The direct lateral approach to the hip for arthroplasty. Advantages and complications.

The direct lateral approach to the hip as described by Hardinge in 1982 was used in the performance of 83 hip arthroplasties. This approach was found to give excellent visualization of the proximal femur and acetabulum and was found to have comparable operative time, blood loss, time to ambulation, and range of motion to other approaches. The postoperative dislocation rate was very low (2.5%) and redislocations have not occurred. The incidence of heterotopic ossification was high (61%) and this may limit the use of this approach in some cases.