Which patient-specific parameters correlate with operation time for total hip arthroplasty? — A retrospective analysis of the direct anterior approach

Purpose The current study aims to identify patient-specific factors that correlate with operation time for total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed via the direct anterior approach (DAA). Methods In this retrospective study, patient-specific factors were tabulated from the charts and measured from preoperative templating radiographs. These factors were correlated with operation time by bivariate analysis. Significant factors were used for stepwise multiple regression analysis. Results Nine hundred-sixty procedures were included. BMI ( R = 0.283), the distance from the superior iliac spine to the greater trochanter (DAA Plane) (R = − 0.154), patients age (R = 0.152) and the abdominal fat flap (R = 0.134) showed the strongest correlations ( p < 0.005) with operation time. The multiple regression model including BMI, Kellgren and Lawrence Score, Age, DAA Plane and the Canal to Calcar ratio had the best predictive accuracy (corrected R 2 = 0.122). Conclusions Patient-specific factors that make the entry into the femur difficult correlate significantly with operation time of THA via the DAA.