Background: The Supercapsular Percutaneously-Assisted Total Hip (SuperPATH) approach is a minimally invasive approach for total hip arthroplasty. It has been reported to show earlier mobilization, better gait kinematics, and short hospital length of stay. Our primary objective was to compare functional tests of timed up and go and timed stair climb preoperatively, at discharge, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks postoperatively. Secondary objectives included the return to function in weeks, Oxford hip scores, visual analog scale, narcotic utilization, perioperative outcomes, and radiographic component positions.~Methods: Forty-six patients were randomized into two groups on the surgery day: the SuperPATH group (25 patients) and the Posterior group (20 patients). Outcomes examined included functional, VAS pain, narcotic utilization, perioperative outcomes, and radiographic component positions.
The SuperPATH approach is a minimally invasive approach for total hip arthroplasty. This project randomized patients to the SuperPath versus posterior approach. Outcomes examined included functional, VAS pain, narcotic utilization, perioperative outcomes, and radiographic component positions. Participants were followed for 2 years. The aim was to examine if the SuperPATH approach provided significant advantages over the posterior approach on functional testing or return to work for patients.