[The transgluteal approach in hip joint arthroplasty]

The so-called "transgluteal approach" to the hip joint, which was worked out at the Orthopaedic Department of the University Innsbruck, is described. This approach has been applied at the Innsbruck hospital for the implantation of artificial hip joint since 1973. A comparative study shows that the transgluteal approach does not show any disadvantages when compared with the technique of Watson-Jones, but has the following advantages: easily practicable, no transverse section of the muscles, clear exposure, especially at the site of the resection at the proximal end of femur, easy wound closure.