TRANSLATERAL SURGICAL APPROACH TO THE HIP - THE ABDUCTOR MUSCLE SPLIT

A modified translateral approach to the hip, ''the abductor muscle spl it'', has been used when performing primary total hip arthroplasty. Th e results of this surgical approach in 50 patients with an average fol low-up period of 2.8 years showed excellent restoration of abductor mu scle function and gait without compromising surgical exposure. There w as one case of postoperative dislocation. Heterotopic bone formation w as not a clinical problem.