The direct anterior approach to the hip allows good exposure of acetabulum and periacetabular bones. For simple acetabular revisions it can be chosen to be small (minimally invasive); in the case of extensive periacetabular bone loss exposure of the entire ilium cranial of the acetabulum may be achieved, and the pubic bone as well as inner-pelvic structures adjacent to the acetabulum can be exposed. The internerval plane of the approach between muscles innervated by the femoral nerve and the gluteal nerves allows exposure of the ilium without endangering the nerve supply of gluteal muscles.
Keywords: Acetabula; Femoral nerve; Ilium; Joint replacement; Revision surgery.