Patient satisfaction following total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: a randomised controlled trial of the lateral and posterior approaches.

INTERVENTION: Lateral approach to the hip Division of fascia lata, subperiosteal dissection of anterior 1/3 of gluteus medius and origin of vastus lateralis, capsulotomy; total hip arthroplasty in the standard manner, repair of gluteus medius flap with 2 vicryl, duration of entire procedure approximately 90 minutes CONDITION: Total hip arthroplasty for osteoarthritis PRIMARY OUTCOME: Patient satisfaction as assessed by visual analogue pain score, Oxford hip score, Short Form‐36 and Western Ontario and McMaster University Index SECONDARY OUTCOME: Prevalence of trochanteric bursitis as defined by at least 2 of the following 3: (i) lateral hip pain with a pain score of 3/10 or more (ii) lateral hip tenderness (iii) response to steroid injection as assessed by history and examination at a clinic appointment (at 6 months and 1 year, or more often if symptoms necessitate) INCLUSION CRITERIA: Osteoarthritis of the hip