MUSCLE STRENGTH FOLLOWING TOTAL HIP-ARTHROPLASTY - A COMPARISON OF TROCHANTERIC OSTEOTOMY AND THE DIRECT LATERAL APPROACH

Twenty-seven patients who had hip arthroplasty operated on with trocha nteric osteotomy were compared with 54 patients when the direct latera l approach was used. The strength of the hip abductors, adductors, ext ensors, and flexors were measured at least 2 years following surgery. The strength of these muscle groups recovered to the same level as tho se on the nonoperated side, and there was no significant difference be tween the two groups of patients. Functionally, the direct lateral app roach is a safe alternative to trochanteric osteotomy.