Direct Superior Total Hip Replacement

The Direct Superior Approach (DSA) is a minimally invasive approach used in total hip replacement surgery. This muscle sparing approach for total hip replacement was developed to minimize damage to the soft tissues and muscles that are critical to the proper function of your hip and leg.¹ The Direct Superior Approach was developed to allow the surgeon to avoid cutting key muscle groups, the most important being the Iliotibial (IT) band and muscles referred to as external rotators.¹

Did you know that these muscles play an important role in your ability to perform everyday activities? For example, the IT band is a large muscle that extends down the outside of your leg from the pelvis to the knee. Activities such as walking and bending may be affected when this muscle is injured.

Take a Look: Incision Location and Length

Surgery is performed with the patient lying on his or her side, with an incision on the back of the hip joint that is smaller and higher up (superior) compared to a traditional posterior approach to hip replacement.¹

Below are some of the potential benefits to having a total hip replacement done through the Direct Superior Approach.

Muscle-sparing

• The Direct Superior Approach was developed to minimize damage to soft tissue, muscle, and tendons that are critical to the functionality of the hip. For example, this approach avoids cutting the IT band and other key muscles around the hip.¹

Smaller Incision

• The Direct Superior Approach was developed to be performed through a smaller incision compared to a traditional posterior approach.¹
• Traditional hip replacements often require an incision that is approximately 10-12 inches long.² In comparison, the Direct Superior Approach requires an incision that may be 3-6 inches in length.¹ As a result, your scar may be smaller than traditional total hip replacement procedures.

Recovery

• The Direct Superior Approach offers the potential for enhanced hip stability and post-operative recovery.^1,3,4

General Surgical Complications

Like any surgery, joint replacement surgery has serious risks. You should talk with your doctor to better understand the risks and complications before making the decision to undergo total hip replacement. Complications that may arise in the Director Superior Approach are comparable to those for other total hip replacement surgeries.