The postero-lateral approach for total hip prosthesis

The surgical technique of the postero-lateral approach for total hip prostheses is described. The advantages over the transtrochanteric approach are a smaller blood loss, a shorter operating time and a shorter period of hospitalization. There are no differences in the clinical and radiographic results. The transtrochanteric approach facilitates better biomechanical "reconstruction" of the hip in cases in which the anatomy is abnormal, and is therefore justified in selected cases.