Posterolateral Surgical Approach Compared With Modified Lateral Approach

Using a gluteus maximus split, the posterolateral approach remains posterior to the gluteus medius and minimus. Exposure of the hip and proximal femur requires division of the posterior hip capsule and the external rotators. The exposure and dislocation are completed with flexion and internal rotation of the femur. After arthroplasty, the external rotators and posterior capsule was routinely repaired using a heavy absorbable suture.

The operative technique described modified lateral approach as described by Mulliken et al.