Preoperative ultrasound to map the three-dimensional anatomical distribution of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty

Indirect comparisons of traction table versus standard table in total hip arthroplasty through direct anterior approach: a systematic review and frequentist network meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

It remains unclear whether the use of an orthopaedic traction table (TT) in direct anterior approach (DAA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) results in better outcomes. The aim of this systematic review and network meta-analysis was to compare the THA outcomes through DAA on a standard operating table and the THA outcomes through DAA on a TT.

METHODS

PubMed, Epistemonikos, and Google Scholar were searched for relevant randomized controlled trials (RCTs) up to 01 January 2024. An indirect comparison in network meta-analysis was performed to assess treatment effects between DAA on a TT and DAA on a standard table, using fixed-effects and random-effects models estimated with frequentist approach and consistency assumption. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated for continuous variables and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% CIs were estimated for binary variables.

RESULTS

The systematic review of the literature identified 43 RCTs with a total of 2,258 patients. DAA with TT had a 102.3 mL higher intraoperative blood loss and a 0.6 mmol/L lower Hb 3 days postoperatively compared with DAA without TT (SMD = 102.33, 95% CI 47.62 to 157.04; SMD = - 0.60, 95% CI  - 1.19 to - 0.00). DAA with TT had a 0.15 lower periprosthetic fracture OR compared with DAA without TT (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.86). There were no further significant differences in surgical, radiological, functional outcomes and in complication rates.

CONCLUSION

Based on our findings and taking into account the limitations, we recommend that particular attention be paid to the risk of periprosthetic fracture in DAA on a standard operating table and blood loss in DAA with TT. Since numerous other surgical, radiological, functional outcome parameters and other complication rates studied showed no significant difference between DAA on a standard operating table and DAA with TT, no recommendation for a change in surgical technique seems justified.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I evidence, because this is a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

First 100 total hip arthroplasties performed by a young surgeon using the direct anterior approach: learning curve and complications

INTRODUCTION

Most of the reported discussions about the learning curve for the direct anterior approach (DAA) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) have been by experienced surgeons. The study's aim was to describe the learning curve, short-term outcomes, complications, and adaptations to the DAA used in the first 100 THA cases experienced by a young surgeon who had received DAA training for trauma surgeries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective study summarizes the first 100 consecutive cases experienced by a young surgeon who performed the unilateral DAA for THA between 2019 and 2021. Cumulative sum (CUSUM) analysis was performed to evaluate the learning curve on the basis of operative time and overall complications. The demographics data, short-term outcomes, and complications of the first 50 and second 50 cases were compared.

RESULTS

The CUSUM curve declined after 49 and 55 cases, measured by operative time and overall complications, respectively. The median operative time (104 vs. 80 min) and intraoperative fluoroscopic time (38 vs. 12 s) increased significantly in the first 50 cases compared with the times in the second 50 cases. Complications tended to occur in the first 50 cases (12% vs. 6%), and the overall rate was 9%. Major complications all occurred in the first 50 cases, with a rate of 4%. Only one case, which involved a complicated periprosthetic fracture around the stem that extended to the tip, required the intervention of a senior surgeon.

CONCLUSIONS

Even after receiving training on the DAA for trauma surgeries, the young surgeon experienced a steep learning curve and more complications in the first 50 cases. The DAA for THA is a technically demanding procedure and may require guidance from an experienced surgeon to manage unexpected complications.

Minimally invasive anterolateral approach versus direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty in the supine position: a prospective study based on early postoperative outcomes

BACKGROUND

Minimally anterolateral approach (MAA) and direct anterior approach (DAA) have been reported as beneficial for total hip arthroplasty (THA) due to their ability to reduce postoperative pain and lead to quicker rehabilitation by preserving muscle insertions. As there is an ongoing debate on the effect of these two approaches on early postoperative outcomes, this prospective study aimed to assess the difference in early clinical, radiological, and patient-reported outcomes between the two minimally invasive approaches.

METHODS

A total of 98 patients, 50 in the MAA group and 48 in the DAA group, were included in the study. Patients with complete data were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively at 2, 6, and 12 weeks. Clinical measurements, including the ability to climb stairs and walk, 6-min walk test (6MWT), the Forgotten Joint Scale (FJS-12), Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) Hip scores, radiological evaluation, and complications were analyzed.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences in clinical outcomes and implant alignments between MAA and DAA groups. In regards to patient-reported outcomes, the FJS-12 was significantly higher in the MAA group compared to group DAA at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively. However, there was no significant difference in the FJS-12 between the two groups 12 weeks after surgery. The differences also included shorter operative times (62.4 ± 9.05 min vs. 71 ± 8.01 min), less blood loss (132.6 ± 43.31 ml vs. 159.23 ± 37.25 ml), lower Hb drop (29.56 ± 8.02 g/L vs. 36.4 ± 7.12 g/L), and fewer blood transfusions in the MAA group (4.0% vs. 18.8%). The incidence of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) neuropraxia after surgery was 7 (14.6%) in the DAA group and 0 in the MAA group. One fracture was found in each group and managed conservatively.

CONCLUSION

MAA and DAA approach yielded excellent and similar early clinical outcomes. However, better patient-reported outcomes could be achieved by MAA THA. The MAA resulted in a safer approach associated with shorter operative times, less blood loss, lower Hb drop, fewer blood transfusions, and LFCN neuropraxia than DAA. A longer follow-up is needed to further examine differences between these procedures.