Abstract
Background
The acknowledged benefit of the direct anterior (DA) approach is early functional return. Most surgeons in the U.S. use cementless femoral replacement given the negative track record of some cemented designs. However, delayed osseointegration of a femoral stem typically seen in older patients with poor bone quality will delay recovery, diminishing the benefits of the DA approach. Registry studies have shown a higher revision rate and complications in this patient population leading to a renewed interest in cemented fixation.
Questions posed
To achieve the functional benefits of the DA approach and the fixation benefits of cemented replacement, this study combined the 2 techniques posing the following questions:1) Does the limited access of the DA approach adversely affect the cement technique? 2) Does such a cementing technique reduce the incidence of cementless complications?
Methods
A consecutive series of 341 patients (360 hips) receiving the DA approach between 2016–2018 were reviewed. There were 203 cementless stems and 157 cemented stems. Mean age was 75 in the cementless group and 76 in the cemented group, 70% females. Femoral complications were compared between the 2 groups using the T-test.
Results
The cementless group had a higher rate of femoral complications (8 versus 0, P=0.011). There were 2 loose stems and 6 fractures, all requiring revision. Fractures occurred about 14.5 days and loosening about 10 months postoperatively.
Conclusion
A higher rate of complications occurred with cementless stems. Cemented stems are protective in patients above 70 and can be safely done through the DA approach.
