For many but not for all: the bikini incision direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty. A narrative review

Abstract Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has significantly improved the lives of patients with degenerative hip disorders. The direct anterior approach (DAA) is favored for its minimally invasive nature, leading to less postoperative pain and a faster recovery. The bikini incision (BI) approach was dev...

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Main Authors: Cesare Faldini, Francesco Traina, Federico Pilla, Claudio D’Agostino, Matteo Brunello, Manuele Morandi Guaitoli, Alberto Di Martino
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: SpringerOpen 2024-12-01
Series:Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
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Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1186/s10195-024-00812-z
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author Cesare Faldini
Francesco Traina
Federico Pilla
Claudio D’Agostino
Matteo Brunello
Manuele Morandi Guaitoli
Alberto Di Martino
author_facet Cesare Faldini
Francesco Traina
Federico Pilla
Claudio D’Agostino
Matteo Brunello
Manuele Morandi Guaitoli
Alberto Di Martino
author_sort Cesare Faldini
collection DOAJ
description Abstract Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has significantly improved the lives of patients with degenerative hip disorders. The direct anterior approach (DAA) is favored for its minimally invasive nature, leading to less postoperative pain and a faster recovery. The bikini incision (BI) approach was developed to enhance aesthetic outcomes while maintaining the clinical and functional benefits of the DAA. Despite its advantages, the BI technique presents challenges, controversies persist regarding its efficacy and safety, and there is no consensus within the medical community about its overall benefits. Incisions aligned with Langer’s lines, like the BI, promote better healing and minimal scarring. Studies indicate that BI patients report higher satisfaction with scar appearance and texture compared to traditional DAA patients. However, the BI carries a higher risk of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury, although most symptoms resolve within 6 months. For obese patients, the BI is associated with fewer complications, such as infections and delayed healing, compared to the conventional DAA, making it a safe and effective option. BI patients also experience better aesthetic outcomes and functional recovery, with reduced pain and itching. The BI technique in THA represents a significant advancement, offering improved aesthetic and wound-healing outcomes. The shift from the traditional DAA to the BI aligns with patient preferences for scars that are less visible and conspicuous. Despite the steep learning curve and risks, careful patient selection and refined surgical techniques can enhance the BI’s benefits. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and comparative studies to further establish the BI’s efficacy and safety. As patient demand for aesthetically favorable surgeries grows, the BI is likely to become a preferred approach in THA.
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spelling doaj-art-b2c87eabeb654d50abcdadd28af7303a2025-08-20T02:40:15ZengSpringerOpenJournal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology1590-99992024-12-0125111010.1186/s10195-024-00812-zFor many but not for all: the bikini incision direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty. A narrative reviewCesare Faldini0Francesco Traina1Federico Pilla2Claudio D’Agostino3Matteo Brunello4Manuele Morandi Guaitoli5Alberto Di Martino6Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliDepartment of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science—DIBINEM, University of BolognaDepartment of Orthopedics and Traumatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliDepartment of Biomedical and Neuromotor Science—DIBINEM, University of BolognaDepartment of Orthopedics and Traumatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliDepartment of Orthopedics and Traumatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliDepartment of Orthopedics and Traumatology, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico RizzoliAbstract Total hip arthroplasty (THA) has significantly improved the lives of patients with degenerative hip disorders. The direct anterior approach (DAA) is favored for its minimally invasive nature, leading to less postoperative pain and a faster recovery. The bikini incision (BI) approach was developed to enhance aesthetic outcomes while maintaining the clinical and functional benefits of the DAA. Despite its advantages, the BI technique presents challenges, controversies persist regarding its efficacy and safety, and there is no consensus within the medical community about its overall benefits. Incisions aligned with Langer’s lines, like the BI, promote better healing and minimal scarring. Studies indicate that BI patients report higher satisfaction with scar appearance and texture compared to traditional DAA patients. However, the BI carries a higher risk of lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) injury, although most symptoms resolve within 6 months. For obese patients, the BI is associated with fewer complications, such as infections and delayed healing, compared to the conventional DAA, making it a safe and effective option. BI patients also experience better aesthetic outcomes and functional recovery, with reduced pain and itching. The BI technique in THA represents a significant advancement, offering improved aesthetic and wound-healing outcomes. The shift from the traditional DAA to the BI aligns with patient preferences for scars that are less visible and conspicuous. Despite the steep learning curve and risks, careful patient selection and refined surgical techniques can enhance the BI’s benefits. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and comparative studies to further establish the BI’s efficacy and safety. As patient demand for aesthetically favorable surgeries grows, the BI is likely to become a preferred approach in THA.https://doi.org/10.1186/s10195-024-00812-zTotal hip arthroplastyMinimally invasiveBikini incision approachDirect anterior approachHipLateral femoral cutaneous nerve
spellingShingle Cesare Faldini
Francesco Traina
Federico Pilla
Claudio D’Agostino
Matteo Brunello
Manuele Morandi Guaitoli
Alberto Di Martino
For many but not for all: the bikini incision direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty. A narrative review
Journal of Orthopaedics and Traumatology
Total hip arthroplasty
Minimally invasive
Bikini incision approach
Direct anterior approach
Hip
Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
title For many but not for all: the bikini incision direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty. A narrative review
title_full For many but not for all: the bikini incision direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty. A narrative review
title_fullStr For many but not for all: the bikini incision direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty. A narrative review
title_full_unstemmed For many but not for all: the bikini incision direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty. A narrative review
title_short For many but not for all: the bikini incision direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty. A narrative review
title_sort for many but not for all the bikini incision direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty a narrative review
topic Total hip arthroplasty
Minimally invasive
Bikini incision approach
Direct anterior approach
Hip
Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
url https://doi.org/10.1186/s10195-024-00812-z
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