Outcomes of Total Hip Arthroplasty Via the Direct Anterior vs Alternative Approaches for Acute Femoral Neck Fractures

Abstract

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed for displaced femoral neck fractures (FNF) is becoming a more frequent treatment in the active elderly population. The complication profiles associated with THA surgical approaches in the fracture setting are unclear. The purpose of this study was to compare a series of THA for FNF performed via the direct anterior (DA) approach vs alternative approaches (anterolateral and posterolateral).

Methods: A retrospective review identified 52 patients who underwent primary THA for FNF between 2009 and 2018, including 20 via the DA approach and 32 by alternative approaches. All procedures were exclusively performed by high-volume arthroplasty surgeons. Perioperative results, complications, and clinical outcomes were compared with those of routine statistical methods. Mean follow-up duration was 3 years (range, 1-8).

Results: The average age was 74 years (range, 57-92) with similar baseline characteristics between the 2 groups (P = .09). The DA cohort demonstrated significantly shorter length of stay (3 days vs 5 days, P < .01) and discharge to home vs skilled nursing facility (40.0% vs 9.4% P = .014). There was a trend toward decreased complications (0% vs 16%, P = .08). There were no dislocations or fractures in either cohort. Final Harris Hip Scores (94 vs 81, P = .07) and return to community ambulation (96%) were similar between DA and alternative approach groups.

Conclusion: The DA approach to THA performed for FNF appears safe with improved outcomes compared with alternative approaches. Larger studies are needed to verify these results.

Keywords: Direct anterior approach; Femoral neck fracture; Total hip arthroplasty.

Figure 1

Anteroposterior radiographs demonstrating an acute femoral neck fracture (a), treated with a total hip arthroplasty (b).