Japanese male businessman who suffers back pain from working from home
Which of the following nerves is most commonly injured after a direct anterior total hip arthroplasty (THA)?
Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
This nerve branches off of the lumbar plexus and passes under the ilioinguinal ligament and then over the sartorious muscle, where it has an unpredictable course. It is most commonly injured after direct anterior THA.
Superior gluteal nerve
The superior gluteal nerve is at risk during the direct lateral approach to the hip, where it can be injured if the gluteus medius is split beyond 3-5 cm proximal to its insertion on the greater trochanter.
Femoral nerve
The femoral nerve is at risk during placement of anterior acetabular retractors from any approach to the hip.
Sciatic nerve
The sciatic nerve is most commonly injured after a posterior THA.
