The bikini incision anterior cemented total hip arthroplasty: Assessment of radiological and clinical outcomes

Abstract

Introduction: There has been an increased interest in minimally invasive direct anterior approach total hip arthroplasty (THA) to provide greater patient satisfaction, improve pain relief, and reduce the duration of hospitalisation. A direct anterior approach hybrid cemented THA, utilising a bikini line incision, can be technically challenging. We aimed to undertake radiological analysis of femoral stem cementation, clinical outcomes, and component survivorship. Methods: Over a 5-year period, 215 primary elective bikini anterior THA conducted by a single surgeon were included. All procedures were performed using a cemented collarless polished stem. The operation was performed on a standard operating table. Patients undergoing posterior approach, revision procedures, and fractured neck of femurs were excluded. Post-operative radiographs were analysed for femoral cementation quality using the Barrack grading system. Harris hip scores (HHS) were determined at 6 weeks, 12 weeks, annually thereafter and the difference in HHS was noted. Results: In total, 215 anterior bikini THA (R = 101, L = 114) were performed in 199 patients (M = 89, F = 110) with a mean age of 77 and mean follow up of 2.9 years (range = 0.5–5). Radiographic analysis of femoral cementation showed 189 femoral stems (88%) were either Barrack A or B cementation grade, suggesting optimal cementation. Lucency in the cement-bone interface occurred mainly in Gruen Zone 1 (43%) and Zone 13(46.9%). At the most recent follow-up (mean 2.9 years), component survivorship was at 99.54% (stem). Significant improvement was noted in Harris hip scores at final follow-up (from 54 preoperatively to 92.7 at 2.9 years postoperatively). Conclusion: Our results suggest that a bikini incision direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty can be safely employed to perform cemented femoral stems on a standard operating table.

Bikini Incision vs Longitudinal Incision for Anterior Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Systematic Review

“…While the exact mechanism is unclear, bikini incision may raise the risk of injury to the LFCN branches due to greater medial extension over the tensor fasciae latae and reduced intraoperative field, sometimes requiring more forceful retraction [ 9 , 21 , 23 ]. Interestingly, evidence shows that LFCN symptoms improve significantly and spontaneously with time [ [24] , [25] , [26] , [27] ], so early LFCN injury may not ultimately be an important indicator of surgical success. Further study of these outcomes in larger prospective trials is warranted.…”