Comparison of Cup Alignment, Jump Distance, and Complications in Consecutive Series of Anterior Approach and Posterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty

The purpose of this study was to compare cup position, jump distance, and rate of dislocations in 100 total hip arthroplasty (THA) cases performed with the direct anterior approach (DAA) and 100 cases performed with the posterior approach (PA). Abduction and anteversion angles were measured using Martell Hip Analysis software. The average cup anteversion in the DAA group (17.6°) was significantly different than the PA average (22.6°), P < .001. The average cup abduction angle was similar between groups (DAA 44.2° vs. PA 44.3°, P = .87), but the variance was significantly reduced with the direct anterior approach, P = .02. The use of intraoperative fluoroscopy with the DAA allowed for more accurate cup placement and eliminated severely vertical cups (>55°) seen with the PA.