Anterior Smith Peterson Approach to the Hip Wheeless

Description: - Smith Petersen improved & revived the anterior iliofemoral approach;
- entire ilium and hip joint can be reached thru iliac part of incision;
- with this approach there is a need for extensive detachment of tendinous insertions & retraction of muscle, with potential damage to femoral artery and nerve and traction on lateral femoral cutaneous nerve;
- among the indications for this approach are ganz osteotomy for DDH and posterior hip frx dislocations;
Wheeless' Textbook of Orthopaedics