The Anatomy of the Anterior Approach

Description

Professor Fares S Haddad gives his expert insights and discusses the growing interest and application of the anterior approach in hip arthroplasty. Highlighting its increasing adoption worldwide, he covers various aspects of the procedure including its advantages, such as quick recovery for patients, as well as the challenges posed by a steep learning curve, particularly for experienced surgeons not trained in this method.



Professor Haddad notes the importance of understanding the unique anatomy involved in the anterior approach, including the risks to the lateral cutaneous nerve and femoral nerve, which can lead to complications like numbness and loss of motor function. Complications related to femur access, such as component malposition and proximal femur fractures, are also discussed, alongside potential risks of infection. Moreover, while anterior approaches may lower the risk of postoperative instability compared to posterior methods, the necessity of precise implant placement remains critical to surgical success. The need for further study is emphasized to clear up existing debates concerning infection rates and to continue refining the procedure against potential surgical complications.




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DOI: 10.1302/3114-251117

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