Professional Documents
Culture Documents
blood loss, postoperative bursitis from trochanteric wires, and gracilis muscles. It is used primarily for the treatment
and the possibility of trochanteric non-union. Non-union of congenital dysplasia of the hip and to approach the
without migration is usually asymptomatic. However, iliopsoas tendon and lesser trochanter. It has no role in
migration occurs in between 2 and 15% of cases, and will THA.
lead to loss of abductor function, a limp, and potential The direct lateral or transgluteal approach was appar-
instability of the hip. Therefore, reattachment of the ently first described by Kocher in 1903.28 McFarland and
trochanter is a critical step in this approach. Osborne "suggested an improvement on Kocher's
The posterolateral approach was first described by method" in 1954, noting the direct functional continuity of
Langenback in 1874, for the purpose of draining pyar- the tendinous periosteum of the gluteus medius and vastus
throses of the hip.40 The approach was later modified by lateralis.34 They recommended swinging forward these
Kocher and others, then popularized in North America by muscle bellies after their release, like a "bucket handle".
Gibson. Moore advocated the use of a more inferiorly When it was not easy to peel the tendons from bone, they
placed incision into the buttock to insert femoral endopros- recommended taking a few flakes of trochanteric bone
theses, and the approach was thus named "Southern adhering to the tendons. Hardinge popularized the direct
Exposure".40 The procedure must be performed in the lateral approach in the modern era. In his description in
lateral decubitus position. Most commonly, the incision 1982, he recommended incising this combined tendon
courses along the posterolateral border of the femur and directly over the trochanter, and carrying the dissection
greater trochanter, then curves posteriorly towards the posteriorly into the gluteus medius fibers. The combined
posterior superior iliac spine. The fascia lata is incised and tendon was then sutured into bone and onto itself during
the fibers of the gluteus maximus are split. The short closure.15 This has become the standard direct lateral
external rotators are released prior to a posterior cap- approach discussed in most textbooks and articles.
sulectomy and posterior dislocation of the femoral head. McLauchlan described the Stracathro approach, whereby
There is no true internervous plane in this approach, but anterior and posterior slices of trochanter are elevated
the gluteus maximus is not significantly denervated and with the gluteus medius. He reported excellent results in
the dissection is behind the superior gluteal nerve- over 2000 THA's performed through this approach.35
innervated abductor muscles. The principle danger of this Anterior modification, employing just an anterior trochant-
approach is injury to the sciatic nerve which must be eric osteotomy, was described by Dall in 1986. He stated
protected during dissection of the posterior hip capsule. that this partial osteotomy leaves intact the posterior
The advantages of this approach include its reproducible gluteus medius and its thick tendon.8 Finally, Frndak et al
anatomy and exposure, and the avoidance of the abductor recently reported excellent clinical results using an abduc-
musculature. The major disadvantages include the need to tor muscle "split", which also leaves the posterior gluteus
perform the procedure in the lateral decubitus position, medius intact, but does not require an osteotomy. 12
limited extensibility, and difficulty in knowing the exact Extensile versions of this approach have also been de-
position of the pelvis during reconstruction. The postero- scribed for the purpose of revision surgery. 13'19
lateral approach has been associated with the highest Thus, there have been many modifications of the direct
incidence of postoperative instability after THA.50 lateral approach since its original description. These 1
The anterior approach of Smith-Peterson reached its ateral approaches have been studied in several ways
greatest utility for the performance of cup arthroplasty. recently, including the relevant anatomy,25 abductor
The approach utilizes the superficial interval between the function,16,36'39'47 and heterotopic ossification.2348
sartorius and the tensor fascia lata muscles and the deep There is certainly no consensus regarding the utility or
interval between the rectus femoris and gluteus medius complications of any or all of these approaches. Direct
muscles. Thus, it is truly an internervous approach, lateral approaches have been blamed for a high prevalence
between the femoral and superior gluteal nerves. The of limp, heterotopic ossification and hemorrhage.3'33'43'48
approach is most commonly used today for pelvic osteot- Others have reported normal abductor function, and gen-
omies, hip fusions and biopsies. Many variations of this erally satisfactory results when compared to other
approach have been described to increase exposure and approaches.12'23'36 To our knowledge, a comprehensive
improve its versatility, including transection of the tensor review of any direct lateral approach used in a large series
fascia lata or gluteus medius, osteotomies or extensive of patients does not exist in the literature.
stripping off the pelvis. Despite these attempts, this Discouraged with an unacceptably high rate of THA
approach provides inadequate exposure and has very little dislocation using the posterolateral approach, the senior
usefulness in performing THA. authors turned to a direct lateral approach for THA in
The medial approach was first described by Ludloff in 1985. After a short period on the learning curve, incorpo-
1908. It employs the interval between the adductor longus rating slight modifications, the approach described in this
Volume 15 49
B. D. Mulliken, C. H. Rorabeck, R. B. Bourne, N. Nayak
paper has been used exclusively for all primary THA and
most revision THA at our institution since 1987. This
report reflects our experience with a modified direct
lateral approach in primary THA in a large consecutive
series of patients with a minimum two year follow-up.
For the purposes of this report, 770 consecutive pri-
mary total hip arthroplasties were reviewed. The compli-
cations considered potentially attributable to the approach
included postoperative instability, limp, heterotopic ossifi-
cation (HO) and nerve palsy. Direct measures of the utility
of the approach included its applicability to a wide array of
problems seen in primary THA without the need for
further exposure, as well as the average duration of
surgery. Utility, without untoward effects, was assessed
using clinical results as taken from the Harris hip rating
and AAOS-Hip Society rating forms. Component place-
ment was recorded as an indirect measure of the adequacy
of exposure.
The pertinent results will be outlined here, and de-
scribed in detail later. Of the 770 hips, there have been
three known dislocations, for an overall prevalence of
instability of 0.4%. Excluding those who died or were lost
to follow-up, there were two dislocations of 712 THA's
that were followed for greater than two years, for a
prevalence of instability of 0.3%. A moderate or severe
limp from any cause was present in 10% of patients at two Figure 1
year follow-up, and in 4% of a subgroup of patients with Illustration of the skin incision, centered over the trochanter.
only unilateral osteoarthritis of the hip (Charnley A).
Heterotopic ossification developed in 34% of hips. It was
functionally limiting in only seven patients. A total of four component sizes. The patient is transferred to the lateral
partial sciatic nerve palsies occurred in this series. decubitus position, nonaffected hip down on an inflatable
It was never necessary to convert to a trochanteric bean bag. Supplemental taping is used to secure the
osteotomy or perform a concomitant posterior capsulec- patient. The hip and leg are prepped and draped free, and
tomy to gain exposure. The duration of surgery, including a sterile pouch is made on the assistant's side, anterior to
patient transfers and prepping and draping, has averaged the patient. A straight lateral skin incision is made midway
one hour and thirty-eight minutes for primary THA using between the anterior and posterior dimensions of the
this approach. Acetabular and femoral component place- greater trochanter, equidistant cephalad and caudad to the
ment was considered excellent in over 90% of patients. tip of the trochanter (Fig. 1). The fascia lata is incised
As this review will show, this modified direct lateral between the muscle bellies of the tensor fascia lata and the
approach has greatly diminished the potentially devastat- gluteus maximus (Fig. 2). The trochanteric bursa is
ing complication of postoperative instability in our experi-
ence. It has been associated with an acceptable level and incised and the anterior and posterior borders of the
severity of limp and heterotopic ossification. Excellent gluteus medius and the vastus lateralis are identified.
exposure can be achieved, allowing accurate placement of Blunt retractors are used to separate the muscle fibers of
components in an efficient manner. the gluteus medius at its anterior-middle one-third junc-
tion, up to three cm cephalad to its insertion (Fig. 3). Care
Operative Technique is taken to protect the inferior branch of the superior
The technique described here varies significantly from gluteal nerve as it courses between the gluteus medius
many previously described lateral approaches to the hip. and minimus muscles. Electrocautery is used to split and
Therefore, the approach will be described in some detail. detach the combined tendon and periosteum of the gluteus
The approach is very similar to the Translateral Abductor medius and vastus lateralis. This division is carried ante-
Muscle "Split" described by Frndak et al.12 rior to the trochanter to leave behind a posterior tendinous
Preoperative templating is carried out to estimate limb cuff for later suturing. Distally, the incision curves poste-
length inequality and approximate acetabular and femoral riorly at the vastus ridge and taken in line with the fibers
TENSOR FASCIAE -
LATAE GWTEUS MINIMUS
TENSOR FASCIAE - GLUTEUS MEDIUS
LATAE
Figure 2
The incision in the fascia lata, between the insertion of the tensor Figure 4
fascia lata and gluteus maximus muscles. Division of the gluteus minimus is done in line with its fibers, under
direct vision and limited to three cm from its insertion.
TENSORI
Figure 3
Blunt retractors are used to spread the fibers of the gluteus medius
at its anterior-middle one-third junction. The combined tendon/ Figure 5
periosteum is divided anterior to the trochanter, and the fascia of Exposure of the anterior capsule for capsulectomy.
the vastus lateralis posterior to or at the midline.
of the vastus lateralis is elevated from the intertrochant-
of the vastus lateralis. Two points of bleeding may be eric line, and medially to the lesser trochanter as neces-
encountered. First is the ascending branch of the medial sary. A blunt-tipped retractor can be carefully placed over
circumflex artery behind the trochanter. Second is the the anterior acetabular rim or alternatively, a sharp-tipped
transverse branch of the lateral circumflex artery in the retractor is placed into the anterior-superior ilium. With
vastus lateralis. Both arteries are easily cauterized. Under adequate exposure of the anterior capsule, an anterior
direct vision, the gluteus minimus is divided in line with its capsulectomy is performed (Fig. 5). A smooth Steinmann
tendinous fibers (Fig. 4). A plane between the gluteus pin is placed in the ilium and a mark made on the greater
minimus and anterior capsule is easily found proximally. trochanter for leg length determination. Dislocation of the
Blunt dissection with scissors is carried out to the acetab- femoral head is achieved by external rotation, flexion and
ular rim, identifying and cutting the reflected head of the adduction, while pulling the head from the acetabulum
rectus femoris, as the leg is externally rotated. The origin using a bone hook. The leg is brought over into the sterile
Volume 15 51
B. D. Mulliken, C. H. Rorabeck, R. B. Bourne, N. Nayak
TENSOR FASCIAE
LATAE GLUTEUS MEDIUS
I ~~GLUTEUS MAXIMUS
VASTUS LATERALIS
Figure 6
Positioning of the leg for femoral neck osteotomy and canal prepa- Figure 8
ration. Closure is carried out in layers, with reapproximation of the
combined tendon and periosteum of the gluteus medius and vastus
lateralis.
Postoperative Rehabilitation
Figure 7
A pillow is placed between the patient's legs until they
Acetabular exposure requires an anterior-superior retractor, an are awake in the recovery room. Braces and/or splints are
inferior retractor that holds the femur posterior, and a posterior not used. Ambulation is begun the next day. For the first
soft tissue retractor. six weeks, patients are instructed on crutch-waiking,
progressing to full weight-bearing as tolerated. They are
pouch to perform a femoral neck osteotomy (Fig. 6). One cautioned to avoid excessive flexion of the hip and to avoid
may then elect to prepare the femur or place the leg back crossing their legs. Abduction exercises are allowed with
on the operating table and move to the acetabulum. For gravity removed. From six weeks forward, they are
acetabular preparation, a Hohman retractor is placed in the advanced from crutches to a contralateral crutch or a cane,
acetabular notch beneath the transverse acetabular liga- full weight-bearing. Abduction exercises are performed
ment (Fig. 7). Posterior retraction is generally adequate against gravity and with resistance up to four kg. in
by externally rotating the leg and use of a soft tissue addition to hip flexion and straight leg raising exercises.
retractor. Rarely is a posterior rim retractor required. Patients are generally released from physiotherapy and
If limb length and femoral offset are restored after the use of a cane at three months and are allowed to
placement of components, there is generally no tendency progress to full activity at that time.
to subluxation with a full range of motion. The positions of
maximal external rotation in extension and internal rota- MATERIALS AND METHODS
tion in 90 degrees of flexion are particularly important to Seven hundred and seventy primary total hip arthroplas-
assess. ties were performed at the University of Western Ontario
Volume 15 53
B. D. Mulliken, C. H. Rorabeck, R. B. Bourne, N. Nayak
Figure 9
Dislocation occurred 2 years post-op while stooping over and 9b) relocation of THA.
in the form of subluxation or dislocation have been re- for more than part-time cane use increased from 1% at
ported or recorded for any of these patients, over the two years to 8% at greater than five year follow-up (Table
length of follow-up studied. 3).
Parenthetically, 178 revision THA's were performed
during the same time period using a similar modified direct
lateral approach. Of these hips, there have been only two
known dislocations for a prevalence of 1.1%.
Limp was recorded as absent, slight, moderate or LIMP/WALKING AIDS (OVERALL)
severe as graded by the AAOS/Hip Society recommenda- Yr Mod/Severe 2 Cane Use
tion. The prevalence of a moderate or severe limp in the Follow-up Limp (%) (%)
entire patient series decreased from 12% to 10% from the
one to two year follow-up but then increased to 21% at five 1 12 9
year or greater follow-up. Similarly, the need for more 2 10 7
than part-time cane use decreased from 9% to 7% from 3 14 8
years one to two and then increased to 13% at five year or 4 17 13
greater follow-up (Table 2). 5 21 13
In the subset of 230 Charmley type A patients who are 6 21 12
the subject of a separate study,29 limp was evaluated after
a Six-Minute Walk. A moderate or severe limp was Table 2
present in 4% at two year follow-up, gradually increasing The prevalence of moderate or severe limp and the need for more
to 11% at five year or greater follow-up. Again, the need than part-time cane use at each length follow-up, for all patients
with minimum 2-year follow-up.
3 3 1 395 93 90
2 4 2 370 94 92
3 6 2 3 223 94 93
4 10 2 4 149 93 87
5 12 8 5 89 91 82
6 6 0 6 23 94 100
Table 3 Table 5
The prevalence of limp, and need for more than part-time cane use Harris Hip rating, average and percentage good and excellent
for the 230 patients with unilateral hip osteoarthritis, evaluated results at each length of follow-up, for the entire patient series.
after a timed six minute walk.
HETEROTOPIC OSSIFICATION the past 3.5 years has been 1 hours and 38 minutes,
including patient positioning, prepping and draping, and
Brooker 0 66% transfers.
As stated, both the Harris Hip rating and the AAOS/Hip
1 26 Society rating were used to assess clinical results in these
11 5 patients over the length of follow-up reported here.
III A 1.8 Approximately one-half of patients had serial numerical
B 0.8 Harris scores at each length of follow-up, as seen in Table
IV A 0 5. The remaining patients were not given a cumulative
"score", but the individual parameters of pain, limp, etc.,
B 1 pt as taken from the AAOS/Hip Society form are reported
here. The Harris score averaged 94 at two year follow-up,
Table 4
Heterotopic ossification, according to Brooker et al (2) and modified decreasing to 91 at five years. Ninety-two percent of
by Maloney et al (31) for the 687 hips with minimum 2-year patients had good and excellent results at two years,
radiographic review.
compared to 82% at five years (Table 5).
Each of the 230 patients with unilateral hip osteoarthri-
tis had serial Harris Scores. At two years, the average
score was 96, with 97% good and excellent results. The
Heterotopic ossification was present to some degree in
34% of hips. It was Brooker Grade I in 25.7%, grade II in average score decreased to 93, with 86% good and
5.3% and grade III in 2.6%. Only one patient in the series excellent results at five years (Table 6).
had apparent ankylosis (Grade IV). Of the 19 patients For the entire series, no or slight pain was present in
(2.8%) who had grade III or IV HO, seven were function- 93% of hips at two years, with an average pain score of 42
ally limited (type B) in ascending stairs, sitting or donning out of 44. The average score decreased to 40, with 88% of
shoes and socks (Table 4). patients having no or slight pain at five years (Table 7).
In the series, there were four partial sciatic nerve The average acetabular angle in this series was 40.3
palsies, as discussed later. There were no femoral nerve degrees with a standard deviation of 6.4 degrees (range
or vascular injuries. 20-65 degrees). Therefore, socket inclination was be-
tween 34 and 47 degrees in 95% of THA's. The femoral
Utility component was placed in neutral in 90% of patients, varus
This approach was utilized for every primary THA in 3% and in valgus in 7%.
performed during the period of study. In the entire series, Statistical analysis revealed a significantly higher Harris
it was never necessary to convert to a trochanteric hip rating in patients with osteoarthritis and CDH
osteotomy to improve exposure nor was it necessary to compared to osteonecrosis and rheumatoid arthritis
perfonn a concomitant posterior capsulectomy. (p<O.000l). A significantly lower hip rating was found
The average duration of surgery for prinary THA over with advancing age (p<0.0001) and length of follow-up
Volume 15 55
B. D. Mulliken, C. H. Rorabeck, R. B. Bourne, N. Nayak
by Chandler et al, who found that patients had a much injured directly or through traction. The suture line in the
worse outcome one year following the initial dislocation.5 abductors may dehisce postoperatively during rehabilita-
The majority of patients with recurrent instability will tion. Finally, the portion of abductors that is elevated and
require an operation, most commonly a revision of one or retracted may be defunctionalized and not recover. Baker
both components.10 50 Daly and Morrey reported success- and Bitounis found electromyographic (EMG) evidence of
ful eradication of the instability in only 61% of hips SGN injury in 10 of 29 hips operated through a Hardinge
following reoperation for recurrent postoperative approach and that this finding correlated with a limp.'
instability.9 Svennson et al reported dehiscence of the abductor suture
The prevalence of dislocation after direct lateral ap- line of greater than two cm in one-third of patients after
proaches is not well known. Scheck et al reported two the Hardinge approach, and that limp correlated with a
dislocations of 67 THA (3%) using the "Kocher- separation of greater than 2.5 cm.47 In the clinical setting,
McFarland" direct lateral approach.43 Frndak reported McCollum and Gray found the lateral approach to cause a
one dislocation of 65 hips using their muscle "split" postoperative limp and be time consuming.3' Callaghan et
approach. 12
We have observed a postoperative dislocation in only al found a significant association of postoperative limp with
0.4% of all primary THA's performed during the period of the direct lateral approach compared to the posterolateral
study, with a similar prevalence of 0.3% of the hips with approach, using the Porous Coated Anatomic total hip
minimum two year follow-up. As would be predicted, two system.3 Heekin et al later found the difference not
of the three hips were treated successfully closed and one significant in the same patients.2'
required a reoperation. Uncharacteristically, two of three On the other hand, Hardy and Synek reported normal
dislocations occurred late, approximately two years after abductor power and EMG studies after a direct lateral
the index procedure. We might attribute the lack of approach in seven patients.'6 Horwitz et al found no
postoperative instability to two or more factors. Because difference in limp or abductor strength in a randomized
the posterior capsule is left intact and the anterior struc- clinical trial of the Hardinge and Transtrochanteric
tures, excluding the capsule, are preserved and approxi- approaches.'7 Mnns et al reported that the strength of the
mated anatomically, a tight soft tissue envelope is created abductor muscles recovered equally after these two ap-
during closure. In addition, correct acetabular component proaches and was comparable to the non-operated side.36
positioning is not difficult using this approach in the lateral Frmdak et al demonstrated a normal Trendelenburg test
decubitus position, even if the patient rolls forward or and no limp attributable to the approach in 50 patients
backward, as the surgeon is afforded direct downward undergoing 65 THA's using their modified direct lateral
vision of the pertinent anatomical landmarks. Well over approach. 12
95% of the acetabular components in this series were In this series, we observed a moderate or severe limp
within the "safe zone" of inclination of 30 degrees to 50 in 10% of patients at two years, increasing to 21% at five
degrees as described by Morrey.2 Appropriate acetabular years or greater. Similarly, 7% of patients required more
component version was probably achieved in a similar than part time cane use at two years, increasing to 13% at
percentages of cases, but this measure was not taken from five years or greater. Generally, this limp has been
the radiographs as we feel it is often inaccurate. Other attributed to other conditions such as contralateral hip
factors such as patient compliance and skilled nursing and disease or ipsilateral knee or ankle arthritis, limb length
physiotherapy personnel are obviously important. The inequality or neurologic disorders. In the subset of 230
prevalence of 0.4% in primary THA and 1.1% in revision patients with unilateral osteoarthritis of the hip, the
THA is less than other published reports and is certainly prevalence of moderate or severe limp after a timed
within acceptable linits for postoperative instability. This six-minute walk was a modest 4% at two years, increasing
approach has tremendously limited the morbidity and to 12% at five years. The increasing prevalence of limp
additional medical cost we previously experienced while over time is most likely a sign of advancing age with the
using a posterior approach. development of coexistent conditions such as spinal steno-
sis or polyarticular arthritis. Some THA's have also dete-
Abductor Weakness riorated due to early aseptic failure.
Abductor weakness has remained a persistent concern Clearly, a thorough knowledge of the anatomy of the
in using direct lateral approaches. Orthopaedic texts typ- superior gluteal nerve and abductor muscles is necessary
ically describe the Hardinge modification, stating there is a prior to proceeding with this approach. Jacobs and Buxton
risk of gluteal weakness and the approach threatens to showed in cadavers that the superior gluteal nerve most
denervate a large mass of gluteal muscle. 18'22 40 Abductor commonly courses between the gluteus medius and mini-
weakness may result from three sources in direct lateral mus, and runs at least five cm cephalad to the tip of the
approaches. The superior gluteal nerve (SGN) may be trochanter. Therefore, division of the gluteus medius
Volume 15 57
B. D. Mulliken, C. H. Rorabeck, R. B. Bourne, N. Nayak
for the adequacy of the exposure using this approach. The authors thank Robert Hardie, M.D. for his assis-
Finally, although hip rating scores are not valid measures tance in the statistical analyses.
of the success of THA, it appears that no untoward effects
such as pain or decreased walking ability could be attrib-
uted to the approach. It has been our observation, sup-
ported by statistical analysis here, that hip scores and BIBLIOGRAPHY
waling ability (as judged by a limp and the need for 1 Baker, A.S., and Bitounis, V.C.: Abductor function after
walking aids) deteriorate over time, as patients become hip replacement. An electromyographic and clinical re-
older and more debilitated. This should be remembered view. J. Bone and Joint Surg., 71B:47-50, 1989.
when evaluating patients longitudinally in this manner. 2- Brooker, A.F.; Bowerman, J.M.; Riley, R.H. Jr.:
Ectopic Ossification Following Total Hip Replacement:
Disadvantages Incidence and Method of Classification. J. Bone and Joint
There are severe potential disadvantages of this modi- Surg., 55A:1629-32, 1973.
fied direct lateral approach. The skin incision is generally 3- Callaghan, J.J.; Dysart, S.H., and Savory, C.G.: The
longer than that required for a posterior approach. One or uncemented porous-coated anatomic total hip prosthesis:
two surgical assistants are required, depending on the size Two-year results of a prospective consecutive series. J.
of the patient and expertise of the surgeon. A sterile pouch Bone and Joint Surg., 70A:337-346, 1988.
must be maintained. If the anatomy is poorly understood, 4- Caflaghan, J.J.; Dysart, S.H.; Savory, C.F. and Hopkin-
the SGN is in danger, and the femoral neurovascular son, W.J.: Assessing the results of hip replacement. A
structures can be injured by excessive dissection or comparison of five different rating systems. J. Bone and
retraction. Finally, trochanteric bursitis may be more Joint Surg., 72B:1008-1009, 1990.
common than with other incisions not coursing over the 5. Chandler, R.W.; Dorr, L.D. and Perry J.: The functional
trochanter, an issue not addressed here. cost of dislocation following total hip arthroplasty. Clin.
Several limitations to this study exist. It is a retrospec- Orthop., 168:168-172, 1982.
tive review and is subject to the observations and inter- 6- Charnley, J.: Low Friction Arthroplasty of the Hip.
pretations of the reviewers. No information is available for
the 12 patients lost to follow-up, who potentially have had Berlin, etc: Springer-Verlag, 1979, p. 23-24.
complications. However, the 98% retrieval (712/724) of 7- Coventry, M.B.: Late dislocations in patients with
available hips is excellent, and even if some of those hips Charnley total hip arthroplasty. J. Bone and Joint Surg.,
lost to follow-up had complications, it would not likely 67A:832-841, 1985.
change the significance of the results. This is a relatively 8- Dall, D.: Exposure of the hip by anterior osteotomy of
short term follow-up, and a longer period of time will be the greater trochanter. A modified anterolateral approach.
required to exclude some complications, such as late J. Bone and Joint Surg., 68B:382-386, 1986.
9 Daly, P.J. and Morrey, B.F.: Operative correction of an
instability.7 Finally, this report reflects the experience of
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10- Dorr, L.D.; Wolf, A.W.; Chandler, R. and Conaty,
and ancillary personnel who are familiar with the proce-
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11" Errico, T.J.; Fetto, J.F. and Waugh, T.R.: Heterotopic
CONCLUSION ossification. Incidence and relation to trochanteric osteot-
In conclusion, we describe a modified direct lateral omy in 100 total hip arthroplasties. Clin. Orthop.,
approach for use in primary THA's and most revision THA 190:138-141, 1984.
surgeries. This approach provides excellent exposure and 12- Frndak, P.A.; Mallory, T.H. and Lombardi, A.V. Jr.:
allows accurate placement of components in a timely Translateral Surgical Approach to the Hip: The Abductor
fashion. In our experience, it has greatly diminished the Muscle "Split". Clin. Ortho., 295:135-141, 1993.
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technique and attention to detail, a satisfactory outcome Editor William Thomas Stillwell, Grune and Stratton,
can be achieved in nearly all patients. Orlando, 1987.
Volume 15 59
B. D. Mulliken, C. H. Rorabeck, R. B. Bourne, N. Nayak
"5 Hardinge, K.: The direct lateral approach to the hip. J. 29- Laupacis, A.; Bourne, R.; Rorabeck, C.; Feeney, D.;
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Surg., 70B:673, 1988. 1993.
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dislocation and acetabular fractures: Treatment by mold and Zimmerman, J.R.: Dislocations after total hip-
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1969. 31- Maloney, W.J.; Krushell, R.J.; Jasty, M. and Harris,
18. Hastings, D.E.; Sullivan, J.M. and Colton, C.L.: The W.H.: Incidence of heterotopic ossification after total hip
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