'On Table' Versus 'Off Table' Direct Anterior Approach Total Hip Arthroplasty: Is There a Difference?

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether there were differences in patient-reported outcomes, operative times, satisfaction scores, and complications between patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed through a direct anterior approach on a specialized traction table or a regular operating room table.

Methods: Patients who underwent a direct anterior approach THA on a specialized table or a regular table with a minimum 1-year follow-up were included. Patient-reported outcome measures and THA satisfaction were recorded. Demographics, complications, and operative times (both in-room and surgical time) were evaluated. Three hundred twenty-two patients were included with 217 (67.4%) undergoing anterior THA on the specialized table and 105 (32.6%) on a regular table.

Results: Outcome measures were similar at 4 months and 1 year postoperatively. Average operative time was 87 minutes (range, 50-160) and 90 minutes (range, 35-197) for the specialized table and regular table groups ( = .314). Average total in room time was 123 minutes (range, 87-201) and 120 minutes (range, 62-255) for the specialized table and regular table groups ( = .564). Satisfaction rates between groups did not differ ( = .564). No differences were found in complication rates at 4 months ( = .814) or 1 year ( = .547).

Conclusions: This study shows that the direct anterior approach for THA can be safely and efficiently performed on either a specialized traction table or a regular table. Surgeons should continue to utilize the approach and set-up they are most comfortable with to achieve an optimal outcome for the patient.