The Röttinger approach for total hip arthroplasty: technique, comparison to the direct lateral approach and review of literature

Outcomes of the Anterior-Based Muscle-Sparing Approach in Elective Total Hip Arthroplasty in Nonagenarians

Background

As the population ages, total hip arthroplasty has become more common in elderly patients including patients over the age of 90 years. Efficacy in this age group has been established, though literature regarding safety of total hip arthroplasty in nonagenarians is mixed. The anterior-based muscle-sparing (ABMS) approach, which exploits the intermuscular plane between the tensor fasciae latae and the gluteus medius, has proposed benefits of fast recovery, excellent stability, and reduced bleeding and may be adventitious among elderly, more fragile patients.

Methods

A total of 38 consecutive nonagenarians undergoing elective, primary total hip arthroplasty via the ABMS approach for any indication from 2013 to 2020 were identified, and information regarding operative outcomes and patient-reported outcomes was gathered from review of medical records and our institutional joint replacement outcomes database.

Results

Included patients ranged from 90 to 97 years of age with the majority classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists score 2 (50%) or American Society of Anesthesiologists 3 (47.4%). The mean operative time was 74.6 minutes ± 13.6 minutes. Of all patients, 5 required a transfusion, 2 patients were readmitted within 90 days, and there were no major complications. The mean hospital length of stay was 2.8 days ± 0.8 days with 22 patients (57.9%) discharged to a skilled nursing facility. Limited patient-reported outcomes data showed statistically significant improvements in most outcomes scores at 6 months to 1 year postoperatively compared to preoperative scores.

Conclusions

The ABMS approach is safe and effective in nonagenarians who may benefit from decreased amounts of bleeding and recovery times associated with the ABMS approach, which is evident from the low complication rates, relatively short hospital lengths of stay, and acceptable transfusion rates compared to previous studies.

Surgical Approaches in Total Hip Arthroplasty

The Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) has become one of the most reliable surgical interventions that has improved the quality of life in many patients. THA allows patients to have increased mobility, range of motion, and reduced pain in patients with degenerative hip joints. This surgical procedure has become an effective treatment option for several chronic conditions affecting the hip joint. Although this surgery has been shown to give promising results in patients with hip pathology, selecting the approach for THA is a critical step in pre-operative planning. The best approach for this surgical procedure depends on multiple factors and each present with their own challenges, success rates, and limitations. To further elucidate the advantages and disadvantages associated with different surgical approaches, we critically review each surgical approach along with the different causes of failure of the THA procedure.

The ABLE Anterior-Based Muscle-Sparing Approach: A Safe and Effective Option for Total Hip Arthroplasty

Background

The direct anterior and posterior approaches are well-researched options in total hip arthroplasty (THA). The less-studied anterior-based muscle-sparing approach, also known as the ABLE advanced anterior approach, centers on minimizing surgical trauma and medical costs while maintaining or improving patient outcomes.

Material and methods

THAs performed using the ABLE approach by 3 surgeons at a single institution between January 2013 and August 2020 were retrospectively assessed for outcomes pertaining to safety and performance intraoperatively, perioperatively, and postoperatively. Additionally, intraoperative and postoperative complications were evaluated, and patient-reported outcome measures and radiographic outcomes out to 1-year follow-up.

Results

There were 6251 THAs (5433 patients) eligible for inclusion. The mean surgical time was 65 minutes, mean intraoperative blood loss was 204 mL, and the transfusion rate was 0.5%. Patients had a mean length of stay of 1.4 days. Overall, 93.4% of patients were discharged home, 1.9% visited the emergency department within 30 days, and 2.9% had an unplanned readmission to the hospital within 90 days. The overall major surgical complication rate was 1.18%, with a dislocation rate of 0.13%, a deep infection rate of 0.19%, and a postoperative periprosthetic fracture rate of 0.37%.

Conclusions

The minimally invasive ABLE approach is a safe and effective surgical approach for patients undergoing THA. It can be performed efficiently and with limited complications, making it an appealing option for surgeons to utilize during this era of value-based care.

Minimally Invasive Intermuscular Approaches Versus Conventional Approaches in Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

To date, the literature has not yet revealed superiority of Minimally Invasive (MI) approaches over conventional techniques. We performed a systematic review to determine whether minimally invasive approaches are superior to conventional approaches in total hip arthroplasty for clinical and functional outcomes. We performed a meta-analysis of level 1 evidence to determine whether minimally invasive approaches are superior to conventional approaches for clinical outcomes.

METHODS

All studies comparing MI approaches to conventional approaches were eligible for analysis. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines were adhered to throughout this study. Registries were searched using the following MeSH terms: 'minimally invasive', 'muscle-sparing', 'THA', 'THR', 'hip arthroplasty' and 'hip replacement'. Locations searched included PubMed, the Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov, the European Union (EU) clinical trials register and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (World Health Organisation).

RESULTS

Twenty studies were identified. There were 1,282 MI total hip arthroplasty (THAs) and 1,351 conventional THAs performed. There was no difference between MI and conventional approaches for all clinical outcomes of relevance including all-cause revision (P = .959), aseptic revision (P = .894), instability (P = .894), infection (P = .669) and periprosthetic fracture (P = .940). There was also no difference in functional outcome at early or intermediate follow-up between the two groups (P = .38). In level I studies exclusively, random-effects meta-analysis demonstrated no difference in aseptic revision (P = .461) and all other outcomes between both groups.

CONCLUSION

Intermuscular MI approaches are equivalent to conventional THA approaches when considering all-cause revision, aseptic revision, infection, dislocation, fracture rates and functional outcomes. Meta-analysis of level 1 evidence supports this claim.

Anterior-Based Approaches to Total Hip Arthroplasty: Beyond the Learning Curve

BACKGROUND

Anterior-based approaches for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have gained popularity over the last decade. At our institution, anterior-based approaches are preferentially utilized, including both anterior-based muscle-sparing (ABMS) and direct anterior (DA) for primary THA. As there are higher complication rates during the transition to an anterior approach, we compared the outcomes and complications between ABMS and DA approaches beyond the learning curve.

METHODS

A retrospective study of all ABMS and DA primary THA patients performed at a single institution was performed, excluding the first 100 anterior cases done by any surgeon. In total, 813 DA and 378 ABMS THA cases were included. Demographics, complications, and patient-reported outcomes (PROMIS and HOOS) were obtained for each patient.

RESULTS

There was a 4.5% overall complication rate (4.1% in DA and 5.6% in ABMS, P = .248), with the most common complication being infection at 1.7% (1.5% vs 2.1%, P = .423). A revision was performed in 3.4% of cases overall (1.8% aseptic, 1.6% septic). There was no difference in complication rates between approaches. Length of surgery was shorter for ABMS (94.5 vs 116.0 minutes, P < .001). Both DA and ABMS had significant improvements in PROMIS and HOOS Jr. scores, without any significant difference between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Anterior-based approaches for primary THA demonstrated excellent clinical results and low complication rates overall. Beyond the learning curve, excellent results can be obtained with either ABMS or DA approach for primary THA.

Anterolateral minimally invasive hip approach offered faster rehabilitation with lower complication rates compared to the minimally invasive posterior hip approach-a University clinic case control study of 120 cases

INTRODUCTION

The surgical approach used in total hip arthroplasty (THA) has been identified as a factor affecting the outcome. In our University Hospital, the posterior surgical approach is the gold standard. The Rottinger approach is an anterolateral approach which is truly minimally invasive, as it does not vertically cut any muscle fibers. The objective of this study was to determine the difference in surgical outcomes between the posterior hip approach and the Rottinger approach which was newly adopted at our Hospital.

METHODS

In a retrospective study, a total of 120 patients underwent THA; 60 patients using the Rottinger approach by the young consultant surgeon and another 60 patients using the standard posterior approach by the senior orthopaedic surgeon. Patients have been controlled for age, gender, and ASA grades. All preoperative demographic data showed no significant difference between the control and study groups. The following parameters were analyzed: incision length, duration of the surgery, intraoperative blood loss, WOMAC index, Harris Hip Score, range of motion at 3 and 12 months after surgery, time of quitting the crutches, and willingness for the contralateral hip arthroplasty.

RESULTS

WOMAC index, surgical time, and incision lengths have been without significant difference in both approaches. Intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the Rottinger group (CI:  - 10.903,  - 0.064). Harris Hip score was significantly higher (CI: 4.564, 12.973) in the Rottinger group at 3 months, but similar (CI:  - 3.484, 2.134) at 12 months follow-up. At 3 months, active flexion and extension were significantly higher in the Rottinger group (CI: 0.595, 8.239; 2.487, 4.480, respectively), and active abduction and passive adduction (CI:  - 5.662,  - 0.338;  - 6.290,  - 1.410, respectively) in the posterior approach group. Patients in the Rottinger approach group on average quit crutches 3 weeks earlier and had no postoperative dislocations compared to 2 dislocations in the control group.

CONCLUSION

The Rottinger approach offered faster rehabilitation with less need for crutches and with lower complication rates.

Low pelvic incidence is a risk factor for intraoperative complications in minimally invasive anterolateral approach for total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Minimally invasive anterolateral approach (ALA) has gained popularity in recent years as better postoperative functional recovery and lower risk of postoperative dislocation are claimed. However, difficulties for femur exposure and intraoperative complications during femoral canal preparation and component placement have been reported. This study analyses the effect of anatomical factors on difficulties for femoral access and intraoperative complications with a modified minimally invasive ALA.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

310 consecutive patients who had primary unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) by single surgeon using same approach and technique, and being suitable for EOS were included. All patients underwent pre- and postoperative standing and sitting full-body EOS acquisitions and pelvic and femoral parameters were measured. All intra- and postoperative complications for femoral preparation and implantation were assessed. Intraoperative complications included femoral fractures and difficulties for femoral exposure.

RESULTS

10 patients (3.2%) had intraoperative femoral fractures (2 greater trochanter, 8 calcar). Difficult access to the proximal femur was reported for 10 other patients (3.2%). Patients with intraoperative complications presented a significantly lower pelvic incidence (PI) than patients without intraoperative complications (mean PI: 39.4° vs. 56.9°, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The pelvic incidence can be useful to detect anatomically less favourable patients for THA implantation using ALA.

Outcomes of Revision Hip Arthroplasty Using the Supine Anterior-Based Muscle Sparing Approach

Background

In the United States, the number of revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) cases is projected to grow from 50,000 in 2014 to 85,000 by 2030. The anterior-based muscle sparing approach (ABMS) has been described as a viable approach for primary THA, but little has been written in the revision setting. This study compares the supine ABMS approach to alternative approaches in revision THA.

Material and methods

A retrospective review was performed on 149 revision THAs from 2016 to 2019. The ABMS, modified Müller Hardinge (MMH), and posterolateral (PL) approaches were studied. Age, reason for arthroplasty, length of operation, length of stay, blood loss, and complications were extracted. Clinical outcomes were measured by the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Modified Harris Hip Score, University of California Los Angeles activity score, and Veterans RAND 12 Mental/Physical scores.

Results

Approaches included 52 ABMS (33.8%), 58 MHH (37.7%), and 39 PL (25.3%). Complexity of cases and patient demographics were equivalent for each cohort. Extensile approaches were used in 12 of the 52 ABMS, 26 of the 58 MMH, and 13 of the 39 PL revisions, including acetabular cages, open reduction internal fixation for periprosthetic fracture, extended trochanteric osteotomy, hardware removal, and/or pelvic discontinuity. There were no differences for blood loss, length of stay, complications, and outcome scores between approaches.

Conclusion

We found no difference in complications or clinical outcome scores between the ABMS, MMH, and PL approaches for revision THA. The supine ABMS approach provides adequate extensile exposure of the femur and acetabulum for complex revisions and is a reliable approach for revision THA.

Outcomes of the Supine Anterior-based Muscle-sparing Approach for Primary and Revision Hip Arthroplasty

INTRODUCTION

Risks and outcomes of total hip arthroplasty (THA) are believed to vary relative to the surgical approach. This study compares the supine anterior-based muscle-sparing (ABMS) approach with its modern-day counterparts.

METHODS

A retrospective review was done on 550 patients undergoing primary or revision THA from 2016 to 2018. Surgical modalities included direct anterior (DAA), ABMS, posterolateral, and Müller modified Hardinge approaches. Surgical data were collected, and clinical outcomes were measured by the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, Modified Harris Hip Score, UCLA, and VR-12 Mental/Physical scores preoperatively and compared clinical outcomes among approaches.

RESULTS

A total of 550 patients were included (447 primaries, 103 revisions). The average age was 64 years (231 men, 319 women). Approaches included 79 DAA (14%), 212 ABMS (39%), 180 modified Müller-Hardinge (33%), and 79 posterolateral (14%). The incidence of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve injury was more common with the DAA (P = 0.008), but no other clinically significant differences were noted among the groups.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed no clinically notable differences between the supine ABMS and other approaches. The supine ABMS approach is an acceptable approach in modern day THA when used by an experienced surgeon well-versed in the approach.

Immediate effects of plantar vibration stimuli during static upright posture following total hip arthroplasty in females

PURPOSE

Proprioceptive function of the lower limbs deteriorates in patients following total hip arthroplasty. Patients show poor balance and rely more on visual information than proprioceptive information. Plantar vibration stimuli can mechanically enhance somatosensory input from the plantar cutaneous mechanoreceptors, thereby improving static balance. Plantar vibration stimuli may improve static balance in patients after total hip arthroplasty. This is the first study to investigate whether plantar vibration stimuli affects static balance during the early phase following total hip arthroplasty.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this cross-over design study, 16 female patients (aged 65.1 ± 11.0 years) received plantar vibration stimuli for 2 minutes or the sham interventions after total hip arthroplasty in a randomized order on different days. The foot centre of pressure was measured for the total path length, mediolateral path length, and anteroposterior path length directions before and immediately after the interventions in the static standing position both with eyes open and closed. Patients were instructed to minimize body sway when standing.

RESULTS

A significant increase was observed in the centre of pressure parameters in the eyes closed condition than in the eyes open condition. The centre of pressure parameters for the eyes closed condition was significantly decreased after vibration interventions than that before intervention.

CONCLUSIONS

This study supports the view that plantar vibration stimuli can change static balance in patients in the early phase after total hip arthroplasty temporarily by up-weighting sensory information. These stimuli may serve as a treatment option for influencing balance following total hip arthroplasty.

Direct anterior versus mini-anterolateral approach for primary total hip arthroplasty: early postoperative outcomes and complications

Background

Anterior-based approaches to primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) are being used more frequently, and several variations have been described. The supine direct anterior (DA) approach has been widely studied, but few studies have compared it with the mini-anterolateral (mini-AL) approach (abductor-sparing, Watson-Jones approach) in the lateral decubitus position. This study aims to compare early perioperative complications and outcomes between these 2 approaches.

Methods

This study retrospectively reviewed 340 consecutive THAs (n = 170 DA, n = 170 mini-AL) performed by 3 arthroplasty surgeons at a single institution between January 2017 and May 2018. The primary outcome was reoperation for any reason within 1 year. Secondary outcomes included wound-healing complications and several perioperative factors. A Student's t-test was used for continuous variables, and a chi-squared test was used for categorical variables.

Results

In this cohort, 6 patients (4%) from the mini-AL group required reoperation within 1 year, compared with 2 patients (1%) from the DA group (P = .024). However, the DA group had 13 patients (8%) with wound-healing complications compared with 6 patients (4%) in the mini-AL group 4% (P = .036). Perioperative outcomes were similar for operative time, distance walked with physical therapy, morphine milligram equivalent consumed, length of stay, and discharge disposition. Pain scores during index hospitalization were also similar.

Conclusions

Patients who underwent THA using the supine DA approach had fewer reoperations within 1 year, but more wound-healing complications compared with the mini-AL approach in the lateral decubitus position. For surgeons performing primary THA using an anterior-based approach, relative risks and benefits of these approaches must be understood.

Level of Evidence

Level III.

Advantages of an Anterior-Based Muscle-Sparing Approach in Transitioning From a Posterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Minimizing the Learning Curve

BACKGROUND

Enthusiasm for anterior-based approaches for total hip arthroplasty (THA) continues to increase but there is concern for increased complications during the learning curve period associated. This study aimed to investigate if there was a difference in perioperative variables, intraoperative and immediate postoperative complications, or patient-reported outcomes when transitioning from a mini-posterior approach (mPA) to an anterior-based muscle-sparing (ABMS) approach for THA.

METHODS

Retrospective cohort study on the first 100 primary THA cases (n = 96 patients) of the senior author (August 2016 to August 2017) using the ABMS approach. These cases were compared to primary THA cases done the year prior (July 2015 to July 2016, n = 91 cases in 89 patients) using an mPA. Data were extracted and analyzed via gamma regression with robust standard errors and using generalized estimating equation regression.

RESULTS

We found no difference in the estimated blood loss (P = .452) and surgical time (P = .564) between the cohorts. The ABMS cases had a slightly shorter length of stay (P = .001) with an adjusted mean length of stay of 1.53 days (95% confidence interval 1.4-1.6) compared to 1.85 days (95% confidence interval 1.8-1.9) in the mPA cases. There was no difference in the frequency of immediate postoperative complications (all, P > .05). There was no difference in the adjusted mean change in patient-reported outcomes (all P > .05). In the ABMS group, there was no difference in surgical time or physical function computerized adaptive test between the first 20 cases (reference) and each subsequent group of 20 cases (all P > .05).

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates no associated learning curve for an experienced senior surgeon when switching routine THA approach from mPA to ABMS. We advise careful interpretation of our results, as they may not apply to all surgeons and practices.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III Therapeutic Study: retrospective comparative study.

Short-term outcomes of the supine muscle-sparing anterolateral versus direct lateral approach to primary total hip arthroplasty

BACKGROUND

Although total hip arthroplasty (THA) is among the most successful orthopaedic procedures, it is not without complications. As such, finding the optimal surgical approach has become an area of particular interest. In this study, we compare: (1) pain intensity; (2) opioid consumption; (3) lengths of stay (LOS); (4) complication rates; (5) discharge destination; and (6) ambulatory function between patients who underwent THA via the supine muscle-sparing anterolateral (MS-ALA) and conventional direct lateral (DLA) approaches.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 220 consecutive patients who received primary THA using the supine MS-ALA (n = 101) or DLA (n = 119) between 1 January 2014 and 31 December 2016. Outcomes included postoperative pain intensity, opioid consumption, LOS, discharge destination, complications, additional procedures, and time to independent ambulation.

RESULTS

We demonstrated significantly lower opioid consumption on postoperative days (POD) 1 and 2 (mean differences, -32.0 and -28.4 mg, respectively; p ⩽ 0.001) and decreased pain intensity during the second 24 hours of the hospital stay (mean difference, -22.0; p < 0.001) in patients receiving the MS-ALA. Relative to the DLA cohort, patients in the MS-ALA cohort were 2.04 times more likely to be discharged to home (p = 0.028) and 1.91 times less likely to experience postoperative abductor insufficiency (p = 0.039).

CONCLUSION

The present study is the 1st to compare postoperative outcomes, particularly pain intensity and opioid consumption, between the supine muscle-sparing anterolateral and direct lateral THA approaches. Further research should investigate the effect of surgical approach on quality and cost of care, include larger sample sizes, and involve longer-term follow-up.

The anterior-based muscle-sparing approach to the hip: the "other" anterior approach to the hip

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to evaluate safety, efficacy, and learning curves of anterior-based muscle-sparing total hip arthroplasty (ABMS-THA) in the supine position. Furthermore, early functional outcome was evaluated and compared to direct anterior approach (DAA) by measuring surface electromyography (sEMG).

METHODS

We present a prospective cohort study of 343 hips. The safety and learning curve were assessed by recording operative time and peri-operative adverse events. For assessment of efficacy, functional and radiological outcomes were evaluated. A selected group of 32 patients have been studied by sEMG and compared to a matched group of 32 patients who received a THA using DAA approach.

RESULTS

There was one dislocation (0.3%); two (0.6%) patients had an intra-operative fractures of the greater trochanter; two patients (0.6%) experienced a self-limited femoral nerve palsy. Physical therapy milestones for hospital discharge were reached on an average of 1.7 days. sEMG showed that ABMS and DAA have a similar muscle recruitment pattern and functional recovery after THA. One patient was revised for infection, 16 were lost, and 326 hips were available with a median follow-up of 42 months (range 24-60). The mean Harris Hip Score (HSS) increased from 44.3 to 91.9. Ninety-six percent of the hips had a leg length discrepancy (LLD) < 5 mm. There were no radiological signs of mechanical loosening or osteolysis.

CONCLUSIONS

The ABMS approach in the supine position is clinically effective and safe; special advantages include a very low dislocation rate and a great control of LLD.