Comparison of gait in patients following a computer-navigated minimally invasive anterior approach and a conventional posterolateral approach for total hip arthroplasty: a randomized controlled trial

75 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized to receive either a computer-navigated minimally invasive anterior approach or a conventional posterolateral approach total hip arthroplasty (THA) to determine the difference in gait recovery between the two groups. Patients underwent follow-up over a period of 6 months, and were also compared to healthy controls at 6 months to determine degree of recovery. The results indicated that the treatment groups did not significantly differ in walking speed, step length, cadence and pelvic ROM through the duration of the study, but greater thoracic ROM was observed in patients who underwent the anterior approach. Both THA groups experienced significant reduction in walking speed, cadence, and pelvic ROM compared to healthy controls, as well as an increased step length when adjusted for covariates of height, body mass, and walking speed.