Direct Superior Approach (DSA) vs Posterior Approach (PA) in THA

A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing the Direct Superior Approach Versus the Posterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is a highly effective treatment for patients with symptomatic hip osteoarthritis. The surgical approach in THA is important as it influences postoperative clinical recovery, functional outcomes, and implant positioning [1]. The evolution of surgical techniques in THA has led to the development of minimally invasive surgery, which is performed through smaller skin incisions, reduced soft tissue disruption and greater muscle preservation [2-10]. This prospective, randomised control study compares clinical and radiological outcomes in THA performed using the standard posterior approach (PA) and its less invasive modification, the direct superior approach (DSA). The study will include 80 patients with hip osteoarthritis undergoing THA. Following informed consent, patients will be randomised to one of the two treatment groups, and undergo THA using either the PA or DSA. The control group includes patients undergoing THA through the PA while the investigation group includes patients undergoing THA with the DSA. A further 25 patients randomly selected from each treatment group will undergo radiosteriometric analysis (RSA) to assess differences in early implant migration between PA and DSA groups.

Clinical and radiological outcomes of interest will be recorded by blinded observers at regular intervals for 2 years after surgery. The findings of this study will enable an improved understanding of differences in postoperative clinical recovery, functional outcomes, and implant positioning in THA performed using the DSA compared to the PA approach.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patient has hip osteoarthritis requiring primary THA

  • Patient and surgeon are in agreement that THA is the most appropriate treatment
  • Patient is fit for surgical intervention following review by surgeon and anaesthetist
  • Patient age: Patients 18-80 years of age inclusive
  • Gender: male and female
  • Patient must be capable of giving informed consent and agree to comply with the postoperative review program
  • Patient must be a permanent resident in an area accessible to the study site
  • Patient must have sufficient postoperative mobility to attend follow-up clinics and allow for radiographs to be taken

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient is not suitable for primary THA e.g. patient requires revision surgery for previously failed THA

  • Patient is not medically fit for surgical intervention
  • Patients under the age of 18 or over 80 years of age
  • Patient is immobile or has another neurological condition affecting musculoskeletal function
  • Patient is already enrolled on another concurrent clinical trial
  • Patient is unable or unwilling to sign the informed consent form specific to this study
  • Patient is unable to attend the follow-up programme
  • Patient is non-resident in local area or expected to leave the catchment area postoperatively