A new study, published in The Journal of Arthroplasty, compared the anterior approach and posterior approach for primary total hip arthroplasty.
Specifically, researchers assessed the postoperative outcomes through 90 days for each approach.
The meta-analysis included 13 prospective comparative studies published between 2006 and 2017. The studies included 1,000-plus patients who underwent the anterior approach or posterior approach.
Larry E. Miller, PhD, served as lead author of the paper. DePuy Synthes funded the study.
Here are three takeaways from the study:
1. The analysis revealed the anterior approach offered a significant boost in hip function as well as pain reduction compared to the posterior approach.
2. Additionally, the anterior approach group saw a reduction in narcotic usage compared to the posterior group.
3. Researchers found no statistical variance in complication rates between the two approaches through 90 days.