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A Prospective Randomized Trial of Mini-incision Posterior and Two-incision Total Hip Arthroplasty

Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research®

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Abstract

Background

The two-incision approach to THA has been controversial, with some authors reporting its use is associated with a rapid recovery whereas others report no differences in outcomes and a higher risk of perioperative complications secondary to increased surgical complexity.

Questions/purposes

We therefore compared early postoperative variables including pain, length of stay, functional recovery, complications, and complexity of the mini-posterior and two-incision approaches to THA.

Patients and Methods

We prospectively enrolled 72 patients scheduled for THA and randomized them into two groups: mini-incision posterior approach and the two-incision approach. Preoperative teaching, anesthetic protocols, implants used, and rehabilitation pathways were identical for both groups. All variables were assessed at a maximum of 1 year postoperatively.

Results

All key outcomes were similar in the two groups: mean visual analog scale (VAS) scores for pain during the first 3 postoperative days and the first 6 weeks, total narcotic requirements in the hospital and during the first 6 weeks, mean length of stay (51 hours versus 48 hours), and mean Harris hip scores and SF-12 scores. Achievement of functional milestones was similar between the two groups. There was one reoperation in each group. Mean operative time was longer for patients in the two-incision group (98 minutes versus 77 minutes), however the accuracy of component positioning was similar.

Conclusions

We found no differences in perioperative outcomes between these two approaches for THA. Variables other than the surgical approach including perioperative protocols, patient expectations, and the patient’s general health may have a greater effect on outcomes such as pain during the early postoperative period, functional recovery, and length of hospital stay. The use of small incisions for THA was safe as was a shortened hospital stay in selected patients.

Level of Evidence

Level I, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Rush University Medical Center, 1725 West Harrison, Suite 1063, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA

    Craig J. Della Valle MD, Emily Dittle RN & Scott M. Sporer MD

  2. Department of Anesthesiology, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL, USA

    Mario Moric MS & Asokumar Buvanendran MD

Authors
  1. Craig J. Della Valle MD
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  2. Emily Dittle RN
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  3. Mario Moric MS
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  4. Scott M. Sporer MD
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  5. Asokumar Buvanendran MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Craig J. Della Valle MD.

Additional information

This study was supported by a grant from Zimmer Inc (Warsaw, IN). Dr. Della Valle has performed consulting services for Zimmer within the past year and presently is a consultant for Smith and Nephew Inc (Memphis, TN), Biomet Inc (Warsaw, IN), and Kinamed Inc (Camarillo, CA). Dr. Sporer is a consultant for Zimmer.

Each author certifies that his or her institution approved the human protocol for this investigation, that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study was obtained.

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Della Valle, C.J., Dittle, E., Moric, M. et al. A Prospective Randomized Trial of Mini-incision Posterior and Two-incision Total Hip Arthroplasty. Clin Orthop Relat Res 468, 3348–3354 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-010-1491-5

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-010-1491-5

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