Aesthetic Results, Functional Outcome and Radiographic Analysis in THA by Direct Anterior, Bikini and Postero-Lateral Approach: Is It Worth the Hassle?

Total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be performed by several approaches such as direct anterior (DAA), direct lateral (DL) and postero-lateral (PL). Our study was conducted to compare among different approaches, such as DAA, bikini (BK) and PL, the aesthetic impact of the scar, differences in the position of prosthetic components and differences in functional rehabilitation outcomes. Materials and methods: Population, composed by 240 patients, was collected among patients treated for primary total hip arthroplasty (THA) from 1 January 2017 to 31 December 2021 and divided by surgical approach. Of these, 160 female patients were included in the current analysis, leaving 58 DAA, 52 BK patients and 50 PL patients. Demographic and clinical parameters were retrospectively collected: age, BMI, time of surgery, length of stay, Harris Hip Score (HHS) before and after surgery at 6 months and patient, intra/post-surgical complications and Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Results and Discussion: Our results showed a better aesthetical result in BK group compared to DAA group and faster rehabilitation with the DAA compared to PL. Optimal cup positioning was reached both in PL approach and DAA approach. DAA showed no increase in complications compared to PL approach and offered a faster recovery. Bikini approach is an alternative to the standard DAA approach and can be proposed for patients where a better aesthetic result is desired in addition to better functional recover.