THR – Anterior Approach

The direct anterior approach for THR was first popularised at the beginning of the 20th century and over the last decade has come back into vogue with the move towards minimally invasive techniques and the push for early recovery after surgery.

Of particular significance in the anterior approach is the lack of muscle incisions. Access to the hip joint is obtained by developing the Hueter interval between TFL and rectus femoris.

By avoiding muscle or tendinous transection the patient experiences far less pain, less opioid requirements and is usually weight bearing and mobilising on the same day post-op!

For a detailed description of the procedure see the article reference below by Matta et al, or visit the YouTube link for the real-time surgeon narrated approach to the anterior THR.

Full video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4T0SHOtCdVc

Matta JM, Shahrdar C, Ferguson T. Single-incision anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty on an orthopaedic table. Clin Orthop Relat Res 2005. 115-24.