A 60-year-old patient with osteoarthritis requiring total hip replacement is at risk for injury to which nerve during the posterior approach to the hip?

• A Sciatic nerve ✓
• B Femoral nerve
• C Obturator nerve
• D Superior gluteal nerve

Explanation

The posterior approach to the hip joint (the most common approach) requires division of the short external rotators (piriformis, obturator internus, gemelli, quadratus femoris) and posterior capsule. The sciatic nerve exits the pelvis through the greater sciatic foramen below the piriformis and is directly at risk during posterior hip approaches, especially with acetabular reaming and cup placement. The superior gluteal nerve is at risk in the anterolateral (Hardinge) approach.

Reference: BD Chaurasia's Human Anatomy, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.