Context: The two-incision approach to total hip arthroplasty (THA) has received increasing attention in recent years. However, the benefits of this procedure have been debated.
Objectives: To evaluate the two-incision THA technique compared to the standard anterolateral THA approach in a community hospital setting.
Methods: A retrospective review of records from patients who had THA at Memorial Hospital of York in Pennsylvania. Outcomes for patients who received the two-incision THA technique were compared to those who had a standard anterolateral THA approach. Perioperative parameters included operation duration and complication rates. Early function was evaluated by hospital length of stay and whether patients were discharged home or to a rehabilitation center.
Results: Twenty-eight patients had 30 THAs with a two-incision technique, and 30 patients had a standard anterolateral THA. Demographic parameters were similar among both groups. The two-incision THA group had a longer mean operation time by 34 minutes but shorter hospital stay by 0.8 days. Patients in the two-incision THA group were discharged to home 87% of the time compared to 43% in the anterolateral group. In addition, 4 patients (13%) in the two-incision group had an orthopedic complication compared to no complications in the anterolateral group.
Conclusions: There were longer operative times, shorter hospital stays, and higher complication rates among patients who received the two-incision THA. Patients who receive the two-incision THA should be selected carefully and advised about the potential for increased complications.