Are there more wound complications or infections with direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty?
Tissot, C., Vautrin, M., Luyet, A., & Borens, O. (2018).Hip
Introduction:
Compared to a lateral or posterior approach (PA), the direct anterior approach (DAA) does permit a better muscle preservation for total hip arthroplasty (THA). However, there is concern whether this advantage come with increased wound complication and infection leading to reoperation or sometimes major procedures.
Method:
We retrospectively reviewed all patients who underwent primary THA through the PA between January 2009 and April 2013 (n = 796) and through the DAA between January 2011 and April 2013 (n = 399) at our institution with a minimum of 2 years follow up regarding all wound complications and all infections.
Results:
Of the 796 patients in the PA group, there were 6 wound complications leading to reoperation and 6 infections; 4 early and 2 delayed onset. Among the infected cases, one was obese (body mass index [BMI] >30 kg/m2). Two procedures were teaching-based. Of the 399 patients in the DAA group, there were three dehiscences leading to reoperation, two of which were in obese patients. 6 infections were also found; 4 with early and 2 with delayed onset. Of the infected cases, three were obese. 4 procedures were teaching-based.
Conclusion:
In our series of patients undergoing THA, the DAA did not increase the rates of either wound complications leading to reoperation nor early or delayed infection compared to the PA.
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