Extensile exposure of the hip for revision arthroplasty

The authors describe a lateral approach to the hip without trochanteric osteotomy that allows sufficient access to the femur and acetabulum for revision total hip arthroplasty. When bone loss is extensive, this approach permits massive autograft/allograft arthroplasty of the proximal femur and acetabulum. This approach follows anatomic muscle planes, maintains abductor function, and allows wound closure with a viable muscle cuff around the acetabulum and upper femur. The exposure is adequate for anatomic placement of components and correction of leg length discrepancy.