At the annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons in San Diego, California, in February 2011, there were several presentations regarding anterior approach total hip. Data presented by Dr. Robert Gorab, M.D., and his partner Dr. Steve Barnett, M.D., documented their early experience with anterior approach total hip, and the shorter length of hospital stay, earlier recovery, and learning curve doing this procedure. Their results further support proponents of the anterior approach total hip who feel that by not violating various muscle groups and preserving the lateral and posterior capsule and muscles, there is less pain in the early postoperative period and earlier return to function. We are almost finished with our randomized prospective study comparing anterior to posterior approach total hip arthroplasty and will be reviewing the results in 2011. We look forward to sharing these with our patients.
William P. Barrett, M.D.
