Total hip arthroplasty through the direct anterior approach for sequelae of Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease

Introduction Due to multiplanar deformities of the hip, total hip arthroplasty (THA) for sequelae of Legg–Calvé–Perthes disease (LCPD) is often technically demanding. This study aimed to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes of patients with sequelae of LCPD undergoing THA through the direct anterior approach (DAA) and non-anterior approaches to the hip. Methods All patients with sequelae of LCPD who underwent primary THA between 2004 and 2018 (minimum follow-up: 2 years) were evaluated and separated into two groups: THA through the DAA (Group AA), or THA through non-anterior approaches to the hip (Group non-AA). Furthermore, a consecutive control group of patients undergoing unilateral THA through the DAA for primary hip osteoarthritis (Group CC) was retrospectively reviewed for comparison. Results Group AA comprises 14 hips, group non-AA 17 hips and group CC 30 hips. Mean follow-up was 8.6 (± 5.2; 2–15), 9.0 (± 4.6; 3–17) and 8.1 (± 2.2; 5–12) years, respectively. At latest follow-up, Harris Hip Score was 90 (± 20; 26–100), 84 (± 15; 57–100), and 95 (± 9; 63–100) points, respectively. Overall, 6 patients treated for LCPD (each 3 patient in the AA and non-AA group) developed postoperative sciatic nerve palsy, of which only one was permanent. Complication-related revision rate at the latest follow-up was 15% in the AA-group and 25% in the non-AA group, respectively. Conclusion THA through the DAA might be a credible option for the treatment of sequelae of LCPD with comparable complication rates and functional outcomes to non-anterior approaches.