What are some of the common complications associated with Direct Anterior Approach for total hip replacement?

According to a recent study presented by Post et al. there are a few possible complications with a direct anterior approach for total hip replacement As with all hip replacement, dislocation is a risk and is reported between one and one and a half percent. Another complication is damage to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve which is reported to range from less than one percent to as high at sixty seven percent. Fortunately most parathesias from damage to this nerve often resolve and do not commonly present with a functional limitation. Fractures of the greater trochanter have been described as a complication. Fractures of the ankle have been associated with use of a fracture table during surgery with the direct anterior approach for hip replacement. Local wound complications are also a possibility due to the moist nature of the groin area. All of these complications have been reported to decrease in frequency with increased surgeon experience.

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