Applied Anatomy of the Direct Anterior Approach for Femoral Mobilization.

Overview

INTRODUCTION: Study of the anterior anatomy of the hip reveals specific aspects that are crucial to success in performing both the surgical approach to the hip and mobilization of the femur. In this article, we present the relevant anatomy and our operative technique. STEP 1 THE ANTERIOR ANATOMY OF THE HIP VIDEO 1: Review the anatomy of the hip as it relates to the surgical technique as doing so is essential to understanding the surgical technique⁶. STEP 2 APPROACH TO THE ANTERIOR ASPECT OF THE HIP VIDEO 2: Review the surgical approach to the hip. STEP 3 RELEASE OF THE CAPSULE VIDEO 3: In the first step of femoral mobilization, release the superior-posterior capsule. STEP 4 RELEASE OF THE CONJOINED TENDON AND PIRIFORMIS FLIP VIDEO 4: If sufficient elevation of the femur is not achieved with release of the capsule, perform rotator visualization and serial release. RESULTS: Our prospective, nonrandomized study compared DAA THA using our technique for femoral mobilization with the posterior approach THA¹².