Surgical Approaches for Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has become one of the most reliable and patient-requested surgical interventions in all medicine. The procedure can be performed using a variety of surgical approaches, but the posterior approach, direct lateral approach, and direct anterior approach are by far the most common across the globe. This article highlights the history and technique for each of these common approaches. A review of outcomes and complications for each approach are also provided. Each approach has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, but all can be safely and successful utilized for THA. Strong, convincing, high-quality studies comparing the different approaches are lacking at this time. Surgeons are therefore recommended to choose whichever approach they are most comfortable and experienced using. Though not described here, THA can also be done using the anterolateral approach (also known as the Watson Jones approach) as well as the two-incision approach. In addition, recently, some surgeons are utilizing the so-called direct superior approach for THA. While these approaches are far less commonly utilized, they are recognized as viable alternatives to traditional approaches.

Introduction

Hip degenerative joint disease is one of the most common and debilitating musculoskeletal disorders.¹,² Approximately 28% of the population ≥45-year-old suffer from hip arthritis and this prevalence is expected to increase in coming decades.³,⁴,⁵

The development of modern total hip arthroplasty (THA) began in the 1950s with Charnley's low-friction arthroplasty.⁶,⁷ After decades of improvement, THA is now one of the most reliable and patient requested surgical interventions. In 2010, an estimated 2.5 million individuals in the USA were living with THA, and nearly 332,000 THA were being performed annually.⁸,⁹ A significant increase in THA demand is expected over the next several decades.¹⁰,¹¹

The most commonly used approaches for THA include posterior approach (PA), direct lateral approach (DLA), and direct anterior approach (DAA). This article highlights the history and technique for each of these approaches. A review of outcomes and complications for each approach are also provided.

Posterior Approach

Although several versions of PA have been used since von Langenbeck first described in 1874, the modern PA most closely resembles Moore's approach (1957).¹²,¹³ Often also called the “Southern” or “Moore” approach, PA is reportedly the most common surgical approach used worldwide for THA.¹⁴

PA is done with the patient in lateral decubitus position on a traditional operating room (OR) table. The pelvis is stabilized in this position with a padded peg-board and four padded posts [Figure 1a]. Careful placement and appropriate height choice for each post is critical. Posts should be placed anteriorly at the level of the pubic symphysis and chest and posteriorly at the level of the sacrum and shoulder blades. Before draping, the operative hip should be ranged to ensure adequate stability while still allowing full maneuverability. The ipsilateral arm should be stabilized with a padded arm board. A padded axillary roll should be placed under the contralateral chest wall to avoid brachial plexopathy. The operative limb should be sterilely prepared and draped freely to facilitate hip dislocation and allow for limb maneuverability throughout the procedure.

Figure 1.

Peroperative photographs showing (a) The pelvis is stabilized with a padded peg-board and four padded posts. (b) The PA incision starts approximately 5 cm distal to greater trochanter. (c) The fascia lata and ITB are incised longitudinally and proximally to split along the fibers of gluteus maximus. (d) Deep dissection identifies the piriformis and short external rotators (SERs). (e) Retractors maximize visualization of the acetabulum. (f) After cup placement, the leg is internally rotated, flexed, and adducted

The PA incision starts approximately 5 cm distal to greater trochanter (GT) at the lateral center of the femoral diaphysis. It continues proximally along the posterior border of GT and then curves toward the posterior superior iliac spine for another 5–7 cm [Figure 1b]. The skin and subcutaneous fat are incised down to the fascia lata and iliotibial band (ITB). The fascia lata and ITB are incised longitudinally and proximally to split along the fibers of gluteus maximus [Figure 1c]. A Charnley retractor can be placed to hold retraction of the split gluteus maximus. Deep dissection proceeds with hip internal rotation and identification of piriformis and the other short external rotators (SERs) [Figure 1d]. SER are then detached from GT close to their insertion. They are reflected posteriorly with stay sutures to both protect the nearby sciatic nerve and expose the posterior hip capsule. The femoral head and neck are next exposed by T-shaped capsulotomy. Further internal rotation of the leg, along with flexion, adduction, and gentle traction then allows for hip dislocation. If dislocation is difficult, additional release of the external rotators can help. The partial or full release of the gluteus maximus insertion, incision of the inferior capsule, and release of rectus femoris can also assist with femoral dislocation and retraction, particularly in severely contracted hips or revision scenarios.

A femoral neck osteotomy is performed using an oscillating saw. Osteotomy height is determined from a pre-operative plan using the lesser trochanter as a landmark. Three retractors will now maximize visualization of the acetabulum [Figure 1e]. One retractor is placed anteriorly, above the anterior wall. A second is placed posteriorly behind the posterior wall, and a third is positioned beneath the transverse acetabular ligament. The labrum, pulvinar and any loose soft tissues should be excised, followed by routine acetabular reaming. The transverse acetabular ligament, reamer position relative to the floor, and cup-positioning guides can all be used to establish proper acetabular version and inclination during both reaming and cup insertion.

After cup placement, the leg is internally rotated, flexed, and adducted to deliver the proximal femur for preparation [Figure 1f]. Blunt “bone skids” are commonly used to help elevate the proximal femur while soft tissue around the piriformis fossa is cleared. Routine femoral preparation and broaching can then proceed. With the knee flexed and the patient's tibia pointed vertically, the leg serves as a reference for establishing femoral version during broaching and component insertion. After trialing and final component placement, the posterior capsule and SER should be repaired with sutures placed through transosseous tunnels. The fascia lata, ITB, and gluteus maximus are closed with either interrupted or running sutures followed by routine closure of the subcutaneous tissues and skin.

Direct Lateral Approach

Although several versions of DLA have been used since McFarland and Osborne described theirs in 1954, the modern DLA was popularized by Hardinge in 1982.¹⁵,¹⁶ Often also called the “Hardinge” or “Transgluteal” approach, DLA is the second most common surgical approach used worldwide for THA.¹⁴

DLA can be done in lateral decubitus position, similar to PA. It can also be performed with the patient supine, which is preferred in our institution. A standard OR table can be utilized as well as a radiolucent table if intra operative imaging is desired. For supine positioning, a bump is placed under the pelvis at the level of the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) to create space for the femur to be displaced into during acetabular exposure [Figure 2a]. A roller bar is placed under the ipsilateral calf. This provides a footrest to help stabilize the leg with the hip at 45°–60° of flexion and the knee at 90° of flexion. The involved limb should then be sterilely prepared and draped freely to facilitate hip dislocation and allow for limb maneuverability throughout the procedure.

Figure 2.

Peroperative photographs showing (a) A bump is placed under the pelvis at the level of the anterior superior iliac spine. (b) The incision is started 2–4 cm proximal to the anterior-middle third of GT and extended distally in line with the femur to a point 4–6 cm distal to GT. (c) The anterior and posterior border of gluteus medius are identified. (d) Blunt dissection is used to split the muscle in line with its fibers. (e) The leg is placed in extreme adduction and external rotation to allow the surgeon excellent visualization of femoral version

The DLA incision is started 2–4 cm proximal to the anterior-middle third of GT and extended distally in line with the femur to a point 4–6 cm distal to GT [Figure 2b]. The skin and subcutaneous fat are incised to the fascia lata and ITB. The fascia is then incised longitudinally just anterior to the most lateral prominence of GT, starting approximately 3 cm proximal to GT and extending distally. The anterior portion of the fascial sleeve is retracted with a Hibbs retractor and the posterior portion is retracted with a Mueller retractor placed posterior to GT. This exposes gluteus medius and vastus lateralis. After identifying the anterior and posterior border of gluteus medius [Figure 2c], blunt dissection is used to split the muscle in line with its fibers at the junction of the anterior-middle thirds [Figure 2d]. The split is started at GT and its proximal extension should be limited to 3–5 cm.¹⁷ A blunt Hohman can then be placed extracapsular and posterior to the femoral neck to protect the posterior portion of gluteus medius while the hip capsule is incised sharply in line with the blunt muscular division. Vastus lateralis should be exposed next and split longitudinally just distal to vastus ridge, followed by placement of a Hohman anterior to the femur to retract the anterior portion of vastus lateralis. The split in vastus lateralis is then extended proximally into and through the tendinous insertion of gluteus medius until the muscular split of medius is reached. The anterior third of gluteus medius, majority of gluteus minimus, the anterior portion of the hip capsule, and anterior portion of vastus lateralis can then be elevated subperiosteally as one flap off the anterior femur. A cuff of medius tendon should remain on the anterior border of GT to allow for later repair. The dissection is facilitated by tensioning the tissue to be elevated through gentle progressive external rotation and adduction of the hip. Once the labrum is incised and the inferior femoral neck becomes visible, the hip is dislocated with traction, external rotation, and adduction. If dislocation is difficult, a bone hook can be placed anteriorly around the femoral neck to assist through anterolaterally directed traction.

A standard femoral neck osteotomy is performed on the dislocated hip with an oscillating saw. A tenaculum, placed on the femoral head, assists in removal of the femoral head after neck osteotomy. Three retractors are then utilized to gain exposure of the acetabulum: Anterior, superior, and inferior. The anterior retractor should be placed carefully to avoid injury to the femoral neurovascular bundle. This can be done using a Cobb elevator to gently develop the plane between the anterior acetabular wall and the overlying anterior capsule. Positioning the hip in flexion to relax the neurovascular structures during this maneuver is also helpful. After the plane is developed, the Cobb is replaced with a blunt Hohman. A second retractor is then placed superior to the acetabulum to protect and elevate gluteus muscle away from the surgical field. A Mueller is placed posterior and inferior to the acetabulum against the ischium. Releasing the inferior hip capsule at this time between the anterior and posterior retractors helps improves acetabular visualization and assists with insertion/removal of acetabular reamers and components. The labrum, pulvinar, and any loose soft tissues are excised, followed by routine acetabular reaming. The transverse acetabular ligament, reamer position relative to the floor, and cup-positioning guides are used to establish proper version and inclination during both reaming and cup insertion.

After completing acetabular reconstruction, the leg is placed in a figure four position with the operative foot on the anterior portion of the contralateral knee and the ipsilateral knee flexed to 90°. Muellers are placed on the medial aspect of the proximal femur and posterior to GT to lateralize the proximal portion of the femur while also displacing the posterior soft tissues. Maneuvering the operative leg to a position of extreme adduction and external rotation will further direct the proximal femur toward the surgeon for excellent visualization of femoral shaft direction and femoral version [Figure 2e]. Routine femoral preparation and broaching can then proceed. After trialing and final component placement, the anterior flap (gluteus medius, gluteus minimus, anterior capsule, and anterior vastus lateralis) is repaired to its anatomic position and closed as one layer with a combination of interrupted and running sutures. If the repair appears tenuous, transosseous suture tunnels can be utilized. The fascia lata, ITB, and gluteus maximus are then closed with either interrupted or running sutures followed by routine closure of the subcutaneous tissues and skin.

Direct Anterior Approach

Smith-Petersen first described DAA to the hip in 1917.¹⁸ This initial description was for reducing congenital hip dislocations. Smith-Petersen is also credited with the first DAA for hip arthroplasty in 1949.¹⁹ Over the subsequent decades, several modifications to his technique have occurred, along with the development of new instruments to make it less invasive and easier to perform. DAA has gained popularity in recent years and is now the third most common surgical approach used worldwide for THA.¹⁴

DAA is generally considered a minimally invasive approach to the hip because of its muscle sparing nature. It is the only common approach for THA that utilizes both an intermuscular and internervous plane. Superficially, the dissection occurs between sartorius and TFL. The location of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) must be considered in this approach to preserve lateral thigh sensation. LFCN enters the thigh by passing under the inguinal ligament approximately 1 cm medial and below the ASIS. LFCN then travels distally in the fascia overlying the sartorius muscles belly.

DAA is done with the patient positioned supine on either a specialized traction table or regular OR table, the latter of which preferred at our institution. A radiolucent table can also be utilized if intra-operative imaging is desired. For supine positioning, similar to our DLA, a small bump is placed under the pelvis at the level of ASIS to create space for the femur to be displaced into during acetabular exposure. An arm board placed distally on the contralateral side of the table is helpful when abducting the contralateral leg and adducting the operative leg during femoral exposure [Figure 3a]. The involved limb should be sterilely prepared and draped freely to facilitate limb maneuverability throughout the procedure.

Figure 3.

Peroperative photographs showing (a) An arm board is placed distally on the contralateral side of the table. (b) The DA incision begins approximately 3 cm lateral and 3 cm distal to ASIS. (c) The fascia overlying TFL is incised longitudinally in line with the muscle's fibers. (d) Blunt retractors are placed intracapsular around the femoral. (e) Extraction of the “napkin ring” formed by the double osteotomy allows for removal of the femoral head with a corkscrew. (f) Acetabular exposure is accomplished with three or four retractors: Lighted retractor on the anterior acetabular rim, blunt curved retractor placed just distal to the transverse acetabular ligament, and sharp Hohman placed behind the posterolateral acetabular rim. (g) A hook is placed from lateral to medial just distal to GT. This is attached to a sterile arm that applies tension to the femur during capsular release (h) Femoral preparation and broaching using offset handles

The ASIS is used to identify and mark the DAA incision. The longitudinal incision begins approximately 3 cm lateral and 3 cm distal to ASIS [Figure 3b]. The incision then continues distally toward the patient's fibular head for approximately 6–8 cm to keep it in line with the belly of TFL. The incision should be kept small at first and extended as necessary to gain additional exposure. The skin and subcutaneous fat are incised to the fascia. After confirming the identity of TFL and sartorius, as well as the interval between them, the fascia overlying TFL is incised longitudinally in line with the muscle's fibers a few millimeters lateral to the interval [Figure 3c]. Keeping the dissection within the sheath of TFL helps protect LFCN during the procedure. Blunt digital dissection of the medial fascial edge from the medial border of the TFL muscle is then performed. The fat stripe between TFL and sartorius is typically seen to verify the interval. Additional blunt dissection through this fat stripe leads to the palpable identification of the superior femoral neck. A curved, blunt retractor is then placed over the superior femoral neck. A Hohman is placed over the lateral aspect of GT, distal to the vastus ridge, to help mobilize the TFL and gluteus medius laterally. With a Hibbs retracting sartorius and rectus femoris medially, the Smith-Petersen interval is exposed. Ascending branches of the lateral femoral circumflex artery will be crossing the interval and require cauterization. A second curved, blunt retractor positioned medially around the inferior neck helps further identify the hip capsule. The plane between the anterior capsule and rectus can then be developed bluntly with a Cobb, followed by insertion of a lighted anterior retractor. Flexion of the hip can help relax the rectus and aid in safe blunt dissection and retractor placement. An anterior capsulectomy or capsulotomy is then performed, followed by intracapsular placement of curved, blunt retractors around the femoral neck [Figure 3d]. A double osteotomy of the femoral neck is next performed in situ. The first osteotomy is typically made along a line from the bony saddle at the superolateral neck to a point at the medial neck that is approximately 1 cm above lesser trochanter. A second parallel osteotomy is performed approximately 1 cm proximal to the first. Extraction of the central disk or “napkin ring” formed by the double osteotomy allows for subsequent removal of the femoral head with a corkscrew [Figure 3e].

Acetabular exposure is accomplished with three or four retractors: Lighted retractor on the anterior acetabular rim, blunt curved retractor placed just distal to the transverse acetabular ligament, and sharp Hohman placed behind the posterolateral acetabular rim. A Mueller can also be placed at the posterior acetabular rim [Figure 3f]. The labrum, pulvinar, and any loose soft tissues should be excised, followed by routine acetabular reaming. The transverse acetabular ligament, reamer position relative to the floor, and cup-positioning guides can be used to establish proper acetabular version and inclination during both reaming and cup insertion. Offset reamers and insertion handles can also be helpful for these steps.

After completing acetabular reconstruction, the leg should be adducted and externally rotated. A sharp Hohman is placed lateral to GT and a Mueller is placed over the GT tip, between the abductor muscle and lateral hip capsule. In addition, a retraction arm can be placed to assist with femoral exposure. A hook is placed from lateral to medial just distal to GT. This is attached to a sterile arm that applies tension to the femur during capsular release [Figure 3g]. The lateral capsule should be released from its attachment near the saddle of the lateral femur. The proximal femur can then be elevated with additional tension applied to the retraction arm and leverage of the Mueller. If femoral exposure is still not adequate, sequential release of the conjoint tendon and piriformis should be performed. Routine femoral preparation and broaching can then proceed, often with the use of offset handles [Figure 3h]. After trailing and final component placement, the fascia overlying TFL is closed with either interrupted or running sutures followed by routine closure of the subcutaneous tissues and skin.

Outcomes

THA generally has excellent results, with patient satisfaction ranging from 89% to 95%.²⁰,²¹,²² Several studies have compared the clinical outcomes between different surgical approaches. Restrepo et al. reported improved Harris Hip Scores (HHSs), Western Ontario and McMaster Osteoarthritis Index, and Short Form-36 scores at 6-week, 6-month, and 1-year postoperatively with DAA over DLA.²³ Barrett et al. similarly reported improved HHS at 6 weeks postoperatively with DAA over PA.²⁴ However, these and other studies failed to show any long term differences in outcome measures between approaches beyond the 1^st year.²³,²⁴,²⁵,²⁶,²⁷,²⁸

Infection is a rare but known complication of THA. In general, large studies report the incidence to be 0.2%–1.2% after primary THA.²⁹,³⁰,³¹ There are minimal data available directly comparing infection rates between the different approaches. Some retrospective studies found no significant difference in deep infection rates between the approaches, although Christensen et al. recently reported a greater number of wound complications with the DAA compared to PA.³²,³³,³⁴,³⁵

Hip instability is another potential complication after THA. Large single cohort studies have demonstrated dislocation rates of 0.6%–1.0% for DAA and 0.3%–0.6% for DLA.³⁶,³⁷,³⁸,³⁹ Conversely, PA has generally been associated with higher dislocation rates of 1.7%–5.3%.⁴⁰,⁴¹,⁴² Although recent literature has demonstrated improved stability with posterior capsular repairs.⁴²,⁴³,⁴⁴,⁴⁵ Randomized prospective data on dislocations is lacking, but several meta analyses and large retrospective comparative studies have demonstrated stability superiority with the anterior based approaches versus PA.³⁴,⁴⁶,⁴⁷,⁴⁸,⁴⁹,⁵⁰ In recent meta analyses, Higgins et al. demonstrated significantly fewer dislocations with DAA (0.3%) over PA (1.2%) and Kwon et al. demonstrated dislocation rates of 0.70%, 0.43%, and 1.01% for anterolateral, DLA, and PA, respectively.⁴⁷,⁴⁸ Masonis and Bourne similarly reported dislocation rates of 0.55%, 2.18%, and 3.23% for DLA, anterolateral, and PA, respectively.⁴⁹ Sheth et al., in a large registry study on 42,438 primary THAs, also reported significantly lower dislocation rates with both DAA and anterolateral approach versus PA.³⁴ However, other studies have reported equivalent rates of dislocation for all approaches, and hence, the data are not completely clear.³²,⁵¹,⁵²,⁵³

Intraoperative fractures, particularly at GT, can occur during THA. This may be more likely with DAA due to the need for femoral elevation during the procedure. In a study by Matta et al., 0.6% of their DAA THA done on a specialized traction table were complicated by intraoperative GT fractures.³⁷ They also reported ankle fractures in 0.6% of cases. Other authors have reported intraoperative trochanteric fractures in 1.0%–5.7% of their DAA THA.⁵³,⁵⁴,⁵⁵ GT fractures can also occur with DLA and PA as demonstrated by Hendel et al. (4.0% with DLA) and Nakata et al. (1.0% with PA), but there are fewer reports in the literature.⁵⁵,⁵⁶ In direct comparative studies, Malek et al. demonstrated significantly more femoral fractures with DAA (6%) over PA (0%), but a meta-analysis by Higgins et al. showed no significant difference.³²,⁴⁷

Because neither DLA nor PA is truly muscle sparing, one major concern often cited against them is muscle damage. Each requires the splitting and release of some muscle: Gluteus maximus and SER during PA, gluteus maximus, and medius during DLA. Abductor weakness is a particular concern after DLA THA, with a reported incidence of 4%–20%.⁴⁹ It is likely caused by preoperative abductor degeneration, seen in 20.0%–25.4% of THA patients, and failed tenotomy repair.⁵⁷,⁵⁸,⁵⁹ DAA is presumably more “muscle friendly,” thanks to the utilization of an intermuscular interval. A recent study by Bergin et al. supported this claim by reporting significantly higher levels of serum creatine kinase postoperatively in PA patients compared to DAA patients.⁶⁰ However, a cadaver study by Meneghini et al. challenged that DAA is truly muscle sparing.⁶¹ Less damage occurred in gluteus minimus with DAA (mean 8% of surface area) compared to PA (18%), but TFL (31%) and the direct head of rectus femoris (12%) were also damaged during DAA. In addition, in their study the piriformis or conjoined tendon required transection in 50% of DAA.

Nerve injury is a potentially devastating complication after THA. The nerves at risk include LFCN, SGN, femoral nerve and sciatic nerve. LFCN injury most commonly occurs during DAA due to the nerve's variable course and proximity to the approach's anatomic interval. Nearly 3.4%–81.1% of patients will report at least some symptoms of LFCN neuropraxia after DAA.⁶²,⁶³,⁶⁴ Thankfully, symptoms tend to be tolerable and most resolve with time. SGN injury most commonly occurs during DLA due to the nerve's proximity to the gluteus medius split utilized with this approach.¹⁷ 2.2%–42.5% of patients reportedly have at least some degree of SGN injury after DLA THA, which typically results in temporary abductor weakness but can be persistent in rare cases.⁶⁵,⁶⁶,⁶⁷,⁶⁸ Injury to the femoral or sciatic nerves causes the most dysfunction but are uncommon. The rate of femoral nerve injury after THA is rare at 0.0%–2.3% and the rate of sciatic nerve injury is similarly low at 0.1%–1.7%.³⁷,⁶²,⁶⁷,⁶⁹,⁷⁰,⁷¹ The risk of sciatic nerve injury has been shown to be significantly higher in PA versus other approaches, likely due to the nerve's proximity to the surgical field with this approach.⁶⁹

Conclusion

THA can be performed using a variety of surgical approaches. PA, DLA, and DAA are by far the most common. However, other techniques, including the “Watson-Jones” approach, two-incision approach, and superior gluteal approach are currently being used as well.⁷²,⁷³,⁷⁴,⁷⁵,⁷⁶ Each approach has its own unique advantages and disadvantages, but all can be safely and successfully utilized for THA. Strong, convincing, high-quality studies comparing the different approaches is lacking at this time. Surgeons are therefore recommended to choose whichever approach they are most comfortable and experienced using.

Financial support and sponsorship

Nil.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.