Abstract:

Background:

Both minimally invasive surgery (MIS) and computer-assisted surgery (CAS) for total hip arthroplasty (THA) have gained popularity in recent years. We conducted a qualitative and systematic review to assess the effectiveness of MIS, CAS and computer-assisted MIS for THA.

Methods:

An extensive computerised literature search of PubMed, Medline, Embase and OVIDSP was conducted. Both randomised clinical trials and controlled clinical trials on the effectiveness of MIS, CAS and computer-assisted MIS for THA were included. Methodological quality was independently assessed by two reviewers. Effect estimates were calculated and a best-evidence synthesis was performed.

Results:

Four high-quality and 14 medium-quality studies with MIS THA as study contrast, and three high-quality and four medium-quality studies with CAS THA as study contrast were included. No studies with computer-assisted MIS for THA as study contrast were identified. Strong evidence was found for a decrease in operative time and intraoperative blood loss for MIS THA, with no difference in complication rates and risk for acetabular outliers. Strong evidence exists that there is no difference in physical functioning, measured either by questionnaires or by gait analysis. Moderate evidence was found for a shorter length of hospital stay after MIS THA. Conflicting evidence was found for a positive effect of MIS THA on pain in the early postoperative period, but that effect diminished after three months postoperatively. Strong evidence was found for an increase in operative time for CAS THA, and limited evidence was found for a decrease in intraoperative blood loss. Furthermore, strong evidence was found for no difference in complication rates, as well as for a significantly lower risk for acetabular outliers.

Conclusions:

The results indicate that MIS THA is a safe surgical procedure, without increases in operative time, blood loss, operative complication rates and component malposition rates.

However, the beneficial effect of MIS THA on functional recovery has to be proven.

The results also indicate that CAS THA, though resulting in an increase in operative time, may have a positive effect on operative blood loss and operative complication rates. More importantly, the use of CAS results in better positioning of acetabular component of the prosthesis.

Here is the Full Conclusion Section:

Conclusions

The results of this systematic review indicate that MIS THA is a safe surgical procedure, without increases in operative time, blood loss, operative complications and component positioning when compared to the conventional procedure.

However, the surplus value of MIS THA over the conventional procedure in terms of a faster functional recovery remains to be proven.

The results of this review also indicate that computer-assisted THA, despite an increased operative time, may have a positive effect on operative blood loss and complications. More importantly, the use of CAS during THA results in better positioning of the acetabular component of the prosthesis.

Since minimally invasive THA and the use of computer navigation are becoming increasingly popular in orthopaedics, combining ‘the best of both worlds’ would be a sensible next step to take. With respect to future research, well-designed studies on MIS THA, CAS THA and especially computer-assisted MIS THA are needed, in which the used definitions, surgical technique, study population, outcome measures and study end-points are adequately described.

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