Comparison of postoperative effectiveness of less invasive short external rotator sparing approach versus standard posterior approach for total hip arthroplasty
Abstract Background Studies assessing corrective posterior total hip arthroplasty (THA) mostly focused on the mini-incision approach, with few exploring the short external rotator sparing approach. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of standard posterior approach versus short external rotator sparing approach. Methods This prospective observational study included patients treated in the Orthopedics Department of Jinhua Central Hospital in 06/2017-06/2018. Patient grouping was based on the surgical methods. Surgical data were recorded postoperatively. Postoperative hip joint recovery was assessed by the times to ambulation and independent stair use, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) score and Harris score and Oxford hip score (OHS) at 2 and 8 postoperative weeks. The visual analog scale (VAS) was used for postoperative pain assessment. Results Postoperative changes of creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin, CRP, and prosthesis position were similar in both groups. However, intraoperative blood loss and postoperative 6-h drainage volume, hospital stay, and blood transfusion rate were significantly reduced in the corrective (short external rotator sparing) group, as well as times to ambulation and independent stair use. Oxford and WOMAC scores in both groups decreased significantly postoperatively. The VAS score was more overtly decreased postoperatively in the corrective group compared with the standard group. Conclusions The corrective THA causes less damage and reduces perioperative blood loss, shortening functional recovery time, maintaining prosthesis stability and improving pain postoperatively.