The history of the anterior approach to the hip.

Abstract

The anterior approach is a safe, reliable, and feasible technique for total hip arthroplasty, permitting optimal soft tissue preservation. Since Hueter first described this interval, many surgeons have approached the hip anteriorly to perform a myriad of surgical procedures. The anterior approach allows optimal muscle preservation, and it is a truly internervous approach to the hip. An understanding of the evolution of the anterior approach to the hip will help the orthopedic community understand these advantages and why so many have used this approach in the treatment of hip pathology and for the implantation total hip arthroplasty.