Hip resurfacing through a modified anterolateral approach, as compared with the Ganz trochanteric flip osteotomy: a two year follow-up study.

Hip resurfacing arthroplasty has conventionally been undertaken through the posterior approach. There has been evidence in the recently published literature to suggest that the posterior approach may compromise the blood supply to the femoral head, by disruption of the posterolateral hip capsule. Ganz et al have proposed the trochanteric 'flip' osteotomy through a lateral approach, to permit surgical dislocation of the hip without damaging the blood supply. The disadvantages, however, are that early full weight bearing is not permitted and there is an incidence of trochanteric delayed or non-union, which may require further treatment. We describe a technique of hip resurfacing through a modified anterolateral approach preserving the posterolateral capsular blood supply. We describe our experience using this approach, and compare the results with our previously used Ganz trochanteric osteotomy. At a mean follow-up of two years, the outcome scores were not significantly different, and both groups had similar abductor strength. There were two cases of delayed union in the Ganz group, one of which required revision; there were no complications in the modified anterolateral group.