A research article published in the Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research reports on the findings of a randomized trial comparing the direct anterior approach (DAA) and posterior approach (PA) in total hip arthroplasty (THA) – assessing the advantages and disadvantages of each from 5-year results.
The findings indicate that DAA and PA are both effective approaches in performing primary THA. While each approach has its associated risks and complications, the choice of THA should be based on individual patient factors, surgeon experience, and shared decision-making. Early registry data indicate DAA and PA THA are comparable, but longer-term data with larger numbers of patients will be required before one can safely conclude equal survivorship between both approaches.
