The direct anterior approach (DAA) and the posterior approach (PA) are 2 common total hip arthroplasty (THA) exposures. This prospective study quantitatively compared changes in periarticular muscle volume after DAA and PA THA. Nineteen patients undergoing THA were recruited from the practices of 3 fellowship-trained hip surgeons. Each surgeon performed a single approach, DAA or PA. Enrolled patients underwent a preoperative MRI of the affected hip and two subsequent postoperative MRIs, averaging 9.6 and 24.3 weeks after surgery. Clinical evaluations were done by Harris Hip Score at each follow-up interval.Introduction
Materials
Instability is one of the most common complications after total hip arthroplasty (THA), particularly when using the posterior approach. Repair of the posterior capsule has proven to significantly decrease the incidence of posterior hip dislocation. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate if braided polyblend suture provides a stronger repair of the posterior soft tissues when compared to a non-absorbable suture repair after a posterior approach to the hip. Ten cadaveric hips from donors who were a mean (and standard deviation) of 80 ± 9 years old at the time of death were evaluated after posterior soft tissue repair utilizing two different techniques. Five specimens were repaired using no. 2 non-absorbable sutures while five specimens had a repair utilizing braided polyblend suture with a rucking hitch knot technique. Cadaveric specimens were matched based upon age, sex, and laterality. Biomechanical tensile testing using the Instron E10000 Mechanical Testing System and the mechanism of failure were assessed.Background
Methods
