Gait after total hip replacement: direct anterior vs manual posterior vs robotic posterior
A Prospective, Single-Blinded, Partially Randomized Three-Cohort Study Comparing Manual Direct Anterior and Manual Posterior Approaches to a Non-Randomized Robotic Posterior Cohort for Total Hip Arthroplasty Using Gait Analysis
This study tests whether people having a total hip replacement for osteoarthritis walk and rise from chairs differently when surgeons use a direct anterior approach, a manual posterior approach, or a robotic-assisted posterior approach.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 48 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ochsner Health System Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Metairie, Louisiana and 1 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT07226973 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This single-center, three-arm interventional study compares short-term gait biomechanics and patient-reported outcomes after primary total hip arthroplasty performed by direct anterior approach (manual), posterior approach (manual), or robotic-assisted posterior approach. One surgeon randomizes their eligible patients between the manual direct anterior and manual posterior approaches, while a second surgeon performs robotic-assisted posterior procedures per routine practice. Blinded outcome assessors use a Vicon motion-capture system with force plates and surface EMG to measure gait and sit-to-stand mechanics before surgery and at 6 and 12 weeks after surgery. Standard patient-reported outcome instruments are collected to relate biomechanical findings to functional recovery and symptoms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Adults over 18 with hip osteoarthritis scheduled for a first-time elective total hip replacement, with BMI under 35 and able to walk at least 150 feet unassisted, would be ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Patients with prior surgery on the affected hip, neurological conditions that affect gait, or medical contraindications to either approach would not be eligible and are unlikely to benefit from this comparison.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the results could help identify which surgical approach leads to faster or better early walking and functional recovery after hip replacement.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown robotic assistance can improve implant positioning while comparisons of surgical approaches have produced mixed evidence on short-term gait advantages, so this trial addresses a partially tested but still uncertain area.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Adults aged \>18 undergoing primary elective THA for osteoarthritis * BMI \<35 * Ability to walk unassisted (cane, walker, wheelchair, ect) for \> 150 feet preoperatively Exclusion Criteria: * Previous hip surgery on the affected side * Neurological disorders affecting gait * Contraindication to either DAA or PA
Where this trial is running
Metairie, Louisiana and 1 other locations
- Ochsner Health Center - Elmwood — Metairie, Louisiana, United States (Recruiting)
- Ochsner Medical Center — New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: George Chimento, MD — Ochsner Health System
- Study coordinator: George Chimento, MD
- Email: gchimento@ochsner.org
- Phone: 504-736-4800
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.