Patient perceptions and preferences of surgical approach to total hip arthroplasty

The direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty has gained popularity amongst surgeons, however, there is limited literature describing patients’ perceptions and preferences regarding surgical approach. Adult patients presenting for first evaluation of hip pain with an arthroplasty surgeon were provided a survey that assessed demographics and preferences for hip approach. Responses were gathered from 104 patients. Nineteen patients (18.3%) reported an approach preference, 64.4% stated no preference, and 17.3% declined to answer. Fifteen (14.4%) patients reported preference for the anterior approach and four patients preferred the posterior approach. Most patients, when asked to identify which approach was associated with a specific outcome, stated that they did not know. Most patients seeking total hip arthroplasty have no preference for surgical approach; patients with a preference prefer the anterior approach. Patients demonstrated limited knowledge of approach in total hip arthroplasty, stressing the importance of preoperative patient education.