title: Is a minimally invasive anterior approach effective in old patients? A pilot study.
abstract: Minimally invasive approach to the hip is a blood preserving surgery, with rapid rehabilitation, and low dislocation rate. Intuitively, these characteristics render this approach extremely suitable in the elderly patient. The aim of this study was to analyze the early clinical and radiographic results in the first 30 consecutive patients above 70 years of age undergoing THR through a minimally invasive anterior approach. Clinical evaluations showed an improvement of the Harris Hip Score and WOMAC score after surgery. Radiographic assessment showed cup orientation averaging 47° (range 40°59°) and no valgus stem aligned. Allogeneic blood transfusion was required in only 6 patients (19.8%). One patient experienced an intraoperative fracture of the greater trochanter. No early implant dislocation was observed in the study population. In conclusion we advise a minimally invasive anterior approach for THR in older patients when a careful patient selection has been done.
authors.affiliation: Clinica II, Universita di Bologna, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Faldini
authors.affiliation: Clinica II, Universita di Bologna, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Perna
authors.affiliation: Clinica II, Universita di Bologna, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Pilla
authors.affiliation: Clinica II, Universita di Bologna, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Stefanini
authors.affiliation: Clinica II, Universita di Bologna, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pungetti
authors.affiliation: Clinica II, Universita di Bologna, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Persiani
authors.affiliation: Clinica II, Universita di Bologna, Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, Bologna, Italy.
authors.forename: F
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Traina
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005269:Femur / Q000601:surgery; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000601:surgery; D006615:Hip / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016896:Treatment Outcome