Hospital course and early clinical outcomes of two-incision total hip arthroplasty

Abstract

Background: Minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty has been reported to have a better functional recovery by minimizing soft tissue trauma as compared with the conventional approach. This study analyzed the hospital course and early clinical outcomes of a series of 63 two-incision total hip arthroplasties.

Methods: Sixty patients (63 hips) were enrolled between September 2003 and July 2004 and followed for two years. Preoperatively, demographic data, body mass index, and diagnosis were recorded. Hip function and quality of life were assessed using the Harris hip score and the Western Ontario and McMaster University Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC).

Results: The mean operating time, blood loss, wound length, and hospital stay were 151 minutes, 700 ml, 9.9 cm, and 5 days, respectively. The mean cup abduction angles were 42.9 degrees and the mean cup anteversion angles were 17.9 degrees. Transient lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injuries occurred in 15.9% of cases. Intraoperative femoral fracture occurred in 2 cases and superficial wound infection occurred in 1 case. Despite these incidents, overall results show a majority of patients can achieve quicker recovery and satisfactory functional results with minimally invasive total hip arthroplasty.

Conclusions: This study analyzed the accuracy and quality of total hip arthroplasty using a minimally invasive approach and found the post-surgery results were not compromised by sparing muscles and limiting surgical field exposure. We suggest using the minimally invasive approach for total hip arthroplasty based on the encouraging clinical outcomes documented in this study.