Overview

During direct anterior approach (DAA) for total hip arthroplasty (THA), ligation of the lateral femoral circumflex artery and vessel is always conducted. However, this standardized procedure may jeopardize blood muscle perfusion and cause tenderness in the tensor fascia lata muscle. The investigators want to investigate whether blood vessel-sparing surgery is feasible, reproducible, and would alter outcomes following DAA THA.

The surgical technique of the vessel-sparing procedure will be described and investigated in a prospective blinded RCT. The investigators hypothesize that the vessel-sparing technique is feasible in 60% of the patients. If these vessels were not sacrificed, the investigators expect the incidence of TFL tendinopathy to be lower.

Eligibility

Inclusion criteria To be eligible to participate in this study, a subject must meet all criteria below;

• Scheduled for THA by Dr. Frans-Jozef Vandeputte or Professor Dr. Kristoff Corten
• Provide signed and dated informed consent
• Males or females age > 18 years

Exclusion criteria

A potential subject who meets any of the following criteria will be excluded from participation in this study:

• Neurological problems with sensorial and/or motoric disturbances (Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, hemiplegia, …)
• Previous surgery of the ipsilateral hip
• Ipsilateral neck of femur fracture
• Previous contralateral THA
• Significant hip deformity: Crowe type 3 and 4 dysplasia, Leg-Calvé-Perthes
• Avascular necrosis of the femoral head
• Participating in another study that may interfere with participation in this study