Thus , while DAA hip arthroplasty can be successfully performed , it is not without complications .
Does the choice of approach for hip hemiarthroplasty in geriatric patients significantly influence early postoperative outcomes? A randomized-controlled trial comparing the modified Smith-Petersen and Hardinge approaches.
BACKGROUND Minimally invasive surgical approaches for total hip replacement , such as the modified Smith-Petersen approach , have been reported to be advantageous over alternative techniques because of reduced soft tissue damage and improved immediate postoperative rehabilitation . This study compares the advantages of the Smith-Petersen approach against the lateral Hardinge approach for femoral neck fractures in geriatric patients . METHODS In a r and omized-controlled trial , 48 patients were treated by a hemiarthroplasty of the hip using either a modified Smith-Petersen or a Hardinge approach .  Age , American Society of Anesthesiologists score , body mass index , blood loss , pain , and postoperative mobilization were compared between groups to detect statistically significant differences . The same outcome measures were analyzed for significant differences between patients with or without complications in each group . RESULTS The Smith-Petersen approach yielded a statistically significant increase in postoperative pain within the first 4 days and an increase in operation time . Complications were also associated with a significantly higher intraoperative time in the same group . However , 6 months postoperatively , there were no significant differences in the Harris Hip score between groups . CONCLUSIONS Despite early postoperative differences , postoperative mobility does not seem to be greatly influenced by the choice of either an anterior modified Smith-Petersen or a lateral Hardinge approach for hip hemiarthroplasty .  Operative time was significantly linked to postoperative complications . In this respect , it can be concluded that it is not be the approach itself that determines the early postoperative result , but the routine the individual surgeon has with it
Thus , while DAA hip arthroplasty can be successfully performed , it is not without complications .