Saddle to Incision Relationship: A Novel Approach to Localizing the Incision for Direct Anterior Hip Arthroplasty

Abstract

The direct anterior approach for total hip arthroplasty has grown in popularity over the last decade. Incision for this approach is often based on a standardized distance from the anterior superior iliac spine. Despite this method, wound complications remain a known complication during direct anterior approach. We describe a simple and reproducible technique using fluoroscopy to identify the incision during direct anterior total hip arthroplasty. This method allows for accurate placement of incision while adding only a minimal amount of time to the procedure. Using this technique helps minimize proximal skin maceration and lessens the need for extension of incision intraoperatively.