Vastus-Psoas release for acetabular exposure in revision hip surgery.

A technique is presented for wide exposure of the acetabulum for revision total hip arthroplasty surgery in the presence of a solidly fixed, modular, or monoblock femoral component without the need for trochanteric osteotomy. The technique involves release of the proximal portion of the vastus lateralis, vastus intermedius, and vastus medialis muscles and the iliopsoas tendon form the femur and placement of the femoral head/neck posterior to the acetabulum. The exposure afforded by this release usually precludes the need for trochanteric osteotomy and/or removal of a well-fixed femoral component in revision surgery that is being done for isolated loosening of acetabular components, thereby decreasing operative time, morbidity, and the risks of complication of trochanteric osteotomy.