SuperPATH
Research type
Research Study
Full title
A prospective Pilot, randomised controlled trial to compare two approaches for total hip arthroplasty: supercapsular percutaneously assisted approach (SuperPATH) versus conventional posterior approach
IRAS ID
277450
Contact name
Michael Cronin
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Swansea Bay University Health Board
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 0 months, 2 days
Research summary
The study is being undertaken to assess two different operative approaches (the surgical incision into the hip area) for hip replacement. The newer approach is known as SuperPath and the other is the conventional posterior approach.
The traditional posterior approach involves cutting several of the muscles around the back of the hip to access the joint by dislocating the ball from the socket. At the end of the operation the ball is placed back in the socket and the muscles are stitched back in place. These muscles obviously then need to heal up over the coming weeks.
The SuperPATH approach uses special instruments and techniques to perform the operation without cutting the muscles. A ‘window’ is developed between 2 groups of muscles and the hip is never dislocated. The theory is that as the muscles have not been cut or stretched by dislocating, the recovery period is shorter as the muscles do not need to heal in the same way.
All other aspects of your surgery and care remain as usual. The components for your hip replacement are identical regardless of which way the surgeon does the operation. Medication, anaesthesia and after care remain the same for both techniques and as required by the patient.
Currently both of these surgical approaches are used routinely, the study wants to assess if one approach offers patients a quicker recover post operation and a shorter hospital stay.
REC name
London - Dulwich Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/PR/0341
Date of REC Opinion
6 Oct 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion