A comparison of the omega and posterior approaches on patient reported function and radiological outcomes following total hip replacement

BackgroundThe omega approach represents a modification of the lateral approach to the hip for joint replacement. It was developed to reduce the potential for gluteus muscle dysfunction and thereby improve functional outcome following hip replacement.MethodsA cohort of 415 consecutive hip replacements receiving the same type of cemented femoral component were followed up at a mean of three years postoperatively and invited to complete functional outcome and satisfaction scores.ResultsThere were no differences between the omega and the posterior approach in terms of post-operative Oxford Hip Score, Short Form-12 score, patient satisfaction and a range of radiographic parameters.ConclusionsThe omega approach appears to perform equally to the posterior approach in this cohort of patients.