A PROSPECTIVE STUDY COMPARING THE EARLY FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME AND GAIT BETWEEN LATERAL AND POSTERIOR APPROACHES IN TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY

Background: Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) is a well-established procedure for managing arthritis and related hip joint conditions. However, the optimal surgical approach—whether lateral or posterior—remains a subject of debate. Objective: This prospective study aims to compare the early functional outcomes and gait analysis between the lateral and posterior approaches in patients undergoing THA. Methods:Mata Gujri Memorial Medical College & L.S.K. Hospital, Kishanganj, Bihar, 23 patients (16 male, 7 female) were evaluated over a period of 3 months. The primary outcomes measured included functional improvement assessed by the Harris Hip Score (HHS),Trendelenburg test,and Rivermead Visual Gait Assessment (RVGA). Pre- and post-operative electromyographic (EMG) evaluations of the gluteus medius and maximus muscles were also performed. Results: Findings showed significant improvement in the HHS,with the posterior approach showing superior outcomes in terms of pain relief and functional recovery (p < 0.05). Gait analysis revealed better outcomes in the posterior group,though the difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.115).The Trendelenburg test also favoured the posterior approach,but this result was not significant (p = 0.131).There was no significant difference in nerve injury,with EMG results remaining normal in both groups. Conclusion: The study concludes that while both approaches offer excellent functional recovery, the posterior approach may have a slight advantage in early post-operative outcomes, particularly concerning pain and function. However, factors such as femoral offset were critical in influencing gait and abductor muscle strength post-operatively.