The efficacy and safety of direct superior approach (DSA) for total hip arthroplasty: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE: To systematically evaluate the clinical safety and efficacy of the direct superior approach and the conventional surgical approach. DATE SOURCES: From PubMed, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and China Knowledge Network up to January 30, 2023. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 7 case series involving 4306 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were included, including 679 patients with direct superior approach. All outcome measures: Oxford Hip Score [MD = 0.30, 95% CI (− 0.87, 1.47), P = 0.62], Hip Harris Score [MD = − 0.18, 95% CI (− 0.86, 0.49), P = 0.59], intraoperative blood loss [MD = − 54.14, 95% CI (− 102.75,-5.52), P = 0.03], transfusion rate [MD = 0.49, 95% CI (0.29, 0.83), P = 0.008], Limb Length Differences [MD = − 0.21, 95% CI (0.02, 0.39), P = 0.03], Length of Stay [MD = − 0.61, 95% CI (− 0.69, − 0.52), P < 0.00001]. CONCLUSIONS: The DSA was superior to conventional access in terms of incision length, bleeding, postoperative transfusion rate, and early postoperative HHS. In addition, our study found that because the DSA has less tissue damage, it has the potential advantages of accelerating patient recovery after surgery, shortening hospitalization time, and reducing patient economic pressure, which can significantly improve patient quality of life and satisfaction.