Comparison of early complications for primary total hip arthroplasty using modified direct anterior approach and lateral approach.

Background: Total hip arthroplasty is a surgical procedure with reliable results, regardless of the approach used. The anterior approach has advantages by respecting muscle insertions, reflected in the lower number of complications and shorter recovery time compared to other approaches.

Objective: The goal of the study was to assess the progression of 150 total hip arthroplasty procedures in the first 90 postoperative days. 75 patients underwent a modified direct anterior approach (MDAA) using a minimally invasive technique with a special table, and 75 patients underwent a direct lateral approach (DLA).

Methods: An observational retrospective study was conducted, including 150 arthroplasties, performed by the same surgeon, using two surgical approaches. 75 cases with direct lateral approach (DLA) and 75 cases with modified direct anterior approach (MDAA), between January 2007 and December 2020. Baseline characteristics, surgical variables, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.

Results: At 90 days, both groups presented a similar percentage of minor complications (32% vs. 42%), however, there was a higher number of major complications due to DLA (40% vs. 12% p < 0.0001) overall, where motor neurological complications have a higher incidence (14 [18.6%]). No differences were found in terms of the Harris functional scale.

Conclusion: MDAA is a safe and reliable technique with satisfactory results. It presents predictable early complications, such as other approaches. Although it allows a faster recovery, at 90 days, the evolution and satisfaction are similar between both approaches with excellent and good outcomes in > 90% of cases.