The anterior approach to primary total hip arthroplasty is an unfamiliar approach to most surgeons that is considered to be minimally invasive based on the premise that there is less soft tissue damage and quicker post-operative recovery time. We present our experience of using the anterior approach exclusively by a single surgeon at multiple surgical centers for a period of 3.5 years. 709 consecutive patients undergoing primary hip arthroplasties from 8/2007 to 12/2010 through a direct anterior approach were performed by single surgeon with extensive training in the approach. The procedure was performed with the patient supine on a fracture table (Trumph arch table extension) through an anterior approach as described by Dr. Joel Matta through a Smith-Peterson interval. Intra-operative data and complications were collected prospectively and to avoid missing any complications, electronic medical records (Alteer) were retrospectively reviewed.Introduction
Method
