Correlation Analysis of Limb Length Differences and Surgical Approaches Following Unilateral Total Hip Arthroplasty

© 2024 by the Authors. Licensee Whioce Publishing, Singapore. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License ( https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ )

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Abstract

Aim: This research aims to analyze the transition from the posterolateral approach (PLA) to the direct anterior approach (DAA) in 101 cases of unilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA). In addition, the study specifically aims to evaluate limb length discrepancy (LLD). Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of 101 patients who had unilateral THA from September 2021 to August 2024. The causes of THA included femoral neck fracture (n = 28), osteoarthritis (n = 23), osteonecrosis of the femoral head (n = 25), and developmental dysplasia of the hip (n = 25). The mean age was 61.50 years in the PLA group and 63.00 years in the DAA group. Safety feasibility was assessed by analyzing procedure time, incision length, and bleeding volume. LLD was indirectly evaluated by measuring the difference in central edge angles of the postoperative pelvic orthotopic plate. This was done to assess the superiority of the DAA. Results: The DAA group had a longer operation time, less blood loss, and a shorter incision length compared to the PLA group, with a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). Additionally, body mass index was found to be linearly correlated with operation length. The LLD in the DAA group was significantly smaller than that in the PLA group (P < 0.05). Moreover, this LLD was linearly associated with the difference in the central edge angle. Conclusion: DAA may effectively control LLD after THA, resulting in less blood loss and shorter incisions, though it may require longer operative time.

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