Selective THA-approach use amongst junior surgeons improves safety of introducing the anterior approach: a prospective, multi-surgeon, comparative, study

Abstract

Background: Learning curves associated with independent practice and anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (AA-THA) has been associated with inferior outcome. This study compared outcome of junior, fellowship-trained, surgeons who perform THA through both anterior and posterior (PA) approach, with senior surgeons who perform either AA or PA, to determine whether: 1. Fellowship training and selective practice allows for safe introduction of AA into practice; and 2. Whether selective approach-use influences outcome.

Methods: This is a prospective, consecutive study comparing the first 800 THAs of two junior, dual-approach, surgeons (AA/PA: 455/345), with 400 THAs cases of two senior, single-approach, surgeons (AA/PA: 200/200), between 2018 and 2020. Most patients were female (54.4%), mean age was 65 years-old (range 19-96) and mean BMI was 29 kg/m² (range 16-66). Outcome included radiologic measurements (inclination/anteversion and leg-length), complication- and revision rates, and patient-reported outcomes including Oxford Hip Score (OHS).

Results: At 3.1 years (range 2.0-6.8) follow-up, there were 43 complications (3.6%), including 27 re-operations (2.3%); with no difference between junior and senior surgeons for AA-THA (Junior: 8/455 vs. Senior: 3/200; p = 0.355) or PA-THA (Junior: 11/345 vs. Senior: 5/200; p = 0.400). Amongst juniors, there was no difference in complications (AA:8/455 vs. PA:11/345; p = 0.140) and in ΔOHS (AA:20.5 ± 7.7 vs. PA:20.5 ± 8.0; p = 0.581) between approaches.

Conclusion: Contemporary training and selective approach-use minimizes the learning curve, allowing junior staff to have equivalent outcome to established, senior surgeons in both AA and PA. We would advocate for selective approach use amongst junior arthroplasty surgeons when introducing the AA into independent practice.

Keywords: Anterior approach; Complications; Learning curve; Outcome; Posterior approach; Total hip arthroplasty.