Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip
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Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics

Anterior Approach to the Hip (Smith Petersen)


- See: Watson Jones Approach:

- Discussion:
    - Smith Petersen improved & revived the anterior iliofemoral approach;
    - entire ilium and hip joint can be reached thru iliac part of incision;
    - w/ this approach there is a need for extensive detachment of tendinous insertions & retraction of muscle, w/ potential damage to femoral artery and nerve
              and traction on lateral femoral cutaneous nerve;
    - among the indications for this approach are ganz osteotomy for DDH and posterior hip frx dislocations;

- Technique:
    - begin incision at middle of iliac crest or, farther posteriorly if required;
    - accentuate the gap between the tensor fascia lata and sartorius by external rotation of the thigh;
    - divide the overlying fascia w/ scissors takeing care to avoid damaging lateral femoral cutaneous nerve:
           - this nerve passes over sartorius 2.5 cm distal to ASIS;
           - it pierces deep fascia of thigh 7 cm below ASIS;
           - identify the nerve and retract it medially with sartorius;
    - identify ascending brach of LFCA, which lies 5 cm distal to hip joint;
    - divide the superficial and deep fascia, and free the attachments of gluteus medius & tensor fasciae latae from iliac crest
           - strip periosteum w/ attachments of medius & minimus muscles from lateral surface of the ilium;
    - continue dissection thru deep fascia of thigh & between tensor fascia lata laterally & sartorius & rectus femoris medially;
           - this exposes medius & rectus femoris;
    - rectus femoris is detached from its two origins:
           - straight head from AISIS
           - reflected head from the anterior lip of acetabulum
           - at this point, capsule of hip joint is exposed;











MINIMALLY INVASIVE TOTAL HIP ARTHROPLASTY WITH THE SHORTENED SMITH-PETERSON ANTERIOR APPROACH 












Original Text by Clifford R. Wheeless, III, MD.

Last updated by Clifford R. Wheeless, III, MD on Friday, December 12, 2008 9:13 pm