Conversion Total Hip Arthroplasty From a Long Cephalomedullary Nail Through the Direct Anterior Approach

Abstract

Conversion total hip arthroplasty after prior open hip surgery can present with challenges. The direct anterior approach on a standard operating room table allows for the ease of use of fluoroscopy to facilitate hardware removal and implant positioning, accurate determination of leg lengths, and improved operative efficiency. We present a surgical technique to demonstrate a safe and effective method for performing conversion total hip arthroplasty with removal of a long cephalomedullary nail and subsequent conversion through a direct anterior approach on a standard operating room table.