This study compares the differences in acetabular component position, leg length discrepancy, and hip offset between the anterior and posterior approach. A novel method is applied to determine the acetabular anteversion using the C-arm tilt angle for the anterior approach.
Hundred consecutive anterior total hip arthroplasties were matched according to gender, body mass index, and age to a cohort of 100 primary total hip arthroplasties operated on through a posterior approach. Postoperative radiographs were analyzed to determine cup inclination, cup anteversion, leg length discrepancy, and hip offset.
The mean inclination was 40.8° (range 33°-48°) and 45.1° (range 33°-55°) for the anterior and posterior approach, respectively. Using the new C-arm tilt plane technique, an average acetabular anteversion of 18.4° (range 11°-26°) was achieved with the anterior approach compared with 23.6° (range 8°-38°) with the posterior approach. Hundred percent cups in the anterior group and 81% in the posterior group fell within the safe zone (P< .001). There was no difference in the overall hip offset between the operated side and the contralateral side for the anterior (P = .074) and posterior (P = .919) group. There was no difference in leg length discrepancy between the 2 approaches (P = .259).
Intraoperative fluoroscopy-assisted direct anterior approach was associated with improved acetabular component positioning. However, no benefit was shown with regards to restoration of hip offset or leg length.