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Media Contact: Denise Smith Rodd drodd@aahks.org
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Study Finds Fast Recovery with Two Hip Surgical Approaches

For Immediate Release

Dallas, November 13, 2016 — Patients whose surgeons used the direct anterior approach for their hip replacement reached functional milestones somewhat earlier than those who received the mini-posterior approach according to the study, “A Large Randomized Clinical Trial of Direct Anterior and Mini-Posterior THA: Which Provides Faster Functional Recovery?” Michael J. Taunton, MD, presented at the 2016 American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons Annual Meeting.

Dr. Taunton and his co-authors, Robert T. Trousdale, MD, Rafael J. Sierra, MD, Kenton R. Kaufman, PhD and Mark W. Pagnano, MD, conducted a randomized clinical trial to determine if patients recovered faster after the direct anterior approach than after the mini-posterior approach. The approach is the method a surgeon uses to access the affected hip joint – either from the anterior (front) or posterior (rear) of the hip.

Patients’ activities were monitored at home at two weeks, eight weeks and one year with activity monitoring sensors. Data was recorded when they stopped using walkers and other devices, stopped using opioids, ascending stairs with assistance and walking six blocks. While patients who had the Direct Anterior Approach reached these milestones slightly faster, the study concluded that “both the direct anterior approach and mini-posterior approach provided excellent early postoperative recovery.”

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About the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons:

Established in 1991, the mission of AAHKS is to advance hip and knee patient care through education and advocacy. AAHKS has a membership of over 3,700 surgeons and other hip and knee health care professionals.

Contact:
Denise Smith Rodd
drodd@aahks.org

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