Cadaveric studies have reported damage to the direct head of rectus femoris and tensor fascia lata muscles with direct anterior approach(DAA) and to the abductors, external rotators with posterior approach(PA). The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate differences in hip muscle strength recovery between DAA and posterior approach (PA) THA. Patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis undergoing THA at a single institution from January 2011 to October 2011 were enrolled. All DAA THA's were performed by one surgeon, and all PA THA's were performed by another surgeon with similar design of components, pain management and rehabilitation protocols. Hip muscle strength was measured with a handheld dynamometer in all planes by a single observer preoperatively, at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. Functional recovery was assessed with the motor component of Functional Independence Measure, UCLA activity score, Harris hip score, SF-12 score.INTRODUCTION
METHODS
