A PROSPECTIVE RANDOMIZED COMPARISON OF 2 SURGICAL APPROACHES TO TOTALHIP-ARTHROPLASTY

One hundred patients had total hip arthroplasty (THA) with either a mo dified Hardinge approach or transtrochanteric lateral approach. Periop erative data showed that osteotomies resulted in significantly more bl ood loss but required shorter operative time. Postoperative pain, usin g a visual analog scale, showed no statistical difference between the two groups. Postoperative hip scores for pain, function, and range of motion (ROM), presence of limp, and abductor muscle strength scores sh owed no significant difference between groups at six months and one ye ar. Roentgenographic follow-up evaluation showed a mean acetabular cup angle of 40-degrees and a neutral-to-valgus femoral stem position in all patients. Trochanteric union was present in 92%. Heterotopic ossif ication occurred predominantly in the Hardinge patients but was not fu nctionally significant. Therefore, the ability to achieve adequate pai n relief and function with THA is not affected by the type of approach .