Clinical Research Directory

Investigating the Direct Superior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty as an Effective Alternative to Traditional Posterior Approach

Sponsor: Nova Scotia Health Authority

Summary

Hip replacement surgery is an effective option for treating pain and functional impairment in chronic hip conditions. Various surgical approaches have been developed to expose the hip joint for the procedure, each with advantages and disadvantages. The posterior approach (PA) to total hip replacement is a commonly used exposure method. This approach involves a large incision and requires multiple cuts through muscle and other soft tissues to expose the hip joint. Despite excellent outcomes, the PA is known to have an increased rate of dislocation compared to other exposures. The direct superior (DS) approach has been developed to improve the PA by decreasing the amount of soft tissue injury at the time of surgery and improving postoperative stability. The DS approach involves a much shorter incision and reduces the need to damage as much soft tissues surrounding the hip joint during exposure. Specialized equipment developed for this technique allows the surgeon to place the hip replacement components. The proposed research study is designed to address a deficit in knowledge regarding outcomes on patients who have had a DS approach for total hip arthroplasty. This study will provide much needed insight into the advantages and disadvantages of the DS approach as compared to PA for total hip arthroplasty.

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