of soft-tissue damage sustained during minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty through the direct anterior (DA) and direct superior (DS) approaches. Materials and Methods In eight cadavers, the DA approach was performed on one side, and the DS approach on the other, a single brand of uncemented hip prosthesis was implanted by two surgeons, considered expert in their surgical approaches. Subsequent reflection of the gluteus maximus allowed the extent of muscle and tendon damage to be measured and the percentage damage to each anatomical structure to be calculated. Results The DA approach caused substantially greater damage to the gluteus minimus muscle and tendon when compared with the DS approach (t-test, p = 0.049 and 0.003, respectively). The tensor fascia lata and rectus femoris muscles were damaged only in the DA approach. There was no difference in the amount of damage to the gluteus medius muscle and tendon, piriformis tendon, obturator internus tendon, obturator externus tendon or quadratus femoris muscle between approaches. The posterior soft-tissue releases of the DA approach damaged the gluteus minimus muscle and tendon, piriformis tendon and obturator internus tendon. Conclusion The DS approach caused less soft-tissue damage than the DA approach. However the clinical relevance is unknown. Further clinical outcome studies, radiographic evaluation of component position, gait analyses and serum biomarker levels are necessary to evaluate and corroborate the safety and efficacy of the DS approach.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1036-1042
Number of pages7
JournalBone and Joint Journal
Volume98-B
Issue number8
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2016

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Surgery
  • Orthopedics and Sports Medicine

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