Hip Replacement Approaches
Anterior, Posterior, Lateral & Minimally Invasive

In the following pages we will look at the four most commonly used approaches and discuss their advantages and disadvantages.

The major muscle that needs to be negotiated en route to the hip joint is called the gluteus medius. All the approaches we will discuss are named in relation to it.

Hip Replacement Approaches

There are four major approaches in use at this time. These are: -

• Anterior - using the minimally invasive technique
• Modified anterolateral
• Posterior
• Trocanteric

The most widely used approach is the modified anterior-lateral approach - although the anterior approach is becoming increasingly popular.

Mininally Invasive Surgery

We will also look at minimally invasive surgery - (often abbreviated to MIS) which uses smaller incisions and is associated with earlier discharge from hospital and fewer post-operative restrictions. MIS is certainly popular with some surgeons and patients - but not all and the long-term outcomes are as yet unknown.

Videos

With the anterior-lateral approach video you're getting a real bonus - the chance to perform an operation on-line yourself! I found it absolutely fascinating and highly recommend you have a go. (I've done it three times already.) Don't worry, its not at all gory.