International orthopaedics
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Comparative Study
Fluoroscopy assessment during anterior minimally invasive hip replacement is more accurate than with the posterior approach.
Acetabular component position is important for stability and wear. Fluoroscopy can improve the accuracy of acetabular component placement in the posterior approach and the direct anterior approach (DAA). The purpose of this study was to determine if the direct anterior approach in the supine position facilitates the accurate use of fluoroscopy and improves acetabular component position. ⋯ Using fluoroscopy in the direct anterior approach, we achieved better intra-operative assessment of cup orientation resulting in decreased variability of acetabular cup anteversion than when used in the posterior approach. At least some of the improvement was due to the fact that the fluoroscopic image in the supine position was more accurate as measured against the postoperative standing AP pelvis. This study may influence the choice of approach in total hip replacement.