A Randomized Study of Approaches in Total Hip Arthroplasty

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Direct Anterior Approach and Mini-Posterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty

The primary aim of the study is to compare the results of an established, successful procedure, which is total hip arthroplasty through a mini-posterior approach to a less studied - increasingly popular procedure, which is total hip replacement through the direct anterior approach utilizing the orthopedic table.

Inclusion Criteria

1. Male or Female patients between 20 and 100 with unilateral osteoarthritis (DJD) who are surgical candidates for total hip arthroplasty
2. Study participants must be able to give informed consent.

Exclusion Criteria

1. Significant proximal femoral deformity (post SCFE, Perthes, DDH), acetabular dysplasia (ANY CROWE), inflammatory arthritis, septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, prior infection of hip joint, significant leg length discrepancy (> 4cm), osteoporosis, arthrodesis of the affected hip.
2. The presence of infections, highly communicable diseases, e.g. AIDS, active tuberculosis, venereal disease, hepatitis.
3. Significant neurological or musculoskeletal disorders or disease that may adversely affect normal gait or weight bearing.
4. Presence of previous prosthetic hip replacement device (any type).
5. Active Metastatic disease
6. Active major Psychiatric illness
7. Active Drug or alcohol abuse
8. BMI > 40.
9. Patients that are known to be pregnant
10. Actively failing contralateral hip replacement.