 |
 |
 |
|
| home | CME | help | feedback | subscriptions | archive |
|
The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery (American). 2005;87:2432-2438. doi:10.2106/JBJS.D.02847 © 2005 The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc. Early Complications of Primary Total Hip Replacement Performed with a Two-Incision Minimally Invasive Technique1 Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, MC213, DC053.00, One Hospital Drive, Columbia, MO 65212. E-mail address for B.S. Bal: balb{at}health.missouri.edu
Investigation performed at the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery,
School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri
Background: Total hip replacement performed through a small incision theoretically results in less trauma to the underlying structures, reduced blood loss, less pain, and a shorter hospital stay, but it may result in increased complications, particularly early in a surgeon's experience with a new technique. In the present study, we reviewed the early results of two techniques involving the use of smaller incisions; specifically, we evaluated one series of primary total hip replacements that had been performed through two small incisions and another series of total hip replacements that had been performed through a single small incision. Methods: Eighty-nine consecutive primary total hip replacements were performed with use of the two-incision technique as described by Mears and Berger; all procedures were performed without cement and with use of fluoroscopic guidance. Outcomes data were reviewed at a minimum of six months following the procedure. The results of these procedures were retrospectively compared with those of a historical control series of ninety-six total hip replacements that had been performed by the same surgeon with use of a single mini-incision technique. No special attempt was made to discharge any patient early from the hospital. In preparation for the use of the two-incision technique, the surgeon attended a two-day seminar that included cadaveric training and mentoring by surgeons who had experience with this technique. Results: In the two-incision group, nine patients (nine hips; 10%) required repeat surgery because of a femoral fracture that had been identified postoperatively (two hips), dislocation (one hip), a wound complication (two hips), or subsidence and loosening of the femoral implant (four hips). Twenty-two patients (twenty-two hips; 25%) sustained an injury of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, and one patient (one hip) had a neuropraxia of the femoral nerve. In the comparative series of ninety-six total hip arthroplasties that had been performed with use of a single mini-incision and a direct lateral exposure of the hip joint, the overall complication rate was 6% (six of ninety-six) and the reoperation rate was 3% (three of ninety-six). The rate of complications associated with the two-incision technique decreased significantly as the surgeon gained experience with the procedure (p = 0.0202). Conclusions: Although total hip arthroplasty with use of the two-incision technique was performed by a surgeon who was experienced in the performance of total hip replacement surgery with use of a single small incision, the rates of complications and repeat surgery associated with the two-incision technique initially were very high. While the rate diminished with increasing experience, total hip replacement with use of two incisions and fluoroscopic guidance is a technically demanding procedure that may be associated, especially initially, with higher rates of complications and repeat surgery. Level of Evidence: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
This article has been cited by other articles:
Letters to the Editor:Read all Letters to the Editor
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| home | CME | help | feedback | subscriptions | archive | site index |
|
Stanford University Libraries' HighWire Press (TM) assists in the publication of JBJS Online. |