Which Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty: Anterolateral or Posterior?

The best approach to use when performing THA is controversial. We did a prospective, nonrandomized multicenter study of 1089 THAs to evaluate patient-centered hip scores and dislocation and revision rates when comparing anterolateral and posterior hip approaches at 5 years’ followup. Patients were divided into two groups depending on which surgical approach was used: anterolateral or posterior. The primary outcome measure was change in Oxford hip score. At 5 years, there were no differences in change in Oxford hip score and in dislocation or revision rates between the groups.

Level of Evidence: Level II, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.