Acetabular Exposure Is Enhanced With Self-Retaining Retractors During Direct Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

Acetabular exposure for direct anterior (DA) total hip arthroplasty (THA) can be performed using hands-free, self-retaining retractors. No current study quantitatively compares this self-retaining technique with the traditional manual technique. In 65 consecutive DA THA hips, two “best-view” digital photographs were taken of the exposure—one using Charnley/self-retaining retractors and one using a traditional three-retractor manual technique. Percent exposure of the polyethylene liner was calculated. Percent acetabular exposure averaged 80.0% using the Charnley/self-retaining technique, compared with 73.1% using the manual technique ( P =.0002). A hands-free technique provides superior acetabular exposure compared with the manual technique. Increasing body mass index predicts decreasing exposure with both techniques. [ Orthopedics . 2021;44(2):e309–e313.]

Does Artificial Intelligence Outperform Humans Using Fluoroscopic-Assisted Computer Navigation for Total Hip Arthroplasty?

“…Unilateral THA was performed using a standard DA approach in the supine position on a traction table [ 17 ]. For acetabular preparation, an AP fluoroscopic view of the pelvis was obtained, adjusting the angle of the fluoroscopic beam to achieve obturator foramen that were equal in shape and size to the preoperative standing AP pelvis.…”