Abstract
Several design principles were considered paramount when the surgical technique of performing total hip arthroplasty through an incision in the superior capsule without dislocation of the hip joint was developed. These design principles include: Preservation of the abductors; Preservation of the posterior capsule and short external rotators; Preparation of the femur in situ without dislocation of the hip; In-line access to the femoral shaft axis; Ability to perform a trial reduction; Independence from intraoperative imaging; Independence from a traction table; Applicable to at least 99% of THA procedures
Personal experience with more than 1950 THA using the superior capsulotomy technique over a 12-year period has demonstrated several observations: Dislocation rate of 0.15% (3 in 1950); Acute deep infection rate of 0% (0 in 1950); Universal applicability: used in 99.7% of primary THA; Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve palsy incidence: 0/1950; Femoral nerve palsy incidence: 0/1950; Transient peroneal palsy incidence: 2/1950; Length of stay (since 2010): 1.55 days; Discharge to home: 98%; 90-day cost (2/13 to 2/14) compared to other exposures in CMS patients in the same institution: $24,200 vs $30,100; Readmission costs (CMS 2/13 to 2/14) at 90 days: $0.
Conclusion: Performing total hip arthroplasty without dislocation and with preservation of the abductors, posterior capsule and short external rotations has proven to have a low dislocation rate, a low infection rate, and wide applicability. CMS 12-month expenditure data documenting ZERO dollars spent on readmission for any reason within 90 days of surgery demonstrates the potential for simultaneously improving incomes and reducing cost, with particular benefit within the CMS BPCI and private bundled payment programs.
