An Institutional Based Prospective Study to Compare the Gait, Trendelenburg Test and Functional Outcome Between Lateral and Posterior Approaches for Primary Total Hip Replacement (THA)

Abstract

Background: The total hip prosthesis is expected to perform a mechanical function by transmission of weight load and also transmission of motion. We studied these since they are the two most commonly performed approaches and both provide adequate exposure for total hip replacement. The relative merits of these approaches are debated, although no study has conclusively demonstrated an advantage of one over the other. The issues involved in selecting a surgical approach are addressed in this study. Materials & Methods: A prospective study was done in 30 patients undergoing total hip replacement at department of orthopaedic in Patna Medical college, Bihar, India during Sept. 2020 to Sept. 2021. 15 patients underwent lateral muscle splitting approach and 15 underwent posterior gluteal splitting approach. All of them were admitted in special rooms allocated for patients who are to undergo total hip replacement. A detailed history and clinical examination was done. Preoperative assessment of range of movements, pain, function and Trendelenburg test were done. All these patients were examined 3 months postoperatively for assessment. Results: The mean age was 55.42 years. The mean follow up was 110.52 days. Preoperative and postoperative Harris Hip Score was obtained to evaluate pain and function. There were significant differences between the lateral and posterior approach. Conclusion: We concluded that the functional outcome, gait and Trendelenburg test are equally good results with total hip arthroplasty using either the lateral approach or the posterior approach.