Partial anterior trochanteric osteotomy in total hip arthroplasty: surgical technique and preliminary results of 127 cases.

The authors describe a new approach to the hip joint arthroplasty performed in 127 cases of total hip arthroplasty without major complication. A small anterior fragment of greater trochanter, maintaining the insertions of the gluteus minimus and vastus lateralis muscles, is detached. The whole insertion of the gluteus medius is preserved intact, providing good prosthetic stability and rapid recovery of abductor power and gait. Three months after surgery, 74% of patients had recovered good abductor strength with a Merle d'Aubigné and Postel score of 17 points. This surgical approach is technically easy to perform and provides good exposure of the hip. The osteotomized fragment is easily reattached using 2 cerclage wires, and upward displacement after operation was rarely seen. Copyright 2003 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.