Which risk is specifically associated with the anterior approach in hip arthroplasty?

• A. Higher dislocation risk
• B. Injury to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and abductor weakness
• C. Increased osteolysis
• D. Increased metallosis risk

Answer: (B)

The anterior approach to hip arthroplasty travels through the interval between the sartorius and tensor fasciae latae near the anterior superior iliac spine. That pathway puts the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve at risk, so injury to this nerve can cause numbness or burning sensation along the outer (lateral) thigh. In addition, although the approach aims to spare the hip abductors, traction or irritation of tissues in this region can transiently affect the abductor mechanism (gluteus medius/minimus), leading to some weakness after surgery. The other options reflect risks more tied to different factors: dislocation risk is more associated with posterior approaches due to posterior soft-tissue disruption; osteolysis and metallosis relate to implant materials and wear, not the surgical approach itself.