Muscle strength following total hip arthroplasty. A comparison of trochanteric osteotomy and the direct lateral approach.

Twenty-seven patients who had hip arthroplasty operated on with trochanteric osteotomy were compared with 54 patients when the direct lateral approach was used. The strength of the hip abductors, adductors, extensors, and flexors were measured at least 2 years following surgery. The strength of these muscle groups recovered to the same level as those on the nonoperated side, and there was no significant difference between the two groups of patients. Functionally, the direct lateral approach is a safe alternative to trochanteric osteotomy.